Warren Foley started playing music in third grade at Lubec Elementary School. He is fondly known by all for his contributions to song and musical gatherings. Area musicians have been touched by him and they turned out for a Feb. 10 gathering, where a spaghetti supper was served, along with a dessert raffle and sing along. His family goes back many generations in the community. He has been employed by the post office for 33 years and will retire on May 12 of this year. He served on various town government committees and was a small engine repair guru.
At least 600 people attended, with as many as 30 performing on stage throughout the afternoon and evening. With donations, raffles and the dessert auction (some cakes went for $100) $20,000 was raised to help with Foley’s expenses.
“I am overwhelmed by this, it could never happen in any place but downeast Maine,” Foley said of the huge and generous outpouring.
Foley was diagnosed this past year with Lou Gehrig’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The next gathering of musicians who will perform on stage with Warren is scheduled for March 30 in Lubec.
Coverage of Washington County is made possible by a grant from the Eaton Foundation.
Leslie Bowman is a freelance writer and photographer living in Trescott.