LIVERMORE FALLS — Kim Cardwell, owner of the Treasure Chest that was burned out during an intentionally set fire in February, is looking to reopen her business at a new location.

Cardwell has submitted a site plan review application to the Livermore Falls Planning Board to reopen in rental space between Food City and Firehouse Video II on Main Street.

Planning Board members gave the application a preliminary review on Thursday. They directed Code Enforcement Officer James Butler Jr. to work with Cardwell to complete the application and get the necessary support documents.

The board plans to take up the application after a public hearing on the proposed Moose Hill Pond watershed protection ordinance at 6:30 p.m.  Monday, March 21, at the town office.

While Cardwell is making plans to reopen, fellow businesswoman Katherine Lord has organized a raffle to help Cardwell. Tickets went on sale Friday at Foss Jewelery, Group Adams Propane Services and the Corner Store in Livermore Falls. Donations will also be accepted at these businesses. Raffle winners will be drawn on or about April 1.

Cardwell’s thrift store was heavily damaged in February in an intentionally set fire on the outside of the building, which spread to the cedar shingles and the exterior wooden overhang. Scott Violette, 36, of Livermore Falls, a convicted arsonist, has been charged in connection with the fire.

The fire also caused damage to the Chuck Wagon Restaurant, which is still closed due to necessary renovations.

Cardwell said Friday that initially she hadn’t thought she would try to reopen. Sales were slow, she said.

But the day after the fire, her phone was ringing with people asking her when she would reopen, she said. Even just going to Food City, a grocery store, she would get hugs and well wishes, she said.

This time around, she plans to buy insurance, she said. She focused on paying the rent the first time, never thinking of a fire occurring, Cardwell said.

“I think it is awesome how the community is helping me,” she said.

Cardwell also plans to venture into selling new items along with used items.

“We’re going to try to launch indoor crafts,” she said, such as selling yarn. 

Lord has already had several businesses respond to the raffle idea with donations.

Cardwell “is a client of mine and also has become a friend,” Lord, president of Momentum Payment Systems Maine in Jay, said.

“I care a great deal for her and for the success of her business in our community,” Lord said. “I really love to help people. It is one of my burning desires to be able to give back as my business continues to grow and prosper, and Kim is really in need of some help.”

Cardwell’s shop was great for the community, Lord said.

Businesses are rallying around their fellow business owner, donating a number of prizes for the raffle.

So far the prizes are a two-night stay at Wilson Lake Inn in Wilton, two $50 savings bonds from Androscoggin Bank, one overnight stay at Comfort Inn & Suites in Farmington along with a $20 gift certificate to the Homestead Restaurant in Farmington.

 Also, a $90 gift certificate for eRodzen Computer Services in Livermore Falls, a gift basket from Spruce Mountain Pharmacy in Jay, a one-month membership and five free tanning sessions from Fitness Stylz in Livermore Falls and a bushel of “pick your own” honey crisp apples from Boothby’s Orchards in Livermore.

There’s also a $15 gift certificate to Donna’s Country Kettle in Livermore Falls, a $15 gift certificate to Foss Jewelery and a 2009 U.S. mint proof set from Otis Federal Credit Union in Jay.

dperry@sunjournal.com