Support Western NC Communities and Schools

My name is Julie Burns and my husband is Paul Louis, we are living in Washington DC. We have both spent years in the mountains and rivers of Western North Carolina and have countless dear friends in Asheville and surrounding communities — most but not all Outward Bound folks, as we have been for decades.

Hurricane Helene brought truly unimaginable destruction we'd never have expected in these mountains, and we are heartbroken. We want to dig in and help out wherever and however we can. Our plan is to purchase a bunch of supplies for two local schools, to bring down a bunch of camping and cooking equipment for those without power, and to volunteer our time to several local groups helping communities out day by day. More needs become apparent every day so we will add them to our list and just buy as much as we have funds for, shuttling out to get more as needed.

I will provide regular updates and photos to show you how it all takes shape.

Anything at all you'd like to contribute will be most appreciated! No overhead here. Any funds raised in excess of what we are able to utilize will be contributed to local organizations providing all manner of support in this incredibly difficult time. Thanks so much for considering a contribution!