In this newsletter, NCFREE highlights some of the tremendous efforts displayed by many of North Carolina’s companies with regard to disaster recovery for Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina and beyond.
Below is a list of companies, though not comprehensive, who have been making a profound difference:
Duke Energy is leading the charge in restoring power to the Carolinas in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The company has successfully reconnected over 1.8 million customers, supported by a massive workforce of 18,000 workers who are addressing extensive infrastructure damage. With around 50% of remaining outages requiring major restoration efforts, Duke Energy is committed to bringing power back as quickly as possible. Their real-time outage map offers transparency and allows residents, particularly in hard-hit areas of Western North Carolina, to track restoration progress and stay informed.
Glen Raven, a Burlington-based textile company, has stepped in to assist hurricane-affected communities by leveraging its extensive logistical network. The company swiftly dispatched emergency supplies to its subsidiaries in Burnsville, North Carolina, and Anderson, South Carolina. This prompt response highlights Glen Raven’s ability to use its resources effectively to support disaster relief, showcasing how North Carolina businesses are playing a critical role in helping communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
The N.C. Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association has delivered a combined $75,000 donation to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to aid recovery from Hurricane Helene. The National Beer Wholesalers Association, the Independent Beer Distributors Relief Fund and the N.C. Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association have each donated $25,000 to aid ongoing relief efforts for the Western North Carolina residents impacted by this catastrophic storm. In the wake of Helene’s onslaught, N.C. beer and wine distributors quickly mobilized their teams and fleets to provide immediate support for affected communities. Close to a dozen Association member companies have donated and delivered hundreds of thousands of bottles and cans of water to support relief efforts in Western N.C.
Raleigh-based Fred Anderson Toyota took immediate action to support those affected by Hurricane Helene by organizing supply collections across the Triangle and transporting them directly to its dealerships in Western North Carolina. This coordinated effort ensured that essential supplies reached some of the hardest-hit areas quickly, demonstrating the private sector’s strong commitment to helping communities in times of crisis and highlighting the importance of local businesses in disaster recovery.
In a powerful collaboration, NASCAR rivals Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs set aside competition to join forces in providing direct relief to North Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. While preparing for races in Kansas, both teams utilized helicopters to airlift vital supplies to Asheville and Fairview, bypassing washed-out roads. This joint effort delivered much-needed aid to isolated communities, underscoring the spirit of unity and swift action among the state’s leaders during the recovery process.
Spectrum has committed $1 million to support recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This includes $250,000 in cash contributions and $750,000 in public service announcement airtime to raise awareness and funds for relief organizations. In addition, Spectrum opened nearly 90,000 out-of-home WiFi access points across the Southeast, providing essential connectivity for residents in affected areas. Their technicians and engineers are working tirelessly to restore services across the Carolinas, ensuring that communities can stay connected as they rebuild.
CarMax is putting its focus on supporting employees and local communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. The company closed its stores in Asheville, NC, and Augusta, GA, but quickly provided financial aid to affected employees through its Associate Disaster Relief Fund, offering up to $1,500 per employee. This compassionate response demonstrates how businesses like CarMax can extend support to their workforce during times of crisis, reinforcing their commitment to community and employee well-being.
Food Lion is making a significant contribution to Hurricane Helene recovery efforts with a $1.5 million donation aimed at helping affected communities. Partnering with the American Red Cross and World Central Kitchen, the company is providing food, water, and emergency supplies to those in need. Through its Food Lion Feeds program, the company has already donated over 280,000 pounds of food and water, illustrating its dedication to supporting disaster relief and addressing hunger in the hardest-hit areas.
In a remarkable act of generosity, Davis Home Furniture in Asheville is donating its entire inventory, valued at $5 million, to families in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. Owner Keith Davis opened his doors to the community, offering high-quality furniture to those in need at no cost. This incredible gesture highlights the power of local businesses in providing immediate and meaningful relief to their neighbors during times of hardship.
