We all know someone—maybe even more than one—still recovering from the September 2013 flood. We all saw the damage the rains inflicted: from water in crawl spaces to homes and businesses swept into creeks to the loss of lives. Those of us who could help knew we needed to, and as fast as the rain fell, we mobilized to help our neighbors. People shared their time, tools, homes, elbow grease, and money.
More than $1.9 million in donations for flood recovery passed through The Community Foundation.
The Foundation’s board and staff knew that part of our role needed to be responding to recovery needs that were not being addressed by anyone else. We knew our donors wanted to support individuals and small businesses directly with flood relief dollars. Although not a story that got a lot of news, flood victims included local farmers whose homes and livelihoods were affected. We knew we wanted to partner with a local group to provide relief for farmers.
Chet and Kristy Anderson established The Fresh Herb Company in 1983. What started with culinary herbs grew into a thriving organic herb and flower business. Their home, soil, machinery, greenhouse, water sources, irrigation system, barn, roads, and crops were all damaged or destroyed during the flood. Despite being fully insured, they received little assistance and are still navigating the complex web of government grants and loans.
“We’ve been in triage since September 2013. Grants from The Community Foundation and fundraisers held by business colleagues and friends got us from November to March,” said Kristy. “We want to grow our way out of this, but we’re still trying to recover. We’ve learned it will take a long time to recover the soil, the plants, and the water. Our needs were immediate and long-term.
“What The Community Foundation did was take the lead and make tangible connections to needs. They made community real; they became a place where our community could contribute their support. That’s the difference, and we’re so grateful!”
Please support the work of The Community Foundation, with your gift today.
