JACKIE GARRISON

When Hurricane Helene hit Black Mountain, North Carolina, Jackie Garrison and her husband didn’t just keep Phil’s Bar-B-Que running—they transformed it into a lifeline for their community. What started as a storage building overflowing with unsorted donations became Phil’s Boutique, a place of respite and dignity where every item was carefully chosen, folded, and arranged with love.

Volunteers laughed, cried, and prayed with those who walked through the doors, witnessing firsthand the small miracles that Jackie believed in—finding just the right item, at just the right time, for those in desperate need.

Her unwavering generosity, faith, and dedication to helping others are why we are honored to recognize her as one of our Hurricane Heroes. Jackie’s story is proof that a small business can become a beacon of hope, and that true strength is found in compassion.

MAYOR ABBY NORTON

Hot Springs, NC was ravaged by the Hurricane. Their Mayor, Abby Norton, didn’t just lose her home in the process—she faced the unimaginable task of guiding her town through its darkest hour while personally recovering from the storm herself.

But Abby didn’t falter. She led with strength, grace, and compassion, becoming a beacon of hope for her community in crisis. Under her leadership, Hot Springs organized relief efforts, secured aid, restored services, and found a way forward together—even when the path was uncertain.

Abby’s story is one of incredible personal loss and even greater public service. Her resilience continues to inspire Hot Springs and all of Western North Carolina. Abby, we are proud to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.

Watch this video of Abby receiving her nomination!

JOEL FRIEDMAN

When Marshall, NC suffered unimaginable flooding, Joel Friedman didn’t let it stop him from continuing to serve his community. As the owner of Zuma Café, Joel has always been the heart of his town—a place where people come together for coffee, food, and camaraderie. When the storm damaged his café, Joel quickly adapted, setting up a food truck with outdoor seating to offer hot drinks, meals, and the warmth of Zuma’s hospitality. His determination to re-open the original Zuma Café in the spring will once again provide a much-needed gathering space for his neighbors.

Joel's resilience and dedication to his community make him a true Hurricane Hero. We are proud to honor him as part of our Appalachian Phoenix production, which celebrates the strength and spirit of Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

ALYSSA VIGNEAULT

Alyssa Vigneault turned her own backyard into a lifeline for those in need after Hurricane Helene. As founder of Rising Light Relief, she launched a grassroots initiative focused on feeding and supporting the most vulnerable—particularly the elderly and disabled—in the most rural corners of Mitchell and Yancey Counties.

After commenting on a World Central Kitchen social media post, urging them not to forget the smallest communities, Alyssa received a call just weeks later: “I’ve been asking who we need to connect with—and all three names I’ve been given are yours.” From that moment on, Rising Light became a key WCK partner in the region.

At the height of their response, her team was delivering hot meals and critical supplies to over 450 households, many of them completely cut off from other forms of aid. Today, even as national support winds down, Alyssa is committed to continuing the mission of Rising Light Relief—now preparing and delivering meals themselves to those who still aren’t food secure.

Alyssa, your compassion, leadership, and quiet tenacity have brought light to so many during their darkest days. We are proud to honor you as a Hurricane Hero.

DREW REISINGER

When Buncombe County was reeling after the storm, Drew Reisinger didn’t hesitate to step up in the face of tragedy. From day one, Drew was on the ground organizing and leading efforts to locate missing loved ones. As the Register of Deeds for Buncombe County, Drew was in a unique position to take charge, helping to establish the Buncombe County Family Assistance Center, where he led wellness checks and connected people with the critical resources they needed. His leadership in a time of crisis was a lifeline for many in our community.

Drew’s actions during the aftermath of the storm exemplify true heroism—he acted without hesitation and selflessly dedicated himself to helping others. For these reasons, we are proud to honor Drew as one of our Hurricane Heroes.

THE WHITSON FAMILY

When Hurricane Helene tore through Green Mountain, the Whitson family faced unimaginable loss. For generations, they have run the local general store & furniture store, making them an integral part of their community.

As floodwaters rose, Nick Whitson, his sister Jane Peterson, and Jane’s husband carried their 96-year-old mother up the stairs, leaving her wheelchair behind, as the family watched their businesses and homes be swept away by the water. Yet, instead of focusing only on their own recovery, they chose to help others.

