Official press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Catherine Campbell
November 18, 2024 catherine@oneforthebooks.com
GBX Group, AIR, and ArtsAVL Launch ‘WNC Tip It Forward’ to Provide Relief Grants to Asheville’s Culinary and Creative Communities Following Hurricane
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA – 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 also will 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.”
About GBX Group LLC
GBX Group LLC specializes in acquiring, preserving, and operating historic real estate in urban markets. 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. 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/.
About ArtsAVL
Founded in 1953, ArtsAVL (formerly Asheville Area Arts Council) is the designated arts agency for Buncombe County. Their mission is to keep the arts at the heart of our community. ArtsAVL fulfills this mission by supporting arts organizations and artists in Buncombe County through connection, advocacy, and grants. Learn more about ArtsAVL at artsavl.org.
About Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR)
AIR is all about food in Asheville – delicious, locally-sourced, award-winning food. But we are also about making a difference in the kitchen, at the table, and in the community. We began in 2003 with the spark of an idea formulated by four local restaurant owners who believed that by working together, Asheville’s independent restaurants could create a culture of collaboration and stewardship unique in the industry. Today, our 16-member board leads an organization of 150+ members, making us the largest not-for-profit (501C-6) organization of our kind in the U.S. For more about AIR, visit https://airasheville.org/
Partner Contacts:
Katie Cornell
ArtsAVL
Executive Director
katie@artsavl.org
Meghan Rogers
AIR
Executive Director
meghan@airasheville.org
Kelsey Sparacia
GBX Group LLC
Public Affairs & Marketing Associate
513.432.6156
kelseysparacia@gbxgroup.com
