Help Eastern TN Communities Recover

My name is Jennifer (Jen) Fischer. My husband, Andy, oversees whitewater rafting operations at Rafting in the Smokies and Rip Roaring Adventures in Hartford, TN. These are two of ten rafting companies that operate on the Pigeon River.

On the morning of Friday, September 27, we discovered a devastating scene. The Pigeon River, which winds through Hartford, had surged overnight due to relentless downpours from Hurricane Helene. By the time a group of us arrived on Friday morning, the river had already swelled to dangerous levels. With the water advancing rapidly toward our vehicles, we were forced to evacuate immediately. Any chance of intervening had passed.

Several of our employees were already stranded and had to climb the mountain to find safety, where they camped until water levels receded enough for them to make their way out. Thankfully, everyone survived and was unharmed.

However, the flooding across Eastern Tennessee has caused an unimaginable level of destruction. What occurred was a level of flooding and destruction that most will never see in their lifetime. Entire communities were underwater, and the damage is overwhelming. It's impossible to fully grasp unless you're here to witness it.

Hartford, a small, close-knit town on the banks of the Pigeon River, was completely submerged. This community, which is home to ten whitewater rafting companies, welcomes visitors from all over to enjoy the river and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited park in the country.

The neighboring town of Newport was also hit hard by the flooding. Residents are without water, and with no clear timeline for its return—possibly weeks—they are in desperate need of support.

Both Hartford and Newport are part of Cocke County, one of the poorest areas in Tennessee, making recovery all the more difficult for those affected. The other small towns in Cocke County are also suffering.

Now, we face the enormous challenge of rebuilding and helping our neighbors recover from this disaster.

Here’s how your donations will make a direct impact:

• Supporting Hartford residents: Many local residents and rafting employees have lost a lot, if not everything. Your donations will provide immediate assistance for essentials like water, food, and clothing; cover lodging costs for those displaced; and offer financial support for rebuilding their homes and lives.

Please understand that while my husband oversees operations at two of the rafting companies on the Pigeon, with eight other rafting companies in town that would technically be considered “competitors,” we pledge to use the money to help ALL owners, raft guides, and locals who need our support. This disaster has impacted the entire community, and we are committed to ensuring no one is left behind in the recovery process.

• Assisting Newport residents: With the neighboring town of Newport facing a critical water shortage, we will extend funds to provide essentials like bottled water, hygiene supplies, and food to help them through the weeks ahead. Because Hartford is such a small town (just over 800 residents), those in Hartford travel the approximately 14 miles to Newport to access a grocery store and obtain other supplies. Given what Newport is also experiencing, it is not only difficult for the residents there, but even more difficult for those in Hartford who now must travel further.

• Extending help to other small communities in East TN: There are other surrounding towns where roads and bridges are wiped out. People all around us are in need, and we’re committed to helping these neighbors with essentials and the task of rebuilding.

We would be truly grateful if you would consider supporting us. Andy and I pledge to ensure that donations are used wisely and carefully in order to make the most impact. We are happy to work with local churches and groups on the ground to extend our reach.

Please know that your generosity will directly help the people who are the heart and soul of these communities, allowing them to begin rebuilding their homes, their businesses, and their lives.

The people here are already exhausted—and recovery efforts are just beginning. My husband is in Hartford daily, working alongside people to rebuild the businesses and the town. They are knee deep in mud, trying to find a way forward. The days are long, followed by nights traveling to other towns to find showers or supplies.

No donation amount is too small. Please give what you can. This rebuilding process is going to take months. We can’t make it without your support. Thank you!