Since the storm, Nick, Jane, and their siblings have worked tirelessly, seven days a week, to restore their family’s legacy while also running a distribution center for those in need. Even after losing so much, they have continued to serve others, ensuring that their neighbors have access to supplies and support during this difficult time.

Their resilience, generosity, and unwavering dedication to their community are why we are proud to honor the Whitson family as Hurricane Heroes.

PHYLLIS “LADY SUNSHINE” UTLEY

Some heroes lead with a plan—Phyllis Utley leads with heart. After Hurricane Helene, Phyllis sprang into action. She worked nonstop to make sure that people—and even animals—were safe, fed, and cared for. She connected organizations like Beloved Asheville with supplies, made sure those in the hardest-hit places were seen and supported, and did it all with the kind of warmth and light that earned her the nickname Lady Sunshine.

She held hands, cried with survivors, and offered hugs to those who had lost everything. Her presence was more than comforting—it was energizing. As one person said, “The sparkle in her eyes communicated that we were all going to be okay.”

She brought that same love and spirit to gatherings at First Presbyterian in Hendersonville, where volunteers and responders from around the country came together. Phyllis helped make it feel like home. It’s no surprise she was honored with an Outstanding Elder Award from Black Wall Street AVL for her extraordinary legacy of compassion and community care. Phyllis, your resilience and radiant spirit lit the way forward for so many. We are honored to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.

AMY CANTRELL, ADRIENNE SIGMON & PONKHO BERMEJO of BELOVED ASHEVILLE

Since the storm, Amy Cantrell, Adrienne Sigmon, and Ponkho Bermejo of BeLoved Asheville have been leading the charge in rebuilding lives and restoring hope across Western North Carolina.

At the height of the storm, their team was helping to share resources with more than 15,000 people a day across the most impacted areas. Now, they’ve shifted toward long-term recovery—focusing on economic stabilization, trauma healing, and more than 30 active home repair and replacement projects.

Through BeLoved Village, they’re providing deeply affordable homes for families who lost everything—creating not just shelter, but spaces of healing and dignity. Through the La Cocina de Mama food truck, they’re serving up meals infused with love, culture, and comfort.

Their leadership has brought neighbors together—whether delivering supplies, building homes, or sparking joy through celebration—and their commitment to justice, equity, and radical care continues to transform lives every day. Amy, Adrienne, and Ponkho, we are proud to honor your vision, resilience, and unwavering compassion.

EDDY SCHOEFFMANN & THE TEAM AT BLUNT PRETZELS

When Hurricane Helene devastated our region, Eddy Schoeffmann and the team at Blunt Pretzels immediately sprang into action, offering free meals to those in need every single day since the storm. People come together, not just for sustenance, but because of the welcoming atmosphere of inclusivity, and community. 

In December, Eddy created the non-profit, Blunt Kitchen, to keep the effort going. He saw that it had become a refuge for so many, and knew the importance in it continuing as the recovery effort lingers. The strong and ongoing volunteer network Eddy has created, will continue to ensure that no one in need is overlooked. 

We are honored to recognize Eddy as a Hurricane Hero for his efforts in helping bring relief and community to the people of Swannanoa.

KARIS ROBERTS

Living within a storm ravaged Asheville, Karis Roberts stepped into action with extraordinary leadership. As the Director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, Karis mobilized an effort with NoDa Brewing in Charlotte to can 40,000 cans of drinking water and truck it up the mountain to create an emergency drop-off site for supplies. This was before the city had even begun to organize. She quickly set up a distribution center at Devil’s Foot Brewing, offering water, food, and supplies to anyone in need.

But Karis didn’t stop there. As the director of the Asheville Brewers Alliance, she helped shift the organization’s focus from growth and collaboration to recovery and resilience. Under her leadership, ABA assisted breweries with grants and rebuilding efforts, managed water tanker delivery trucks, and facilitated solidarity among local businesses to ensure the local craft beer scene could bounce back stronger than ever. Karis played a key role in supporting the community through charity events, fundraisers, and adapting to the new challenges brought by the storm. We are thrilled to add Karis to our list of Hurricane Heroes!

