NonProfits Archives

Blowing Rock Garden Club to Host Wildflower Bingo Fundraiser for Memorial Garden Sept. 26

September 13, 2024 The Blowing Rock Garden Club is excited to announce its upcoming fundraiser, “Wildflower Bingo,” set to take place on Thursday, September 26 from 6:00-8:00p.m. This lively event will be held to raise funds for the maintenance and improvement of the beloved Memorial Garden in downtown Blowing Rock. Tickets for Wildflower Bingo are priced at $20 each, which includes a bingo card, a raffle ticket and a selection of snacks to enjoy throughout the evening. Attendees will have the chance to win fantastic prizes from local businesses and artisans, while supporting a great cause that benefits the entire community. In addition, silent auction items will be available, such as Tweetsie Railroad tickets, 4 rounds of golf from Linville Harbor, art prints and carvings from local artists.

September 11, 2024 The annual Frank and Kay Golf Classic is set to tee off on Monday September 30, 2024, 1:30 p.m. at Hound Ears Club. This signature event, at the private, award-winning George Cobb designed golf course, supports the endowment for Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. and honors the legacy of philanthropy and leadership that Appalachian State University Chancellor-Emeritus Frank Borkowski and his multi-talented wife Kay have bestowed upon the High Country since their arrival in 1993.

September 3, 2024 “Grief does not have an expiration date.” Those words were aptly spoken by the Rev. Brad Hinton during a memorial service in Boone on Thursday evening, Aug. 29, honoring the late Travis Gryder and Randy Collins, two community servants whose lives ended way too soon. Nearly 100 people came together for the unveiling of a permanent marker dedicated to the duo who were faithful members of Watauga County Rescue Squad. The impressive ceremony held at the squad headquarters in Boone, and hosted by their comrades, highlighted not only the accomplishments of the two men within the organization, but also paid tribute to the impact that each had on the community, in general. By Sherrie Norris

September 3, 2024 Sponsored by one of the North Carolina Mountains’ most worthwhile and needed charitable organizations—High Country Caregivers (HCC)–the 5th Annual “A Night at Chetola” will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2024. This much-anticipated event will begin at 5:30 p.m. under the tent by the lake at the Chetola Resort, located at 185 Chetola Lake Drive in Blowing Rock. This exclusive fundraising event, set against the majestic and picturesque backdrop of Chetola Resort’s lakeside, promises to be an extraordinary experience with a delectable meal, an open bar, a captivating silent auction, and live music with dancing entertainment.

September 2, 2024 Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. officially turns forty years-old on September 7th and to celebrate they are hosting two fun and free events in the coming days. On Thursday September 5th they are buying Boone lunch at F.A.R.M. Café (located at 617 W. King St.) from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. “Buy Boone Lunch” is a F.A.R.M. Café sponsorship program where a business covers the average daily cost of food and operations. Every additional dollar donated for the meal is utilized to fight food insecurity in the High Country.

August 26, 2024 The Blowing Rock Community Foundation presented its long running benefit “Groovy Nights” over three nights in August at the Blowing Rock Country Club. Thirteen acts took to the stage to lip sync their way through hilarious skits that entertained sold-out audiences. Groovy Nights started with an idea from Karen Curlin in 2008. This was the 13th year of performances.

August 22, 2024 The Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K and Kids Fun Run, a favorite autumn event in the high country, returns to Blowing Rock on September 21, 2024. Now in its 24th year, the run begins in downtown Blowing Rock and winds its way through the Mayview Neighborhood, challenging runners with hills and switchbacks, and rewarding participants with spectacular views and delicious treats. Proceeds benefit Blue Ridge Conservancy, a local land trust committed to protecting lands with agricultural, cultural, recreational, ecological, and scenic value.

August 20, 2024 It’s time for the race to remember as the 11th Annual Hunter’s Heroes Race kicks off on Saturday, Sept. 14 in Boone. Beginning at 8 a.m., Clawson-Burnley Park near the Greenway Trail will attract dozens of participants for one of the area’s premiere outdoor events of the late-summer season. Since the 2012 tragic death of local deputy William Mast Jr., and the subsequent birth of his son, Hunter, just days later, the community has come together to honor his memory in a huge way. Along with other memorial events in Mast’s honor, this one continues to grow with each passing year. This 2024 event will once again feature a 10k, 5k and 1-mile fun run for kids 2-10. By Sherrie Norris

August 19, 2024 The Watauga Humane Society will be launching a new fundraising event! “A Starry Night” will be held Saturday, September 21 at The Blowing Rock, a local landmark in the High Country with magnificent vistas, meandering paths, and beautiful gardens with turtle and koi ponds. There is even a museum onsite for local history enthusiasts. Evening activities will include a wine pull, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction, and a few surprises! A highlight of the event will be a special plein air painting demonstration by dog artists-in- residence who will create commissioned bark art for pet patrons. Attendees will be gifted an engraved wine glass commemorating the event. Proceeds from the event will support the life- saving mission of the Watauga Humane Society and the 1,600 dogs, cats, and critters it serves annually in the High Country.

