WNC Tip It Forward’ to Provide Relief Grants to Asheville’s Culinary and Creative Communities Following Hurricane

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Asheville and surrounding Western North Carolina communities, GBX Group, Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR)

 

and ArtsAVL have united to launch ‘WNC Tip It Forward.’ This initiative is dedicated to raising donations to provide crucial relief grants to workers in the arts and food service sectors.

 

“Artists are the heart and soul of Western North Carolina, and many are now suffering from a complete loss of income due to property damage and event cancellations. We are calling on you to help us keep WNC creative,” said Katie Cornell, Executive Director of ArtsAVL. “Our artists have a vital role to play in the recovery of our region, but first, we have to help them get back on their feet. By supporting ‘WNC Tip It Forward,’ you’re helping us to provide emergency relief grants to the artists and restaurant workers who are the backbone of our area’s unique culture.”

 

“Fall is typically our busiest season, with October being the peak month for tourism and local business. Local restaurant workers have been hit hard by Hurricane Helene, and we need to think outside of the box to help them both recover and address some of their immediate financial burdens,” said Meghan Rogers, Executive Director of AIR. “The restaurant industry in Asheville is more than just a collection of businesses, we’re a family. Through the ‘WNC Tip It Forward’ campaign, we’re seeking support from our extended family in restaurants and hospitality, and from small-dollar donors across the U.S. and the world, to help us recover and reopen.”

 

Donors can give to WNC Tip It Forward, maintained by ArtsAVL, at wnctip.org. ArtsAVL will issue receipts for tax-deductible charitable contributions. ArtsAVL and AIR will distribute grant funds to eligible artists and restaurant workers based on their evolving needs and the availability of funds. They will also use a portion of funds to support their ongoing charitable work to support Western North Carolina artists and restaurant workers.

 

The partners behind WNC Tip It Forward are not only seeking financial contributions but also aim to spread awareness about the situation in Asheville and its surrounding communities, to ensure that the region emerges stronger than before Helene.

 

“We hold the people of Asheville and the surrounding communities incredibly close to our hearts and are actively working on ways to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts,” said Drew Sparacia, CEO of GBX Group. “GBX is proud to partner with ArtsAVL and AIR to form what we hope will be a lasting coalition, and to provide startup funding for the ‘WNC Tip It Forward’ campaign to offer emergency relief grants to workers until they can get back on their feet. The resilience of the people of Western North Carolina is remarkable, but artists and restaurant workers need immediate help. We are optimistic that this campaign will cast a wide net and inspire charitable giving from around the world.”

 

Learn More & Donate Now wnctip.org/