Killington, VT – Vermont’s Killington Resort has created an online auction, “From the Ground Up,” to assist Vermont farms that sustained damage from tropical storm Irene. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund to help local farmers begin to rebuild.

“Following Tropical Storm Irene, the Agency of Agriculture received calls from many farmers seeking guidance about lost land, lost crops, and lost livestock, as well as calls from Vermonters interested in supporting farmers,” said Chuck Ross, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “Until now, there was no designated fund to which we could direct callers. The Farm Disaster Relief Fund creates a vehicle where we can connect the resources of concerned donors to the needs of affected farmers who have suffered damages from tropical storm Irene.”

From the Ground Up offers online bidding on items such as an Unlimited 2011-12 Killington Season Pass, first Gondola Ride of the 2011-12 season, two VIP Passes to any one of the 2011-12 Dew Tour stops in, including two one-day lift tickets to the host resort, one week of Woodward Camp at Cooper Mountain, Red Sox tickets for four at the Budweiser Roof Deck Table, a Burton Nug snowboard signed by Jake Burton and much more.

“Fortunately, Killington Resort received minimal damage from tropical storm Irene, however, many of our local farmers lost everything, “stated Chris Nyberg, president and general manager of Killington Resort, “From the Ground Up online auction will help Vermont farmers replace infrastructure as well as help cover losses sustained from the storm.”

Bidding will conclude on September 25, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. EST.