August 19, 2024 The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation will host The Denim Ball at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, at Camp Yonahnoka at Linville Golf Club in Linville. The annual fundraiser supports enhancements and repairs at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Guests are invited to don their best denim attire for an evening of live music with the band Continental Divide, a dinner of delicious mountain-inspired cuisine, dancing, drinks, and live and silent auctions.

August 15, 2024 Ashlee Yepez started her journey at Watauga Humane Society 11 years ago as a valued member of the kennel team. After several months, she quickly realized she had a lot more to offer and set out to soak in all the knowledge she could. She absolutely loves to learn, so any downtime she had was spent around the front desk soaking it all in and helping on busy days. From there, it snowballed, and she quickly found herself cross-trained in almost every department.

August 14, 2024 Area widows have begun receiving much-needed support through a group known as Never Alone, which launched in Boone earlier this year. A branch of a nation-wide organization founded by a two-time widow, Rachel Faulkner Brown, Never Alone offers fellowship and a feeling of community for women who are living in a difficult and often-unexpected and misunderstood place in life. On Friday evening, Aug. 16, any woman, regardless of age, who has been thrust into the awkward state of widowhood is invited to join in the Boone-based chapter of Never Alone. The group will meet at 6 p.m. at Rhodes Motor Inn Restaurant in Boone. By Sherrie Norris

August 13, 2024 The 2024 Back 2 School Festival was held this past weekend on Saturday, August 10 at Watauga High School, and served 1,964 Watauga County Students. “This is our biggest turnout yet” said the festival’s coordinator, Kendra Sink. “We are so grateful to this community for making this event possible year after year.” Festival attendees were given free school supplies, including backpacks and shoes, and 120 students even received fresh haircuts courtesy of volunteer stylists from the area. Local businesses and organizations were also on hand with games, activities, and free prizes for children and their families to enjoy during the event.

August 13, 2024 North Carolina’s weatherization programs, which have been effectively managed by Community Action Agencies across the state, including W.A.M.Y. Community Action serving Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties, are now at a critical juncture. Recent funding shortfalls and administrative obstacles threaten their effectiveness. Community Action officials are increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s (NC DEQ) role in these challenges.

August 7, 2024 It’s been a busy summer down on the farm — in particular at De La Cruz Farms in Watauga County. Summer camps for youngsters of all ages and abilities have filled the calendar, as dozens of participants have enjoyed life-changing and enhancing experiences. There is rarely a dull moment at the Deep Gap location and even more excitement is on the way. The inaugural Deep Gap Derby Day, benefiting De La Cruz Farms, is coming soon and promises a unique evening of fun with live entertainment, raffles, a catered meal and a chance to hear from families whose lives have been impacted by the ministry of the farm. By Sherrie Norris

August 6, 2024 The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and Waypoint Adventure are partnering to offer adaptive kayak training for volunteers and adventures for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in August at Price Lake, milepost 297 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Blowing Rock, N.C. The training session for volunteers will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tues., Aug. 13. The free program is designed to equip volunteers with the skills and knowledge necessary to better assist individuals with a variety of disabilities on kayaking adventures. Participants will engage in exercises that cover basic kayaking skills, rescue maneuvers, and adaptive techniques. Participants are invited to use their training from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 16, by assisting in two outings for people with disabilities on Price Lake.

July 26, 2024 A large group of youngsters and their leaders converged upon the High Country in mid-July with a mission in mind — and they departed a week later satisfied that they had made a difference. That’s the word from Boone’s own Daniel and Katie Machon who coordinated a volunteer community service project through the nonprofit organization known as World Changers. Having been part of World Changers since middle and high school themselves, the Machon couple had long hoped to host the organization in a town they called home. And they were finally able to do just that after living in Boone for the last several years. By Sherrie Norris

August 1, 2024 St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church announces a successful 66 th Annual Blowing Rock Tour of Homes, thanks to the countless hours of volunteers from around Watauga County and beyond who donated Timeless Treasures, baked fabulous cakes, cookies and pies, drove, guided, arranged flowers, served lunches, organized, sold, and cleaned, as well as the four families who so graciously opened their lovely homes for over a thousand visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.

July 29, 2024 “On Friday, Blue Ridge Conservancy (BRC) and partners officially opened the Watauga River Access on 194 in Valle Crucis. BRC staff were joined by officials from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Watauga Tourism Development Authority (TDA), MaryAnn Mueller and Diana Travis, who gifted the majority of the land for the access point, and supporters of the project. This beautiful spot, including 1,300 feet of river frontage located in between the Valle Crucis Community Park and the Watauga Gorge Park, provides parking and recreational opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing.

