HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF FOR WNC
On September 27, 2024 - Hurricane Helene ripped through WNC region with a devastating flood destroying many towns, homes, and businesses. As of this update on 10/21/24 (Day 24), casualties are still climbing. Basic needs are not met for most of the region. There is still no clean water in most areas including Asheville. Roads including sections of I-40 and I-26 are expected to stay closed for months.
There isn't one person in this area that has not been directly affected.
The video on the right was taken by Erin in Hot Springs, NC where she lives downtown. Her home is on higher ground and safe. This is 2 blocks from her home.
WHAT'S NEXT?
We don't know a ton yet for what the wedding industry, let alone our communities will look like moving forward. Things are still moving quickly and changing every day.
As a community, we are all still working on helping neighbors and ourselves meet our basic needs. Every one of us is grieving. There are job losses on a vast scale as our region's economy relies on Tourism and most of our area's businesses operated seasonally. Fall leaf season is the biggest season of the year which is now lost. (PWS makes 50% of it's income for me and my team from October + November alone)
Our biggest needs are money, safe infrastructure, love, and respect.
This is a long haul, y'all.
"HOW CAN I HELP?"
Since this is the most common question that we've been getting, here is an updated list of links for where and how you can help.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PLAIN WITH SPRINKLES TEAM?
We are working on how much financial damage this natural disaster has harmed our business. We are still paying off a business loan from surviving COVID, so taking out more loans is not an option. If you wish to donate to support our team's loss of payroll hours in Fall 2024, please use this link. Please indicate that this is for "PWS TEAM" or your lead planner you'd like to support directly.
Links last updated: 10/21/24
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW
