West Buncombe, NC – In a remarkable act of community support, the WNC Water Well Fund GoFundMe fundraiser facilitated by Ferguson’s Well & Pump has donated $23,000 to the West Buncombe Fire Department, covering the cost of a well drilled at Station 2. This generous contribution ensures that firefighters and the local community have reliable access to clean water during emergencies.
The well was initially dug immediately after Tropical Storm Helene devastated the area, providing firefighters with a means to decontaminate after working in floodwaters rife with contaminants. At the time, the fire department paid nearly $30,000 out of pocket to install the well. More recently, the Junior League of Asheville stepped in with a $5,000 grant to help offset costs. Now, thanks to the WNC Water Well Fund’s donation, the department has been fully reimbursed for the project.
“This well remains in place and will serve the department during future water outages while ensuring the community has access to clean water when they need it most,” said Fire Chief Dennis Fagnant. “It builds significant resiliency for an area that has experienced multiple system-wide water shortages in recent years.”
A History of Service and Support
Ferguson’s Well & Pump, under Kendra Ferguson and her family’s leadership, has been a trusted partner in the Asheville and Leicester communities for years. Following the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene, the company played a key role in restoring access to clean drinking water by raising funds and assisting residents in drilling and repairing wells. Their relief efforts provided over 300,000 gallons of clean water to those in need sourced from their well, including more than 20,000 gallons allocated to West Buncombe for non-potable use.
To this day, Ferguson’s Well & Pump remains committed to helping those still struggling with water access due to the storm’s effects.
Community Gratitude and Resilience
Chief Fagnant expressed profound gratitude for the GoFundMe fundraiser donors’ generosity and to Ferguson’s for working hard to start and publicize the fundraiser, highlighting the company’s dedication to the well-being of first responders and the broader community.
“We are beyond grateful and in awe of the efforts of Kendra, her family, and the entire Ferguson’s Well & Pump team,” he said. “Their commitment to this community is unmatched, and their support, combined with the generosity of individuals from across the country, has made a lasting impact on our ability to serve and protect.”
This collaboration between local businesses and emergency services is a testament to the strength and resilience of the West Buncombe and Leicester communities. In times of crisis, it is clear that our community comes together to support one another.
“I am so grateful and blessed to live and serve in a community that looks after each other in times of need,” added Chief Fagnant.
