They are the frontline defense in providing clean drinking water for communities; the sole protectors of all the natural habitats surrounding the Soque River; and the critical providers of protecting the water’s banks. They are The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) and have been a volunteer organization for over 25 years.
On April 26, at the Habersham Mill Event Complex in Demorest, GA, SRWA is hosting a Soiree with all proceeds committed to key river work projects and environmental programs. It will be an evening of appetizers, an elegant dinner, music entertainment, over $1000 in raffle prizes, and a live auction. The event is from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is an evening you will not want to miss.
Brad Coppedge, Board President and Chair of the Membership Drive talked with Now Habersham about the importance of this event, “This annual SRWA Spring Soiree event is our biggest fundraiser of the year for the organization. We target a funding goal of $18,000 net for this event.”
Coppedge said that the raised Soiree funding is utilized in several key areas. The event funds specific SRWA projects involved with the weekly water contamination testing program, the school educational outreach effort, the college and school intern projects, and key operational costs. Coppedge stressed that no event funding is ever used for labor or personnel matters.
With the elimination and reduction in federal and state grant funding, the SRWA needs to work and count on our community to keep the Soque River waterway as clean and protected as possible. “Other fundraising events like the annual Soiree such as the January fly-fishing auction, the summer golf outing, and the fall plant and tree sale are also needed by the SRWA to fund projects as well,” Coppedge added.
Coppedge talked about ways for citizens and businesses to get involved, “Our local businesses can get involved by sponsoring some of our fundraising events. Residents are encouraged to join as SRWA members and project volunteers.”
He stressed that SRWA cannot do this alone. “We need everyone’s support. It truly takes a village. I can’t imagine if we lose this battle!”
If you are interested in helping SRWA or would like to donate, please visit the Soque River Watershed Association website. Tickets are available to purchase online for the Soque River Watershed Association Soiree.
Coppedge reminded, “The Habersham County community cannot and should not take this valuable water resource for granted. Support the SRWA in any manner you can.”
If you are interested in more information, you can email the organization at [email protected] or call Brad Coppedge at 678-662-4131.
