senior leadership – sorted through the supplies and helped load them onto trucks which were then sent out to those who needed them most. In the flooded communities, more ARH employees – many of whom suffered damage and even total loss in the flood – volunteered their time, sorting and distributing aid to victims, shelters, churches and other organizations in need. Within a week, a more than 34,000 square- foot former JCPenney storefront in Hazard was converted into a distribution center, equipped with everything from food and water to cleaning supplies, clothing and furniture and, eventually, heaters and other goods needed for long-term assistance. At the same time, the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities established the ARH Foundation Flood Relief Fund. The efforts were up and running by mid-day July 28, with the introduction of “I Love Appalachia” t-shirts, which debuted on the ARH Team Shop, with all proceeds going directly to the fund. Soon after, the foundation began accepting donations. In December, as colder winter days approached, the foundation turned its attention to 59 families, still displaced by the flood and living in temporary housing at Jenny Wiley State Park. Each of those families was gifted $5,000. But ARH’s efforts did not stop as the calendar turned to a new year. In January 2023, the foundation began working with the Long-Term Recovery Groups in each of the impacted counties. It also continued to seek donations through various fundraisers including February’s Hearts for Hope and the June raffle for a 2016 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLK Roadster, donated by a kind benefactor. As of June 30, 2023, the ARH Foundation Flood Relief Fund had received more than $1.31 million from 326 generous donors. Additionally, recognizing the need to address the trauma children might have experienced as a result of the flood, the ARH Foundation founded Camp Noah. The weeklong summer camp, which took place in June and July in Breathitt, Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike counties, was designed to help teach children how to better deal with the emotions often experienced after traumatic events. ARH is proud of its response following the devastation of the flood, but the need is ongoing and so is its commitment to help. To donate to the ARH Foundation, please visit www.arh.org/donate or reach out to [email protected]. page 25 In December 2022, the ARH Foundation presented a check for $295,000 to flood victims sheltering at Jenny Wiley State Park. Pictured (l-r): Kentucky State Representative Ashley Tackett-Laferty, Senior Political Advisor Rocky Adkins, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, ARH Director of Community Development Danielle Harmon, ARH Vice President of External Affairs Rocky Massey, ARH Director of External Affairs Dalton Hatfield and Kentucky Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman.