Forty-eight NC State student-athletes have come together in an inspiring show of solidarity, pooling a portion of their NIL earnings to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The group donated $4,635 to Samaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit organization based in Boone, NC, which has been significantly impacted by the storm. This initiative, praised by Executive Director Chris Vurnakes as “NIL for good,” exemplifies how student-athletes are using their platforms to make a positive difference in their communities during challenging times.
The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) is playing a pivotal role in the recovery from Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact. Collaborating with state agencies like NCDOT and SCDOT, CAGC members, including contractors and suppliers, are working to repair critical infrastructure and reopen damaged roadways, particularly in Western North Carolina. With flooding described as “Biblical,” the association is coordinating resources to assist in long-term recovery efforts. CAGC President Dave Simpson emphasized the group’s commitment to helping restore communities, highlighting the vital role contractors play in rebuilding after a disaster.
Dogwood Health Trust has committed over $30 million in relief funding to support Western North Carolina’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. The nonprofit, created from the sale of Mission Health, is focusing on immediate needs by directing $10 million to the Emergency and Disaster Response Fund at the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. The remaining $20 million will be distributed to local nonprofits and organizations with deep community ties. Dogwood is also working to attract additional state and federal funding to bolster long-term recovery efforts. CEO Susan Mims emphasized that the organization’s response will extend beyond short-term relief, supporting FEMA efforts and maintaining critical healthcare services across the region.
Biltmore Estate has announced the launch of the Biltmore Relief Fund for Western North Carolina, pledging $2 million to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. The fund will provide immediate financial relief to local nonprofits aiding in the recovery, support Biltmore employees in crisis, and invest in rebuilding the community. Despite the estate’s closure due to storm damage, Biltmore remains committed to stabilizing and restoring Western North Carolina, following the legacy of George and Edith Vanderbilt.
The North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) has created the $10 million “Back-on-Track Disaster Recovery Program” to support recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. This program will provide funding for infrastructure repair and wage support to Class II and III short-line railroads, local rail-served industries, and Economic Development Organizations (EDOs) in FEMA-designated disaster areas. NCRR’s initiative aims to quickly restore commerce and critical infrastructure to help communities rebuild. Grant applications are open through November 15, 2024.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) and the Blue Cross NC Foundation have committed more than $2.5 million to support local, regional, and statewide recovery efforts. Partnering with community organizations, the funds will provide food, shelter, and essential supplies to those affected. Initiatives include delivering prescription food boxes, formula, and baby supplies through local nonprofits and supporting foster families with housing assistance. Additionally, the Blue Cross NC Foundation is donating $1 million to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund to aid in long-term rebuilding. Blue Cross NC is also increasing healthcare access and offering community support at its Corporate Center in Boone, providing public resources like device charging and internet access.
North Carolina’s private sector is at the forefront of disaster recovery, delivering essential resources and support to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Through swift, coordinated action, these businesses are making a profound difference in the state’s rebuilding efforts. While this list highlights many significant contributions, it’s far from comprehensive. Charitable organizations like Samaritan’s Purse, another key player in the recovery, further showcase how the private sector has risen to the challenge, providing vital aid in the wake of this devastating storm.
Reminder: NCFREE’s Post-Election Leadership Luncheon on Nov. 20
This year’s Leadership Luncheon will bring together the top political, business, and government affairs leaders in the state for a special afternoon filled with networking, delicious food, and top-notch political intel following the 2024 election. We are excited to announce that Senator Phil Berger and House Rules Chairman Destin Hall will be joining us, and we also hope to have the 76th Governor of North Carolina.
We currently have full table sponsorships still available, so please reach out to Isabelle Powell at isabelle@ncfree.org if you or your company are interested in sponsoring. We plan to release individual tickets in November, pending remaining availability.
The Leadership Luncheon is NCFREE’s largest event of the year and funds a significant portion of the NCFREE budget. All donations to NCFREE as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Click here for sponsorship details.
Thank you for reading, and we hope you enjoyed this edition of NCFREE’s biweekly newsletter. Please reach out to us with any questions and stay tuned for more exciting updates from NCFREE soon.