I have been visiting the Asheville, NC area since I was in college back in the late 70s and spent a lot of time up there hiking and camping. I have been back repeatedly over the years and Alhambra has a number of clients in that area. I have spoken with people in the Asheville and eastern TN area and while relief is arriving, the cleanup and recovery is going to take a long, long time. The area needs our support and there are many good organizations that are helping. Our Bob Williams, who lived in the area for many years before relocating to the Nashville area, put together this initial list of relief organizations. I and Alhambra will be making donations to some of these this week and I encourage all of you to donate if you can. I’ll update this list as we find other organizations that are providing support.
United Way of East TN Highlands
Salvation Army of the Carolinas
United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County
Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry
Restaurant workers are facing not only the personal loss from Helene but in many cases the loss of their livelihood as well. Southern Smoke Foundation is dedicated to providing emergency relief to food and beverage workers:
Katie Button, a chef with multiple restaurants in the area, has turned her restaurant Curate over to World Central Kitchen which is always on the front lines when disaster strikes. Katie, we love you and know you will recover!
One last note of thanks to our wonderful clients. I exchanged email yesterday with several who have rushed to the worst hit areas to help directly. Those who rush in when everyone else is rushing out truly deserve the title of Hero. We are incredibly lucky to know such people. Thank you so much for all that you do. You have our utmost love and respect!
Joe Calhoun
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