JOSH COPUS

When Hurricane Helene sent floodwaters surging through downtown Marshall, Josh Copus—potter, entrepreneur, and the heart behind The Old Marshall Jail Hotel—witnessed firsthand the devastation that reshaped his town.

From the moment he was able to return to the wreckage, Josh not only jumped into the physical cleanup, but he also became the voice of Marshall. His videos documenting the destruction spread across the country, going viral as news outlets turned to him to understand the scope of the disaster. Through constant engagement with local and national press, he ensured that the world knew Marshall’s story. He didn’t just bear witness—he took action.

Josh dedicated himself to the recovery efforts, organizing community meetings, bringing people together to mourn, strategize, and rebuild. He helped welcome Governor Josh Stein to the town, making sure the voices of those impacted were heard. Through it all, he showed an unwavering commitment to his community, proving that even in the worst of times, leadership, resilience, and heart can shine through. So much gratitude goes out to Josh, a true Hurricane Hero.

JENNIFER PICKERING & the team at LEAF

Jennifer Pickering, the dynamo behind LEAF Global Arts, and Lake Eden Retreat has been nominated as a Hurricane Hero for her incredible work supporting the arts community during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Her creation of the LEAF Local Artists Relief Fund provided financial aid to local artists impacted by the storm, allowing them to recover and continue their creative practices.

Beyond financial relief, the efforts of Jennifer and her team have been a lifeline for many in the artistic community, helping to facilitate healing through creative expression. LEAF Global Arts has been instrumental in rebuilding the spirit of our region, offering a space for recovery and connection in the wake of Helene’s devastation.

We are so grateful for the unwavering commitment to supporting artists and the tireless work the LEAF team has done to heal and uplift our community. Jennifer’s impact is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to celebrate her as part of Appalachian Phoenix.

 PHILIP DEANGELO

The River Arts District in Asheville was particularly hard hit by the storm, with many artists losing their work, their studios, and their sense of security. But thanks to the kindness and leadership of Philip DeAngelo, the community found strength together.

Philip, owner of Philip DeAngelo Studio, opened his doors as a safe haven for displaced artists, hosting gatherings to support those who had lost everything. Along with countless volunteers, he and his wife, Tina, went even further—cooking meals for artists and first responders, delivering food to those working to rebuild, and even sharing their studio space with artists left without a place to display and sell their work. 

Philip’s selflessness helped the RAD remain a thriving artistic hub, even in the face of disaster. We are honored to recognize Phil, Tina and the countless volunteers working tirelessly to bring our beloved RAD back to normal.

SAMANTHA LONG

In the midst of chaos, Sam Long became a beacon of clarity and support. Living in West Asheville, she and her family were cut off with no power, water, or cell service. After several tense days, she saw a gap in communication and took action—becoming the community’s lifeline.

As the marketing director for French Broad River Brewery, Sam witnessed firsthand the immense damage to the brewery’s production facility and tasting room. With the brewery in ruins, she turned to social media to share crucial updates and connect people with resources. Her straightforward, easy-to-read posts became a vital source of guidance, calming anxious locals and linking those in need with those who could help.

Sam’s dedication to her community, her calm in the face of crisis, and her ability to organize and share critical information is why we’re proud to honor her as one of our Hurricane Heroes. Her actions proved that sometimes, the seemingly smallest gestures—like an informative post—can make the biggest difference.

TIFFANY FLUNORY DE’BELLOT

When the storm hit, Tiffany Flunory De’Bellot stepped into action—and never looked back.

As the executive director of the Center for Participatory Change, Tiffany helped organize an Emergency Relief Center, ensuring neighbors had access to food, financial aid, and critical resources in the wake of the storm. She supported mental health and emotional resilience, uplifted her community through hardship, and never stopped showing up.

Tiffany is also a Community Reparations Commissioner and Violence Prevention Specialist, advocating for marginalized voices while guiding conversations around justice and healing. Through her Saturday “Sankofa” School, she helps young children develop a sense of identity, grounding them in strength and care.

