In just four hours on Saturday, local nonprofit Growing Rural Opportunities, together with the community, was able to raise over $2,300 for the area’s small farmers who lost crops due to last month’s severe rainfall. All proceeds from the silent auction and breakfast fundraiser the organization set up that day will directly benefit small farmers in the area that apply and are approved for assistance. Applications are available by contacting the farmers market manager, Erika McMillan, at erika@growrural.org or 828-436-0040. Donations are still being accepted for anyone who was not able to make it to the fundraiser and is still interested in giving. People may visit growrural.org and look for the green donate button at the bottom of the homepage, include “flood fundraiser” in the notes section — or may contact McMillan directly — to donate. (Submitted by Growing Rural Opportunities)