Laura Benedict, owner of The Red Barn in Augusta, waves Wednesday afternoon on Main Street in Lewiston as drivers passing by blow their horns. She brought the restaurant’s food truck to Lewiston to raise funds for the Families and Victims Fund for those effected by the Oct. 25 mass shooting.

Laura Benedict, left, owner of The Red Barn in Augusta, hugs her new friend, Paula White, of Lewiston on Wednesday afternoon on Main Street in Lewiston. Benedict brought the restaurant’s food truck to Lewiston to raise funds for the Families and Victims Fund for those affected by the Oct. 25 mass shootings at Just-In-Time Recreation on Mollison Way and Schemengees Bar & Grille on Lincoln Street. White, who lives near the bar, heard the shots that night and was looking for a way to help others, she said, as well as heal herself. She runs Ms. Claws Lobster & Seafood. In addition to delivery and online sales, she has had a roadside stand since 2019 and set up next to Benedict on Wednesday where the two became instant friends.