Tiffany, your impact is lasting and your leadership unmatched. We are honored to recognize you as part of Appalachian Phoenix.

REV. MARCIA MOUNT SHOOP

Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop didn’t wait for help—she became the driving force behind the relief efforts at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Under her leadership, the church has distributed over $4.5 million in rent support, providing crucial aid to hundreds of families affected by the storm.

Rev. Marcia’s vision, along with the dedication of her staff and countless volunteers, has transformed Grace Covenant into a lifeline for those in need, ensuring that no one had to face the aftermath alone. From providing financial support to organizing resources for food and basic necessities, Rev. Marcia has truly exemplified what it means to serve her community.

Rev. Marcia, your unwavering commitment and selflessness make you a true Hurricane Hero. We’re proud to honor you.

BRENT WYATT

When Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, Brent Wyatt didn’t hesitate—he stepped up and got to work. As the storm’s aftermath left families struggling for basic necessities, Brent led efforts at Loving Food Resources, cooking and serving hot pancake breakfasts for locals in need.

Brent’s organization, which typically provides food and personal care items for those living with HIV and in hospice care, quickly expanded its mission to help the broader community. Under his leadership, Loving Food Resources became a beacon of support, ensuring that those affected by the storm had access to food, clean water, and essential supplies.

Through it all, he has remained a steadfast source of hope, proving that WNC is strong because of people like him. Brent Wyatt, we honor you for your kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to your community.

FLUSH AVL

When Hurricane Helene hit, Molly Black, Elle DeBruhl and Mitch Powdermaker answered the call in an extraordinary way by founding FlushAVL. Molly and Elle, driven by a desire to help, created the initiative, and Mitch, selflessly stepping away from his own work, joined forces to bring it to life. Together, with the support of many generous volunteers, they ensured that people in need had access to non potable water for flushing toilets during a time when it was desperately needed.

Their dedication and ability to organize this simple yet vital service is a testament to the power of community, and their tireless work brought immense relief to so many. From water delivery trucks to a grassroots volunteer effort, FlushAVL made a world of difference.

We are proud to honor Elle, Molly and Mitch as part of our Appalachian Phoenix!

JILL HOLTZ

When Hurricane Helene devastated Swannanoa, many families lost more than just their homes—they lost irreplaceable memories. But thanks to Jill Holtz, some of those memories are making their way back.

A North Carolina National Guard captain and mother of two, Jill has spent months traveling to WNC from her home in Raleigh, searching flood-ravaged fields, tangled trees, and deep ravines for lost photographs, heirlooms, and keepsakes. She carefully restores and shares her finds online, reuniting people with pieces of their past they never thought they’d see again.

Jill’s efforts remind us that recovery isn’t just about rebuilding—it’s about restoring hope. We’re honored to recognize her as part of Appalachian Phoenix.

JEFFREY BURROUGHS

Asheville’s River Arts District saw 80% of its buildings severely damaged after Helene hit. But Jeffrey Burroughs didn’t wait for help—they took action. As president of the River Arts District Association (RADA), Jeffrey immediately organized artists and volunteers, spearheading efforts to rebuild studios, support displaced artists, and raise critical funds.

Under Jeffrey’s leadership, initiatives like RADfest, the Love Asheville From Afar exhibition in Atlanta, and the RADA Flood Relief Fund have helped artists regain their footing. Their dedication has been instrumental in not only restoring spaces but also ensuring the creative spirit of Asheville continues to thrive.

“This couldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the hundreds of artists and volunteers that showed up immediately after Helene’s wreckage and stayed with us through months of work,” Jeffrey shared. Their leadership has shown the true power of community resilience. Jeffrey Burroughs, we honor you for your unwavering dedication, vision, and commitment to the arts.

SHANIQUA SIMUEL

When the hurricane hit Asheville’s historic Shiloh neighborhood, Shaniqua Simuel jumped into action—bringing resources, joy, and healing to a community of over 3,000, many of them seniors left without power or water for weeks.

As the Shiloh Community Association’s first paid employee and Neighborhood Navigator, she leveraged every tool available—from robocalls and social networks to partnerships with ABIPA’s Life Center, World Central Kitchen and Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church. With help from Jesse Cowan, Max Mandler and so many others, she coordinated hot meals, distributed and found storage for essentials, and even secured a 1,200-gallon water tank to meet urgent needs.

