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NonProfits

Bell Ringers Needed for Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign

November 29, 2023 The annual signature fundraiser of the Salvation Army, better known as the Red Kettle Campaign, should be in full swing by now— but there’s one huge problem this year: There aren’t enough people stepping up to help jingle the bells.It’s a sad reality for Stacie Healy, the organization’s Service Center Director for the High Country. On Monday, she had only three ringers.for the 17 available sites across Ashe, Avery and Watauga counties. “On a good day so far, we might have seven ringers.”Now in her third year of heading up the regional center, Healy stressed, “We know it’s cold out there, but many people who are ringing the bells are able to return to a warm home with food on their tables and their bills paid; most of those they are ringing for do not have the same comforts.” By Sherrie Norris

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Alair Homes Supports the Hunger and Health Coalition 

November 14, 2023 Blowing Rock, NC – Each year during the holiday season Alair™ Homes partners with the Hunger and Health Coalition and other local business leaders and community residents to give back to the High Country community through their annual Alair Community Challenge event.”In our community, living better starts with ensuring that everyone has access to the food they need. As we work to build a happier, healthier High Country, let’s come together to put meals on every table this holiday season.”, shared Alair Homes Partner, Jeff Smith.  

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MANNA FoodBank Community Market to be held in Newland on Wednesday, November 15

November 13, 2023 The MANNA FoodBank will host another Community Market on Wednesday, November 15 at the Old Rock School Gymnasium in Newland.  The gymnasium is located at 185 Shady Street and is adjacent to Newland Elementary School. Anyone or any family struggling financially to afford groceries is not only welcome, but encouraged to go there then to receive free grocery staples, fresh produce, and perishable items from the MANNA FoodBank.The Community Market will open at 11:30 a.m. and will remain so until its food items run out.  It will have touch free and drive-through pick up service. By Tim Gardner

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Bella’s Italian Restaurant in Banner Elk Hosts Awards Dinners for “The Grandfather Challenge” Hiking Program for At-Risk Kids  !!

November 13, 2023 “The Grandfather Challenge” program is sponsored by The Jason Project, Inc., which was formed by the parents of Jason Matthew Nipper, who passed away in June of 2014 at age 26. This private foundation provides outdoor/wilderness and hiking excursions and similar programs which are designed to build self-confidence in struggling youth, as well as trust and positive rapport with adult mentors. Because of Jason’s abiding love of the outdoors and mountain hiking, James & Cheryl Nipper established “The Grandfather Challenge,” through which middle and high school students, through a series of four weekly hikes, navigate all of the rigorous hiking trails at Grandfather Mountain. 

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Save the Date: High Country Food Hub Freezer Sale! September 20th

September 5, 2023 BOONE, N.C. — Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture is excited to announce the High Country Food Hub Freezer Sale to offer local meat at a discounted price as farmers prepare for fall harvests.The Freezer Sale will take place from 12:00PM-5:00PM on Wednesday, Sept. 20th, 2023 at the High Country Food Hub. 

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Hospitality House to Host Free Food Truck Event for Community Thursday

August 30, 2023 On Thursday, August 31st, the Hospitality House of Boone is hosting the third installment of their four-part “Savor the Summer” food truck rodeo series. The event is completely free and includes four food trucks along with a free farmers’ market with produce grown in Hospitality House’s own on-site organic garden, food prepared in their kitchen, and games and activities for kids and adults.  By Zack Hill

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Hebron Ministries Hosting 15th Annual Golf Tournament, Saturday, Aug. 5

July 25, 2023 The 15th Annual Hebron Colony Charity Golf Classic is coming up soon  — Saturday, Aug. 5 —and promises to be another fun-filled tournament to help with the ongoing operation of one of the area’s most life-changing nonprofit organizations. Hebron Colony, since 1947, has been helping individuals find restoration and hope from addictions to drugs and alcohol. Spending time “on the mountain,” as many of the students refer to the peaceful, healing setting near Boone, has helped them find answers to some of life’s most difficult questions and get back on track to leading wholesome, healthy and successful lifestyles. By Sherrie Norris

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High Country Caregivers Says Thank You to Sponsors Who Made 2nd Annual Golf Tournament with Coach Jerry Moore a Success

July 13, 2023 The second annual coaches’ invitational golf tournament, organized by High Country Caregivers (HCC) was an amazing success thanks to its sponsors, coaches and celebrities according to HCC executive director Jacob Willis. “Our sponsors are integral to the event’s success,” said Willis. “We couldn’t host this event without the support of amazing community businesses who team up with us to help.” By Kris Testori

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WAMY Community Action Launches “Christmas in July” Holiday Gift Collection Drive

June 29, 2023 Boone, NC – WAMY Community Action, a non-profit organization serving Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, is excited to launch its annual “Santa for Seniors” holiday gift collection drive. The initiative, also known as “Christmas in July,” aims to spread cheer and bring joy to over 1,400 senior citizens who are homebound, in hospice care, or assisted living during the holiday season.”While Santa is away enjoying his summer vacation, we need your help to ensure that our seniors have a memorable and festive holiday season,” said Director of Development Allison Jennings. “We invite everyone to be a part of this initiative by donating new blankets, lip balm, lotion, puzzle books, and socks. Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those who may feel lonely or isolated during the holidays.”

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Western Youth Network Seeking Mentor Volunteers

June 29, 2023 Western Youth Network (WYN) is a local non-profit organization that provides youth in our community with mentoring support, after school programming and community health services. WYN is in need of volunteer mentors that will be positive role models for local youth ranging in age from 6-17. 

