Soque River Watershed Association Fundraiser Raises Nearly $25,000

The Soque River Watershed Association raised just under $25,000 during its annual fundraiser Thursday evening, Sept. 24, bringing supporters together for an evening focused on conservation, community and the future of the Soque River.

The event, held at North Georgia Technical College’s Industrial Technology Center, featured a prime rib dinner, live music by John Burke and an auction that included fly-fishing experiences and artwork.

Ten donor tables were represented during the evening.

A major part of this year's fundraising success came from fly-fishing trips offered during the auction. SRWA worked to add additional value to the experiences this year, with some packages including a fishing guide, lodging and meals.

The trips also offered something for different skill levels, from experienced anglers to those just beginning to learn the sport.

Cole Cleiman and Darrell Everidge of WCHM's Mountain Morning Show helped auction the fishing experiences, with some trips bringing bids of more than $2,000.

Trout wood carvings created by local artist Brian Ledford were also among the evening's high-ticket items.

Remembering Walt Crowder

One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when Kathy Crowder and her sons, Cody and Alex Crowder, honored the memory of Walt Crowder, a longtime advocate and supporter of the Soque River Watershed Association who died in September 2025.

The family invited students from Tallulah Falls School who will participate in a fly-fishing trip with Blackhawk Fly Fishing donated in Crowder's memory to be recognized during the evening.

The trip was purchased at last year's fundraiser and this year's by Stewart Swanson, who donated the experience to the Tallulah Falls School Fly Fishing Team in Crowder's memory.

The gesture connected Crowder's support of the watershed association and love of the outdoors with a new generation of young anglers.

Looking Ahead

SRWA President Ellie Van Doornum thanked the volunteers and donors who support the organization and its efforts to keep the Soque River healthy and beautiful.

SRWA board member and grant writer Brad Coppedge also spoke about projects the organization is pursuing to improve the river and surrounding watershed.

Coppedge discussed several Section 319 grant projects aimed at improving water quality and strengthening areas along the riverbank. He said the Georgia Environmental Protection Division has approved funding that will allow SRWA to undertake a mitigation project on private property.

The organization is also hopeful about securing a Georgia Department of Natural Resources trail and park stewardship grant that could be used to enhance the Soque River Greenway Trail and connect it to Pitts Park.

The projects represent another component of SRWA's work beyond the annual fundraiser — using grants, private donations, volunteer efforts and community partnerships to protect and improve the Soque River watershed.

With nearly $25,000 raised during Thursday's event, the fundraiser provided additional support for that work while bringing together anglers, conservation advocates, businesses and community members around the river that connects them.