The Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River will host a live music celebration and fundraiser party 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 at Innovation Station in Dillsboro.
WATR is a locally focused, grassroots organization founded in 1999 to restore and protect the water quality of the Tuckasegee River Basin.
For over two decades WATR has served the communities of Swain and Jackson County. Through routine water testing and educational outreach, WATR continually works towards the betterment of the Tuckasegee watershed.
The upcoming Celebration and Fundraiser Party is a chance for the community to get involved in and connect with WATR’s mission.
The event will kick off with an annual meeting and recognition of retired executive director Ken Brown. Brown played an important role in holding the organization together through challenging years. It will also welcome new executive director Katie Price as she takes over the role.
The meeting will be followed by a catered dinner, silent auction and live music by local band Positive Mental Attitude. Tickets to attend are available online and at the door.
All money raised will go toward funding water quality sampling, acquiring field equipment and purchasing educational materials. Money raised will also allow WATR to take on larger projects and expand its staff.
“We are there not only to serve an important goal of fundraising but also to enjoy each other’s company and exchange ideas,” Price said.
Price hopes that the event helps to increase WATR’s paid memberships. Moreover, she is excited for a growing involvement with Swain and Jackson County.
“That is another goal of the meeting – to encourage the visibility of our organization. There may be lots of people that want to be involved and don’t even know we’re here,” Price said.
Following Hurricane Helene, rivers, creeks and streams in Western North Carolina caused massive amounts of destruction. Intense storm events like this deeply affect watersheds, decimating human infrastructure, causing major losses.
With the threat of more intense storms in WNC, Price wants to increase focus on preserving low lying areas and developing resiliency.
“For us it’s a big wake up call,” Price said. “There are some things we really need to be doing to make ourselves more resilient.”
The fundraising event is a one-night celebration that aims to kick off a renewed excitement for preserving the Tuckasegee watershed and increased enjoyment of the river and its tributaries.