Founder of Change Your Palate, a wellness program focused on high-risk health prevention, Shaniqua continues to nourish her community—body and soul. Her recent watch party at the Historic YMI Cultural Center for her new TV show, The Rotating Chef, was a celebration of food, culture, and resilience.

Through her work with the Shiloh Community Association and their garden, she’s helped us reconnect to the natural world as a way to nourish our bodies and calm our spirits. Shaniqua, your radiant presence and tireless service are a gift to this region—and we are so proud to honor you.

BETTINA FREESE (AKA: THE CHAINSAW FAIRY)

When Green Mountain, NC, was devastated by the hurricane, Bettina Freese didn’t just lose her business and land on the Toe River—she lost neighbors, friends, and an entire way of life. But instead of focusing on her own losses, she became a lifeline for others.

From organizing relief efforts when official aid fell short to personally delivering tools and supplies, Bettina worked tirelessly to keep her community in Green Mountain together. She offered hope to those rebuilding their lives, even as she faced the loss of her own retreat center, Eagle’s Toe.

Bettina’s unwavering spirit (even after an accident with a dump truck while delivering needed propane to Yancey County!) is the heart of Appalachian Phoenix, and we are honored to recognize her as one of our Hurricane Heroes. She reminds us that true strength is found in the people who rise from tragedy to lift others up.

Michelangelo “Mikey” Palomo Ramos

After the hurricane, four-year-old Michelangelo “Mikey” Palomo Ramos didn’t hesitate—he grabbed his little shovel, put on his Batman gloves, and got to work.

Fascinated by natural disasters, Mikey never imagined he’d experience one firsthand. But when the storm left his Asheville neighborhood covered in fallen trees and mudslides, he took action. Seeing a neighbor’s driveway blocked by a mudslide, Mikey joined the cleanup effort—digging for hours alongside adults with chainsaws, determined to help clear the road.

Though the hurricane left him feeling sad and angry, Mikey turned those feelings into action, proving that even the smallest hands can make a big difference. Today, he continues to process the event through his drawings, capturing emergency vehicles, distribution centers, and the strength of his community coming together.

Young Mikey’s kindness, resilience, and determination is an inspiration to us all. He is a real superhero!

JEN HAMPTON

When Asheville’s public housing communities were hit hard by Hurricane Helene, Jen Hampton jumped into action. She organized mutual aid workers to deliver food, water, and supplies, and helped residents navigate FEMA aid applications.

When rent reminder flyers appeared just days after the storm, Jen went door to door across three housing complexes, collecting over 300 signatures for a petition that helped pause new evictions.

As the housing and wages organizer for Just Economics—and a former public housing resident and service worker herself—Jen continues to fight for an eviction moratorium across WNC, ensuring low-wage workers and vulnerable residents aren’t left behind.

"Before the pandemic, I had internalized all my struggles—living in poverty, being a low-wage worker—as my fault. Then I realized, it was systemic," she said. Jen, we honor your fierce dedication, leadership, and resilience.

KEVIN WARD and JERAMY STAUFFER

When devastation surrounded the community of Marshall, NC, Kevin Ward and Jeramy Stauffer stepped up to make sure no one was left behind.

As the co-owners of Nanostead, Kevin and Jeramy transformed their small-scale sustainable building business into a relief hub, ensuring that volunteers, displaced residents, and local businesses had a place to gather, get support, and begin rebuilding. Under their leadership, Nanostead became the Marshall Relief Alliance, rallying volunteers, distributing essential supplies, and creating a warm, welcoming space where people could find nourishment, music, and a renewed sense of hope.

"Honestly, this has felt like the most important thing we’re doing right now—creating a space for all of us to come back together, keep the light on, keep food in our bellies, and keep moving forward," Kevin shared.

The results have been profound, feeding hundreds of volunteers and community members, while also supporting business owners and homeowners in their rebuilding efforts. Kevin and Jeramy, your leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication to your community in its time of greatest need is nothing short of heroic.