July 26, 2024 Three years and counting and Dinner in the Gap has done it again — successfully bridging the gap between local agriculture, growers, consumers, some of the best chefs in the state and the High Country community, in general. During the 2024 annual farm-to-table gala, which from the onset has been a statewide collaborative with special emphasis on the High Country, a live auction raised the largest amount yet for F.A.R.M. Café in Boone. Organized by Daniel Brown and hosted by BFR Meats and the Brown Family on part of their farm in Deep Gap, the July 21 event welcomed 324 attendees, representing a wide spectrum of farmers, friends, food industry leaders and supporters from the mountains to the coast. By Sherrie Norris

July 25, 2024 Watauga Habitat is thrilled to announce the dedication of their 34th home, which occurred on July 20, 2024. The Gay family of four invited Habitat supporters, their church community from the Harvest House, and their friends and family into their home for an official Home Dedication. The Home Dedication is a ceremony that functions as the symbolic passing of the keys from Watauga Habitat for Humanity to the homeowner, signifying the transfer of ownership.

July 24, 2024 The 2024 Back 2 School Festival is coming up on August 10, and is still actively seeking donations and sponsorships. “We still need about $50,000 in order to make the festival happen” said festival coordinator, Kendra Sink. “We’re coming to the community to ask for help to make sure we can get everything we need for our students.” Every year the Back 2 School Festival serves hundreds of Watauga County school children whose families are struggling to meet the need of back to school shopping. Last year, over 1,800 children attended the festival, and received everything from backpacks, crayons, pencils, and 3-ring binders, to a new pair of shoes, and even a fresh haircut courtesy of volunteer stylists from the area.

July 22, 2024 Hospitality House of Northwest North Carolina is thrilled to welcome internationally recognized trauma-informed care expert and survivor Tonier Cain as the guest speaker for its fortieth anniversary Hope Luncheon. Taking place 11:00 a.m. Friday August 16, 2024, lakeside at the award-winning Chetola Resort, individual tickets are $40 to attend or a table of eight may be purchased for $400. This is the agency’s largest annual fundraiser, and guests will be encouraged to give generously to reach their goal of $100,000.

Take a Look and See How We Are Doing at the Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.

July 18, 2024 Thank you for being one of our valued supporters. We want to convey our thanks and make sure that you know the positive impact that you are having in the community. and make sure that you know the positive impact we are having in the community. Below is our 2023 Annual Summary for you to view and/or download. Hospitality House of Northwest N.C. has been providing housing, shelter, food access, counseling, and crisis assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness and poverty-related crises since 1984 – and your support has made this possible.

July 17, 2024 Appalachian State University’s Frontline to Farm program has been serving Veterans since 2020. To date, 78 participants have completed its in-person training. The program also provides online resources, as well as internships and scholarships for specialized training across the US – all focused on supporting veterans’ transition to farming and promoting sustainable farming practices that mitigate climate change, promote food security, and build community. Funded by a NIFA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant and supported by the Boone community, the 1-week Beginner Training and 2-day Alumni Training included classroom sessions on Appalachian State University’s campus and afternoon farm tours around the High Countr

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Blowing Rock Garden Club to Host Wildflower Bingo Fundraiser for Memorial Garden Sept. 26

Frank & Kay Golf Classic at Hound Ears Club to Benefit Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.

Watauga Rescue Squad Unveils Monument Honoring the Memory of Two Former Community Heroes

High Country Caregivers to hold “A Night at Chetola” on Thursday, September 12

Hospitality House Celebrates 40 Years by Buying Boone Lunch at F.A.R.M. Café and Throwing a Birthday Party at The Appalachian Theatre

Groovy Nights 2024 Videos! – Show Stopping Performances to Benefit the Blowing Rock Community Foundation: See Videos Here!

The 24th Annual Blue Ridge Conservancy 5K Set for September 21st in Blowing Rock

Run To Remember: Registration Open for 11th Annual Hunter’s Heroes Event, Set for Sept. 14

A Starry Night – Watauga Humane Society Fundraiser on Sept. 21st at The Blowing Rock

Tickets on Sale Now for The Denim Ball on Sept. 5 to Raise Funds for Moses H. Cone Memorial Park

Ashlee Yepez’s Journey at Watauga Humane Society Lead Her to Position as Director of Operations

Never Alone Widows Group Supports Those Left Behind Next Meeting in Boone Friday, Aug. 16

Annual Back 2 School Festival Serves over 1,900 Students, “Our Biggest Turnout Yet”

Weatherization Programs: A Crucial Lifeline for Elderly and Disadvantaged Residents Across NC

Summer Winding Down At De La Cruz Farms, But Derby Day Is Just Around the Corner on Sept. 7

Adaptive Kayaking Programs to be Offered in August at Price Lake

Volunteers With World Changers: They Came, They Conquered and Made an Indelible Mark Upon High Country

St. Mary of the Hills Episcopal Church’s 66th Blowing Rock Tour of Homes Great Success

Blue Ridge Conservancy and Watauga County Officially Open Valle Crucis River Access

Dinner In The Gap Auction Raises $13,700 In Support of F.A.R.M Café

Watauga County Habitat for Humanity Announces Their 34th Home Dedication

Back 2 School Festival Urgently Seeking Donations, Sponsorships for August 10th Event

Hospitality House 40th Anniversary Luncheon to take Place August 16 at Chetola; Featuring Internationally Recognized Trauma Survivor and Advocate Tonier Cain

Take a Look and See How We Are Doing at the Hospitality House of Northwest N.C.

App State’s Frontline to Farm In-Person Training Completes Another Successful Year