STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
DEEP IMPACT
Dig Deep Vermont provides financial relief and support to Vermont ’ s independent farmers through a targeted promotional fundraising campaign
Vermont ’ s independent and family farms faced unprecedented challenges in the last year due to the catastrophic floods of 2023 . However , don ’ t count them out just yet ! A coalition of volunteers , government agencies , state associations , and business leaders have come together to form “ Dig Deep Vermont ,” an initiative dedicated to raising funds for Vermont farmers .
Led by co-chairs Molly Mahar , President of Ski Vermont / The Vermont Ski Areas Association , and Joe Bergeron , President of the Association of Vermont Credit Unions , Dig Deep Vermont stands as a pillar of hope for Vermont ’ s agricultural community . Leveraging their extensive networks , Mahar and Bergeron have spearheaded a multi-tiered promotional fundraising campaign aimed at rallying unified support from Vermont ’ s philanthropically-minded individual residents , businesses , and organizations .
“ At the heart of Dig Deep Vermont ’ s mission is a commitment to fostering community resilience and solidarity ,” notes Mahar . “ We ’ ve organized our fundraiser by county , allowing neighbors to support neighbors , while also offering a general state fund to supplement county campaigns .” Mahar , a longtime advocate for Vermont ’ s working community , emphasizes the interconnectedness between the
60 VERMONT MAGAZINE