KATIE MCMULLEN

During the storm, Katie McMullen didn’t wait for help—she became the help. Swimming through floodwaters to rescue a neighbor clinging to a tree, she was a literal life saver.

Since then, she has run a backyard pop-up supply center, making sure hundreds of families have access to food, propane, warm clothing, and essentials.

She’s delivered medications and heating supplies to neighbors without transportation, and ensured Swannanoa’s large Latino community could access resources, too. “She’s done all this more or less by herself,” said one neighbor.

Before the holidays, she also led a toy drive so 100’s of local children could still receive gifts—despite the hardships their families faced.

And she’s done all of this while being G-tube dependent. “So many believe having a feeding tube limits life,” she says. “The opposite is true. I can do this because I have a tube that provides nourishment.” Katie, your compassion, courage, and resilience have inspired us all. We are proud to honor you as a Hurricane Hero.

TRAVIS FOX

When the storm was over, Travis Fox found himself cut off from the world—his yard buried under 17 fallen trees, his work truck, and means of employment, destroyed. But instead of waiting for help, he picked up his chainsaw—his lifeline—and carved a path forward.

Travis didn’t just clear his own way—he helped neighbors, friends, and strangers in need, working tirelessly to clear roads, remove fallen trees, and restore access to homes. His work didn’t stop there—he also helped clean and rebuild the playground at his son’s school, ensuring that children had a safe place to play again. For more than two months, Travis refused to accept payment for his services, choosing instead to give his time and energy freely to those who needed it most.

But even while working relentlessly in the field, Travis was also quietly taking care of others in another way. When one of his best friends was hospitalized after the storm, Travis took on the responsibility of feeding his friend’s family every single day. With limited resources, he turned to Blunt Pretzels, who generously provided meals. Over two weeks, he delivered nearly 150 meals to the hospital—one more way he showed up for his community in a time of need. His selflessness, strength, and compassion make him a true Hurricane Hero.

CARY PETRUSEK

Asheville Ballet’s studio was devastated in the storm—right at the start of Nutcracker rehearsals. With their main income generator at risk and students left without a space to rehearse, it could have been the end of a cherished tradition.

That’s when Cary Petrusek, owner of WNC Dance Academy, stepped up. Instead of seeing them as competition, she saw an opportunity to lift them up—ensuring that dancers could continue their training and that the show could go on. She freely opened her doors, offering rehearsal space for free and inviting their students into her classes. Her generosity ensured that young dancers across the community wouldn’t lose the opportunity they had worked so hard for.

Cary’s selflessness and commitment to the arts are a true testament to the power of community. Without her, Asheville Ballet’s season may have been lost. Instead, because of her kindness and leadership, an entire dance community was able to recover and thrive, and we are proud to honor her as part of Appalachian Phoenix.

MICHELLE AND MATTHEW COLEMAN

When Hurricane Helene struck, Michelle and Matthew Coleman—President and Executive Director of the Asheville Dream Center—immediately sprang into action. Though floodwaters had cut off their own home, they launched one of Asheville’s first major distribution efforts, providing food, water, and essentials to those in need.

Founded in 2020, the Dream Center’s mission is to meet the physical and spiritual needs of people impacted by addiction, trauma, poverty, and crisis. After Helene, that mission became more urgent than ever.

Under their leadership, the Dream Center partnered with over 60 churches and nonprofits to serve the hardest-hit communities. They’ve provided thousands of meals, distributed nearly 5,000 toys and coats for Christmas, delivered blankets and clothing, and placed 26 families in temporary RV housing—while already rebuilding homes for others.

"At the end of the day, the Dream Center is always about finding a need and filling it," Michelle said. Michelle and Matthew, your faith, vision, and compassion have been a beacon of hope. We are honored to name you Hurricane Heroes.

KERRI SANDERS

When Hurricane Helene hit Buncombe County, Kerri Sanders, a Public Health Nurse with the Buncombe County Health Department, was there to care for the displaced and panicked community members who needed it most. As the storm raged and for several days beyond—without power or water—Kerri worked tirelessly, sometimes overnight, to ensure the health and well-being of those in shelters and those most affected by the storm. In the weeks and months that followed, Kerri and the other members of the Public Health Mobile Team visited communities across Buncombe County to offer vaccines, information, and resources to those in need.  

