07/10/2024
I know there are many deserving donations being raised for those affected by Hurricane Helene, but I wanted to highlight one in particular that stands out. This cause is truly worth your attention.
I attended college in North Carolina from 1996 to 2000, and during that time, I met some incredible people—many of whom are now facing the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
In 2016, I went on a short tour and reconnected with a college friend who introduced me to her friend, Amanda, who owned a tavern in Hot Springs, NC, about 45 minutes outside Asheville. Amanda, an alum who graduated just before me, graciously opened her tavern to me and even offered me a place to stay. She went above and beyond to ensure I was comfortable, setting a high bar for the rest of my tour stops. Her kindness and commitment to her community are truly remarkable, and the town itself is filled with some of the finest people you’ll ever meet.
Sadly, images of the devastation to her tavern and home have appeared in the news, illustrating the extent of the damage in Western North Carolina. The very spot where I played my guitar is no longer there. However, the community is coming together in a remarkable way—I even found an article celebrating the resilience of this little town.
If you have anything to spare, please consider donating to the Hot Springs, NC Recovery Hub. Your support can make a real difference in helping this wonderful community rebuild.
Thank you for considering! https://hotspringsrecovery.com/
