The Bethel Rural Community Organization was awarded the first-ever White Oak Best in Class Award, based on impressive efforts to help Haywood County communities recover from flooding, and volunteer assistance in restoring eroded streambanks and replanting native River Cane on the Pigeon River in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred.

The Bethel community club also took home the Impact Award for its collaboration with local produce stand operators to establish the Fresh Produce Coupon Program. This innovative program enables more than 40 families to access fresh produce, which adds nutritional value to family meals while boosting the economic viability of the produce stands.

All participating communities receive $600 to support their efforts, and the Bethel group took home an additional $2,000 for its accolades.

Nearly 200 community leaders and volunteers from 15 Western North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians participated in the honors program. These 64 communities received a total of $50,000 in cash awards.

Communities were assessed in six different competencies measuring their capacity to lead and serve, including: Good Governance, Leadership Excellence, Financial Stewardship, Volunteer Recruitment and Retention, Community Programs and Civic Engagement and Collaboration.

For information on WNC Communities, call 828-252-4783.