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Farm Fresh: Organic organization cultivates community and fresh fare from the farm

June 26, 2023 Find women doing outstanding work in their field via Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture, a female-led organization dedicated to fostering a sustainable and fair food scene in the High Country. To do this, the organization bolsters local producers and creates connections among the community that contribute to knowledge and excitement of eating farm-grown food—ultimately upping the local demand and desire for local fare. By Anna Beth Adcock

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Watauga Community Housing Trust Announces Fundraising Campaign

June 5, 2023 BOONE, NC: The Watauga Community Housing Trust is announcing a project partnership with the Junaluska Heritage Association to fundraise for the purchase of a home near downtown Boone. By securing this property, WCHT will create its first permanently affordable using the housing trust model. The organizations pursuing this project seek the support of the community to make this project a reality, and create a new way for the community to add more affordable homes each year.

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Hospitality House Celebrates Receiving More Than $400,000 in Grants to Fight Homelessness in High Country

June 1, 2023 More than 60 local politicians, community advocates as well as representatives from state and federal agencies and organizations gathered at the Hospitality House in Boone on Wednesday to celebrate Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina receiving $446,625 in grants to combat rural homelessness. The money comes from grants of more than $22 million awarded to the state from the department of Housing and Urban Development, also known as HUD. Hospitality House of Northwest NC includes Watauga, Wilkes, Ashe, Alleghany, Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties. By Zack Hill

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OASIS, Inc. to celebrate 45 years of service with Midnight at the OASIS

May 31, 2023 OASIS, Inc. the local nonprofit serving victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence, is celebrating their 45th anniversary this summer with the return of Midnight at the OASIS. Seeking a way to celebrate the impact of 25 years of service to the High Country, OASIS hosted Midnight at the OASIS for the first time in 2003. Now, 20 years later, they invite our community to join them for the first Midnight at the OASIS since 2019.

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Hugh Fields Crossnore Children’s Gold Classic Celebrates 25 Years

May 23, 2023 CROSSNORE, N.C. — Crossnore Communities for Children celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Hugh Fields Crossnore Children’s Golf Classic on May 15, 2023 at Linville Golf Club. The tournament was created to support current needs at the agency by Phyllis Crain, Ed.D., executive director at Crossnore until her death in 2012. With the support of Hugh Fields, longtime trustee at Crossnore before his death in 2011, the tournament has raised more than $1.5 million in the last 25 years. The tournament is a lasting legacy to the work of Dr. Crain and Hugh Fields.

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Six Watauga County Residents Receive Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

May 23, 2023 Six Watauga County residents each received the 2023 North Carolina Governor’s Volunteer Service Award during an evening ceremony on Thursday, May 18, at the Blue Ridge Energy Community Room in Boone.William Butler, Ken Connelly, Lisa Shelton, Judith Phoenix, Curt Gillespie and Gerald Traudt are among the  state’s most dedicated individuals currently being recognized across the state for their selfless sacrifices of time, talent and energy. The local event was sponsored by High Country United Way, the assigned coordinator for the governor’s volunteer recognition  program in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties;  presiding was the organization’s Executive Director, Rebeca Hall, assisted by Director of Operations, Susan Stuber. By Sherrie Norris

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Grandfather Vineyard & Winery to Host June 7 Benefit for Casting Bread Featuring Adam Church and Food From Eleven80 Eatery

May 18, 2023 BLOWING ROCK, N.C. – Casting Bread announces an evening at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery on Wednesday, June 7 from 6:30p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The event will feature a performance by local favorite Adam Church. Tickets are $50.00 and include wine and a meal from Eleven80 Eatery Smokehouse’s barbecue food truck. “We are grateful for the support from Grandfather Vineyard, Eleven80 and Adam Church,” stated Sam Garrett, Casting Bread’s executive director. Proceeds from the June 7 event will help the organization supply food for its free, client-choice pantry. 

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May 15, 2023     Your High Country Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will conduct the 15th Annual Memorial Day Commemoration Monday 29 May at the Boone Mall. The ceremony will include participation of the Watauga Community Band offering a prelude concert commencing at 1030 AM. At 1100, Watauga High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard will present the Colors. The Pledge of Allegiance, National Anthem and Invocation will follow with brief remarks honoring those who have served our Nation. Deceased veterans of our military services suffered the discipline to protect the freedoms that we enjoy. They dedicated their lives to our country and deserve to be recognized for their patriotism and willingness to serve in war or peace.

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Toe Valley Soup Ministry Celebrates Successful Year with Bluegrass Concert Saturday, April 29th at Pine Grove United Methodist Church

April 27, 2023 There are various outreach ministries in the North Carolina High Country founded to assist those in need in various manners. One that serves Avery and Mitchell County has completed its fourteenth year of existence in 2023 is the Toe Valley Soup Ministry. And to celebrate another year of success, this ministry will hold a bluegrass concert for all who want to attend this Saturday, April 29th at Pine Grove Methodist Church, located at 53 Pine Grove Church Road, in the Ingalls Community of Avery County.  The church is near the intersection of Mullen Hill Road and U.S. Highway 19-E. By Tim Gardner

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Nonprofit Spotlight: Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge 

April 27, 2023 The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge hosted a well-attended information session Wednesday evening at Sunset and Vine in Blowing Rock. Patti Jupiter, WFBR Board Chairwoman spoke and shared the organization’s mission and history. Established in 2007, The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge is a collective giving organization formed and sustained by a group of women philanthropists who want to positively impact the lives of women and girls in the High Country. The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge believes that all women have the right to equality, safety, opportunity, and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. By Kris Testori

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