Waterbury VT The recovery effort from tropical storm Irene is entering its third week while a massive undertaking to rebound continues in Vermont. Today, members of the all-volunteer VT Irene Flood Relief Fund gathered at one of the many small businesses affected by Irene to update the public about the funds raised and the process for how financial assistance will be distributed to eligible small business.
VT Irene Flood Relief Fund was founded on September 1, 2011 by Todd Bailey, an Associate at KSE Partners in Montpelier. On Monday, Bailey gathered with other members of the fund s grant selection committee at Waterbury Service Center to provide an update on the Fund s efforts to date. Currently, more than 20 fundraising events have been held or are in the planning stages for the purposes of raising money.
The seven-member committee announced that over $105,000 has been raised to date from more than 225 donors, and the committee will be reviewing applications and making grant decisions weekly as long as funds continue to be available. The Central Vermont Community Action Council is the relief fund s fiscal agent and is accepting donations and helping to process grant applications at no cost to the Fund.
Vermont s small businesses are the lifeblood of our cities, towns and villages. Vermonters have been volunteering their time, their energy, and donating generously since the moment the extent of this disaster was clear, said Todd Bailey. The VT Irene Flood Relief Fund effort would not be possible without the same level of generosity and volunteerism that exists within the large group of people that are supporting the Fund s mission, Bailey added.
Waterbury Service Center is a small business in downtown Waterbury affected by the flooding; their business will need to pay for new equipment as well as building clean-up and repair. Said Albert Caron, owner of Waterbury Service Center, The loss to my business has been devastating; it is the help of the neighbors and customers within our communities and the generous donors to the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund that will keep us going.
Business owners may obtain a grant application online at www.vtirenefund.org or by calling 552-3449. Donations may be mailed to CVCAC, ATT: Irene FRF, 195 US RT302 Berlin, Barre, VT 05641. Checks should be made payable to: CVCAC/VT Irene Fund.
While the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund selection committee is focused on raising funds and distributing them to businesses struggling to reopen; they also agree that Vermont is open for business and visitors should be encouraged to come to Vermont.
This is a special time of year in Vermont, it s a great time to visit, we have the most beautiful foliage in the country, and some of the best biking and skiing in the east. A great number of hotels, resorts, stores and restaurants are ready to do business. Vermont is open for business, so visitors please come and enjoy all that our great state has to offer, said Andrew Brewer, who owns Onion River Sports in Montpelier.
To find out more about the VT Irene Flood Relief Fund visit: www.vtirenefund.org and to find out what s happening in Vermont visit:www.VermontVacation.com.
About the Vermont Irene Flood Relief Fund
The Vermont Irene Flood Relief Fund has been founded by Montpelier resident Todd Bailey to raise funds for small businesses damaged by flooding from Tropical Storm Irene in August, 2011. All funds raised will be donated to help Vermont businesses come back from damage or losses sustained. www.vtirenefund.org
About Central Vermont Community Action Council
Founded in 1965, Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC) helps people achieve economic sufficiency with dignity through individual and family development. CVCAC is part of the nationwide network of Community Action Agencies; a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency and a Community Development Corporation. The organization serves over 15,000 low-income Vermonters each year in Washington, Orange and Lamoille counties and offers a number of statewide programs. www.cvcac.org