Her dedication went far beyond her required role as she provided comfort, care, and stability during one of our community’s most trying times. Kerri continues to stand by the people of our community, offering support to those still facing the long-term trauma of the storm. Thank you Kerri for being a true hero!

BRANDON PRIESTER

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Brandon Priester quietly stepped up—just like he always does. As a dedicated youth coach, Brandon became a steady presence for young people facing uncertainty, helping them navigate the challenges of a world turned upside down.

Behind the scenes, he made sure that both youth and community members had access to critical resources during recovery. From running supplies from distribution hubs to neighborhoods in need, to driving back to Henderson County just to access gas and internet so he could return with crucial updates—Brandon showed up for his community in every way.

He brought people together—especially those who might not normally be at the table—and helped rebuild not just homes, but connections and trust.

Brandon’s leadership earned him a nomination for a Black Wall Street AVL Award, and it’s no surprise. He’s known for his heart, his wisdom, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting the people around him. Brandon, you are the real deal—and today, we honor you as a Hurricane Hero.

JENNIFER CHRISAWN

When Hurricane Helene swept through Bakersville, 25-year-old Jennifer Chrisawn saw that her family and neighbors were trapped—and knew she had to act. The creek below her home had turned into a roaring river, rising fast and blocked by debris.

Wading into chest-deep water, Jennifer cleared the blockage and brought the water down. Then she jumped on her side-by-side and spent hours cutting trees to open up an escape path down Slagle Road—giving her community a way out.

But she didn’t stop there. For the next three months, Jennifer worked with Rise Disaster Relief and Project Skyline, delivering supplies, helping at school distribution sites, and hiking necessities to people who couldn’t leave their homes. She transformed her car into a mobile resource hub and made countless people smile—despite her own challenges as a young widowed mother and full-time caretaker.

Jennifer, your bravery, strength, and selflessness shine so brightly. We are honored to celebrate you as a Hurricane Hero.

JEREMY FINE (aka: THE DANCING MAN)

As the site director of Generation Church’s relief hub in hurricane ravaged Swannanoa, Jeremy Fine was an integral part of a team who helped transform the space into a full-scale emergency response center. Although not directly involved in rescue efforts, he was an essential volunteer for the relief hub and his community. As the ‘frontman’ for the operation, he helped spread the word, organized volunteers, and became known as “the dancing man”—standing at the roadside with music, a sign, and a smile, reminding everyone that joy was still possible.

In just the first nine days, the hub served over 15,000 meals and rescued more than 150 people. By December, they had served over 50,000 meals and provided daily supplies, temporary housing, and aid to surrounding areas. Jeremy has volunteered well over 600 hours, still posting updates and continuing his mission to bring joy and hope to those in need.

Through it all, Jeremy has seen beauty, love, and community—strangers crying together, hugging, holding onto hope. He spreads the message: “Don’t be afraid to go out of your way to make someone smile today.” His personal goal was simple: to make a difference through joy—and he has.

CORINNE DUNCAN

When Hurricane Helene hit, it didn’t just destroy homes and businesses—it also threatened the ability of thousands to participate in the election. That’s where Corinne Duncan and her team at Buncombe County Election Services stepped in.

Just two days after the storm, Corinne and her staff were back in the office—despite ongoing water shortages, power outages, and widespread damage—determined to ensure that every citizen could still cast their vote.

With 50 people sharing a single portable toilet, coworkers hauling water from their home wells, and fuel in short supply, they managed to:

✔️ Assess 14 early voting locations for storm damage
✔️ Check in with 560 poll workers to confirm their ability to serve
✔️ Find replacement sites for polling locations damaged by the storm
✔️ Expand absentee ballot distribution to meet increased demand

Despite the devastation, Buncombe County still saw an incredible 74% voter turnout. Her commitment to democracy and civic engagement in the face of disaster is a testament to her unwavering leadership and dedication to her community. Corinne, we honor your determination and the resilience of your entire team.

