Morgan's Light Foundation Created In Memory Of Slain Montco Teen

ABINGTON, PA — The community has come together in a big way in the wake of the tragic loss of a Montgomery County teenager.

Morgan McCaffery was just 18 years old when police said her ex-boyfriend, Gilbert Newton III, stabbed her more than 30 times. It happened at the Meadowbrook Train Station in Abington back in July.

But friends and family have made sure that the spirit and impact of Morgan's short life continues on into the future.

Nearly $74,000 was raised through a GoFundMe campaign launched to benefit Morgan's family and assist with funeral expenses following her death.

Once expenses were all paid, however, loved ones of Morgan realized they could do something more.

So they've created a foundation, named "Morgan's Light," which aims to expose and prevent teen relationship violence. Morgan had been in a year-long relationship with Newton, which she ended about a month before her killing. During the course of the relationship, Newton had been abusive, and the pair would frequently argue, according to a criminal complaint.

"Our mission is to educate teens on warning signs of a toxic relationship," write Isabella Kalai and Deneen McCaffery, who organized the fundraiser and helped start the foundation. "We will hold retreats as well as bring professionals to our teen community to help raise this awareness. Our foundation will provide resources and assistance to teens and families struggling with this and the fears that may cause silence."

>>'She'd Light Up Any Room': Friends Remember Slain Montco Teen

There will also be a softball tournament, scheduled to begin May 15, 2021, to raise additional funds. It will be held at the Torresdale Boys Club. Details are here.

In the weeks leading up to Morgan's death, Newton frequently contacted and threatened her, to the point where she called one of her friends over to her house because she was concerned for her safety, the complaint states. Newton was attempting to rekindle the relationship and repeatedly told her he was going to change, police said.

Organizers added that a scholarship would also be launched in Morgan's name. Morgan was a 2020 graduate of Nazareth Academy High School and had planned on attending Manor College in the fall.

"Her smile and vibrant personality lit up every room she walked into," her obituary notes."Morgan was extremely close with her family and cherished by each and every one of them, and will forever be in their hearts. She had many friends who considered her a "best friend."

To contribute to the scholarship fund and foundation, you can donate to the GoFundMeor send checks to "Helping Hands in the Northeast" with "Morgan's Light" in the memo box. Address checks to Covenant Bank, 60 N. Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901.