ORANGE — There appears to be a fake charitable fund aimed at defrauding people interested in donating to the recovery of 77-year-old Joanna Fisher, who was seriously injured in an Oct. 5 home invasion that left her husband dead.
According to Jeffrey Cole of Witty’s Funeral Home, which is handling the services of Thomas Harty, someone has been calling people to solicit donations for Fisher and asking for credit card numbers. Cole said Harty’s family members have said this is a scam.
A real fund has been started at the TD Bank in Athol to help Fisher and her family with the expenses of her long-term recovery. Contributions can be submitted to The Joanna Fisher Fund, c/o TD Bank, 2156 Main St., Athol, MA 01331.
According to the funeral home’s website, an open house celebration of Harty’s life is planned for Nov. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Hartman’s Herb Farm at 1026 Old Dana Road in Barre. People can offer their sympathy at www.wittyfuneralhome.com.
To continue Harty’s legacy of providing financial help for YMCA memberships to area children, donations can be sent to Athol Area YMCA, Tom Harty “Let Them Shine Fund,” 545 Main St., Athol, MA 01331.