BEDFORD — Like many in her community, 9-year-old Maeve Jackson was touched by the story of Harriet Finks, who lost 14 of her horses in a barn fire at Perry Hill Farm last week.

Jackson had spent time at the farm's summer camp for the past two years, and had developed a bond with both Finks and the horses.

Jackson's favorite horse, Sully, perished in the fire.

After hearing about the fire that destroyed the 10,000 square-foot barn, she immediately knew she wanted to do something to help.

“I went to camp there, and when I found out there was a fire, I was really sad,” Jackson said. “I love all of the horses there, and the ponies, and the people.”

She just happened to have a connection that could assist her with her efforts.

Her father is Skip Jackson, who is a joint venture partner for Carrabba's restaurant, and the former owner of the Bedford location.

The new owner, Danny Somaru, offered up three raffle prizes, and Maeve took charge of the ticket sales.

Servers and bartenders are also helping sell tickets to Carrabba's customers.

The winner could receive a wine tasting dinner for 10, dinner for two for six months, or a $100 gift certificate to the restaurant.

So far, the fundraiser has been a hit, with nearly $3,000 raised in less than a week's time, between Somaru's efforts at the restaurant and Jackson's in other areas, including Bedford High football games.

“My goal is to raise $1,000,” said Jackson, and with over $700 in sales of her own, she is likely to reach that goal.

After visiting with Finks shortly after the fire, she joined other riding students last week at a cleanup on the farm on a day off from school.

Jackson's parents are proud of their daughter's desire to help others.

“Putting this whole thing together was her idea,” said mom Kerry. “Maeve is a very caring soul. She has a heart of gold and is always wanting to help others.”

Jackson isn't sure how the money will be used, but she simply wanted to be able to help Finks in any way she could.

“She's kind, and she's really good with all of the animals,” she said. “That was her life, with the barn and the animals, and now they don't have a barn for them. Maybe they can rebuild the barn or buy new horses.”

Danny said the restaurant is glad to be a part of the effort.

“We're committed to helping our neighbors,” he said, noting that the good will has spread to other community organizations. The Bedford Women's Club came in for lunch earlier in the week and bought 100 tickets, he said.

The amount of support extended to the farm is a testament to the kind of community Bedford is, Kerry said.

“It's such a giving community,” she said, “and we're blessed to be a part of it.”

kremillard@newstote.com