Hurricane Helene has left its mark on Asheville and Western North Carolina, but together, we can help rebuild the lives of those most affected. That’s why GBX Group, ArtsAVL, and Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR) have launched WNC Tip It Forward — an urgent relief fund to provide critical support for local artists and food service workers who have been directly impacted and to support the ongoing charitable efforts of ArtsAVL and AIR. We’re seeking support from small-dollar donors across the U.S. and the world, to help WNC recover and reopen.

These are the servers, painters, line cooks, potters, baristas, and musicians who are members of our vibrant community. With your help, WNC Tip It Forward can deliver essential relief grants to eligible recipients based on their evolving needs, enabling them to recover faster.

Every donation, big or small, means another day of support, another chance to rebuild, and a brighter future for Asheville and Western North Carolina's culinary and creative workers.

Volunteers serving food People gathered in a food pantry Flood back love
Photos courtesy of ArtsAVL

About AIR

At the heart of AIR (Asheville Independent Restaurants) is a passion for food – the kind of food that’s not just delicious but locally-sourced and award-winning. Yet, our mission goes beyond the kitchen. We’re about making an impact where it matters most: in the kitchen, at the table, and throughout our community.

Founded in 2003 by four visionary local restaurant owners, AIR was born from a simple yet powerful idea: by uniting Asheville’s independent restaurants, we could foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and community stewardship unlike any other in the industry. Fast forward to today, and we proudly represent over 150 members, collectively employing more than 4,000 dedicated individuals across Buncombe County.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's devastation, our restaurant community has risen to the occasion. From partnering with World Central Kitchen to cooking for first responders, essential workers, and volunteers, to serving nutritious meals from their doors, our restaurants and their teams continue to do what they do best: feed people with heart and purpose. This is what AIR is all about – feeding bodies and nourishing souls in times of need.

AIR Relief Grant

About ArtsAVL

There are many areas along the Blue Ridge that have beautiful scenery, but our creative community makes the Asheville area stand out from the rest.

Founded in 1953, ArtsAVL (formerly Asheville Area Arts Council) is the designated arts agency for Buncombe County, NC, and is a regional arts advocate for Western NC. As the second arts council formed in North Carolina and one of the first in the United States, we have been serving our creative community for over 70 years-- long before there was a National Endowment for the Arts or a North Carolina Arts Council. Our mission is to keep the arts at the heart of the community. ArtsAVL fulfills this mission by supporting arts organizations and artists in Buncombe County through connection, advocacy, and grants.

Our local arts sector has been decimated by Hurricane Helene, but is still showing up for the community we love in many creative ways. Our artists have turned rubble into public art, distribution centers into concert halls and concert halls into distribution centers, captured the beauty in our devastation, and given us the words to express our grief. ArtsAVL is accepting charitable donations to get aid to the artists who are helping Asheville rebuild.

ArtsAVL Relief Grant

About GBX Group

GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving, and operating historic real estate in urban markets. The company partners with investors to fund the purchase and preservation of historic real estate with the goal of generating community revitalization and economic growth. As of January 2024, GBX has been involved in 202 real estate projects in 24 states. For more about GBX, visit gbxgroup.com.

Over the years, GBX has invested in and worked to preserve 19 historic buildings across Asheville, and we currently manage a portfolio of bed & breakfasts, office and residential properties across the city. 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. 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.