For Swannanoa Residents Rebuilding their Erased Town

Hello friends,

This is Miranda Sprouse Flowers. I hope this message finds you all doing well!

Those who remember me from growing up in the Travelers Rest area will also remember my best friend, Anne Duggan (Degenarro), as we were never far apart. In kind, you may also know and/or recall Anne's sister, Manigult Duggan, and her mom, Nancy Duggan (our fearless Girl Scout leader). My dear friends living in Black Mountain and Swannanoa, NC, are dealing with extremely sad and catastrophic conditions brought on by Hurricane Helene. Thankfully, despite their personal losses and being severely traumatized, all are "ok".

Nancy and her husband, Colin Robertson, have been like second parents to me for decades. I am one of many that they treat like family. They devote most of their time looking for ways to give back to their community, and what they can do to help people help themselves. They have invested so much privately and publicly (Zaniac Learning Center) in the people of Swannanoa, Asheville, and Black Mountain.

THIS CRISIS IS NO DIFFERENT. They have lost friends, neighbors, property, personal items- and their main focus is how they can help the survivors in the Swannanoa community. They were not able to exit their property and declined help to vacate after the storm because they "wouldn't leave their neighbors to fend for themselves." Colin has been hiking out to help with supplies every day, and Nancy is reaching out to others from home (when reception is available).

The gracious funds received are for multiple families and will go straight to Nancy and Colin. Their neighbors, Ronnie and Robbie Craig, who have lost everything and have no flood insurance, are two of many they have cited in need. They will also be contributing their own funds to what is received.

Any donation amount is greatly appreciated! I will post updates so you can see how the funds are being spent. Through the kindness and generosity of others, we can help them rebuild the town that was erased.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Miranda