Catskills farmer flood relief fund

Two weeks. Two floods. It's left many communities in our region feeling helpless and looking for ways to help rebuild.

Many neighbors have contacted Pure Catskills looking for ways to help farmers directly. One of those neighbors was Morgan George, the herd manager at Sherman Hill Farmstead, who is organizing a fundraiser to do just that!

The big event, 'Raise the Roof!,' will take place Sunday, September 18th from 4:30 to 9:00 PM at the Hamden Inn, 35769 State Highway 10, Hamden, NY.

Admission to the event is offered by donation, large or small. Local musicians and writers will provide entertainment. Proceeds from the event's silent auction, featuring local artwork and products, will go toward the relief fund. Silent auction donations are still being accepted. Please contact Morgan at target409@hotmail.com or (607) 829-6886 for more information.

Every dollar gathered through the fund will be distributed to farmers in need. A diverse review panel of local farmers will oversee the distribution of need-based funding awards. The goal is to fill needs not met by funds available from Federal, State and non-profit sources. The Watershed Agricultural Council, of which Pure Catskills is an initiative, is serving as the fiscal sponsor for the fund.

Those unable to attend the fundraiser but interested in donating to the farmer relief fund may make a tax-deductible donation online at the Council's donation page. Please fill the "Designate your donation to a specific program or fund" field with "Catskills Farmer Relief." Mail checks made out to "WAC" to WAC, 33195 State Highway 10, Walton, NY 13856. Please write "Catskills Farmer Relief" in the memo line.

Mark your calendars! Spread the word! See you on the 18th!

Fundraisers to benefit Catskill farms

Details are emerging about upcoming fundraisers aimed at supporting Catskill farms that have been impacted by this week's flooding. We will share more details as they become available.

Please visit the individual event and business links for additional details. This list is limited to events organized by or to benefit Pure Catskills business members. A list of general relief efforts is available at the Watershed Post.

Today!
Peekamoose Restaurant & Tap Room, Big Indian
The restaurant will donate 20% of the night's proceeds to the MARK Project's rebuilding efforts in the Margaretville-Arkville area. Opens at 5 pm.

September 10th
Charity Chili Cook off
Andes Hotel, Andes
Sign up now for next weekend's cook off at the Hotel. Every dollar taken in will be donated at the MARK Project to help get Margaretville back on track!

September 18th
Farm Fundraiser
Hamden Inn, Hamden
An event filled with local musicians, writers and artists coming together to raise funding for area farmers. Contact Morgan George of Sherman Hill Farmstead in Franklin at target409@hotmail.com or leave a message at (607) 829-6886.

October 9th & 10th
Taste of the Catskills
Maple Shade Farm, Delhi
This annual local food celebration will add fundraising for farms affects to the weekend's program. Contact Jonah Shaw for additional details at info@tasteofthecatskills.com.

November 6th
RSK Farm Fundraiser
Global Palate Restaurant, West Park
Global Palate's chef Jessica Winchell and Michael Bernardo of Cafe Mio will be holding a benefit dinner at Global Palate for Bob and Sandy Kiley of RSK farms. The farm is located along the Schoharie Creek in Prattsville and had lost most of its topsoil as a result of flooding.