CHRIS MANESS & TIN CAN PIZZA

Just hours after Hurricane Helene hit WNC, Chris Maness fired up his food truck and started feeding people in need—for free. What began with a trapped wedding party in Fairview turned into three straight months of free meals served across Hot Springs, Marshall, Barnardsville, and beyond. 6,500+ pizza slices and counting!

But Chris and his crew didn’t stop there:

💧 They coordinated the import and distribution of over 900 water filters.
🚚 They organized $15K in shipping containers to protect incoming supplies.
🏢 He secured a warehouse where they coordinated the receiving and distribution of supplies from all over the country.
💥 All while showing up daily to serve food, hope, and heart.

Chris, giant thanks to you and Tin Can Pizza for being a force of love and leadership. You are absolutely a Hurricane Hero.

JUDI JETSON

After 10 feet of water flooded Local Cloth’s River Arts District space, Judi Jetson dove into the mud (literally and figuratively) to rebuild what was lost—not just for herself, but for hundreds of artists across the region.

As the founder of Local Cloth, she helped launch a successful GoFundMe to compensate fiber artists for over $167,000 in lost inventory and supplies. But Judi didn’t stop there. She and a team of dedicated volunteers organized the Big Fiber Giveaway—an event that distributed more than 6,000 pounds of yarn, fleece, tools, and equipment to artists in need. With multiple BFGs in Swannanoa, Burnsville, and beyond, Judi and her team ensured that Western North Carolina’s creative community could rise again.

Thanks to her vision, donations, and determination, Local Cloth is on track to reopen this summer—and the artists she fought for are weaving new beginnings.

Judi Jetson, we are honored to recognize your leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to your community.

SAM IATAROLA, LANCE BUSKEY & COOPER LEIST

When the storm hit, Lance, Sam, and Cooper immediately sprang into action, working with French Broad River Academy to turn the school’s Maria Noakes Outdoor Center into a makeshift supply hub. What started as a small, grassroots relief effort at the school where Sam is an instructor quickly grew into Helene Rebuild Collaborative (HRC), a full-scale disaster response and recovery organization providing emergency food, medical supplies, rescue assistance, and rebuilding support.

In the first 72 hours, HRC coordinated water deliveries to West Asheville, and by the end of three months, they had completed over 800 missions. As outdoor enthusiasts and instructors, their innovative approach—using hiking, biking, helicopters, and even donkeys—enabled them to lead rescue efforts and bring supplies to isolated areas others couldn’t reach.

What began as an urgent response has evolved into long-term recovery efforts, with HRC now focusing on rebuilding homes using RVs and tiny houses as temporary solutions.

Sam, Cooper, and Lance, your leadership and dedication to this community are a true testament to resilience and service. We are proud to honor you as Hurricane Heroes.

Lark Frazier

As neighbors struggled with the reality of not being able to flush their toilets, Lark Frazier listened to their fears and frustrations and took action. Using her ingenuity and compassion, she researched emergency sanitation solutions and began constructing makeshift toilets—then taught others how to build their own.

Recognizing the wider need for accessible sanitation options, she launched Toilets of AVL—a crowdsourced map helping Asheville residents locate public toilets, portapotties, laundry facilities, showers, and handwashing stations after the storm. Her resource quickly became a lifesaving tool for thousands in need.

Her quick thinking and hands-on approach not only helped prevent a growing public health crisis but also gave people back their dignity. Lark, we honor you for your leadership, resilience, generosity… and much appreciated sense of humor when it was needed most!

CALLIE WARNER

After Hurricane Helene, Callie Warner became a force of fierce compassion—delivering hot meals to the hollers of Swannanoa, cooking for entire communities, and spreading hope through heartfelt social media updates.

She helped organize, document, and distribute resources—while also collaborating with artist Peg Gignoux to give away over 50 handmade quilts to families who lost everything. Each quilt, like each meal Callie made, was a gift of comfort and love.

Callie didn’t just lend a hand—she lifted spirits, created connection, and reminded us all what generosity looks like in action. Her joy is contagious, her words powerful, and her presence a true light during dark times.

Callie, we are so proud to honor you as one of our Hurricane Heroes.