Gemmell Employer Sets Up College Fund For Daughter

The employer of a Gaithersburg man whose wife and two sons were killed earlier this month when a plane crashed into their house has set up a college fund for his surviving daughter.

Savi Technology of Alexandria, VA, established the Arabelle Gemmell Fund, a campaign designed to create a college fund for Arabelle Gemmell, daughter of Savi employee Ken Gemmell.

His wife, Marie 36, and her sons, Cole Gemmell, 3, and Devon Gemmell, 1 ½ months, were all killed Dec. 8 in their house in the 19700 block of Drop Forge Lane, authorities said. Ken Gemmell was at work at the time of the crash, and 7-year-old Arabelle was at school.

“Everyone at Savi is shocked and deeply saddened by this unthinkable tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Gemmell family. We are committed to supporting Ken and Arabelle for the long term, and have started that process by establishing this college fund in memory of Arabelle’s mother and two brothers,” said Bill Clark, CEO & President of Savi in a company press release.

“The outpouring of support from the community has been remarkable, and we want to build on this amazing generosity as much as possible,” Clark added. “We all know Ken as a loving husband, devoted father and dedicated employee, and it’s our sincere hope that friends, co-workers and others throughout our community will join us in contributing to this fund.”

All donations will go to a 529 plan established for Arabelle, and all fees for the plan will be paid by Savi.

The fund has a goal of $100,000 and as of Dec. 23 it had nearly $22,000 in it.

Local businesses have held fundraisers and clothing drives for the Gemmells. On Monday, Dogfish Head Alehouse of Gaithersburg hosted a fundraiser donating 20 percent of the proceeds to the Gemmell family. The restaurant raised about $2,000, reports Montgomery Community Media.

An online fundraiser via a GoFundMe account to help Ken Gemmell and his daughter, Arabelle, had more than $482,000 raised by Dec. 23.

»Screenshot of Ken, Cole and Arabelle Gemmell on Savi website

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