In the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on our Asheville partner practice, Black Orthodontics, several Team Members across the platform have expressed an interest in supporting these communities in their recovery efforts.

While all Black Orthodontics Team Members are safe and have been taken care of, we want to respond to the requests of many partners who have asked what they can do to help the broader community.

In partnership with our Human Resources team and Dr. Keith Black, our Asheville disaster response task force has organized a GoFundMe benefitting the Manna Food Bank and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, both local charities were selected for their longstanding service in the Asheville community. This fundraiser will run from October 31 through November 30. You can read about each charity below and learn more by visiting these links:

Manna Food Bank: providing food and baby supplies to the Asheville community

Community Foundation of Western North Carolina: Dispersing funds to support regional response and relief efforts in Western North Carolina

To be clear, this GoFundMe will not go towards the Black Orthodontics team, as we have ensured their essential needs are taken care of. The donations from this GoFundMe will be split 50/50 between Manna Food Bank and the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. Please know that there is absolutely no pressure to donate—this is simply an option for those who have asked how they can contribute.

Please see below for additional FAQs and a statement from Dr. Keith Black. Thank you again for the outpouring of support for your fellow Team Members in the midst of several recent natural disasters — it truly makes a difference.

"The devastation is challenging with unknowns and still so many without water but the community is really rallying and trying to help create a new normal. My team is thankful to be okay and now back with their work family. I am so thankful they are here taking care of each other and our patients! Thank you for your prayers and help!"  - Dr. Keith Black

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is my donation tax deductible?

Donations made to personal GoFundMe fundraisers are generally considered to be "personal gifts" which are not tax deductible for donors.

Where is my donation going?

Our fundraising total will be split 50/50, with half of the funds benefitting Manna Food Bank and half benefitting the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina.

How will these organizations use my donation?

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, through its Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, accepts and disperses funds to support regional response and relief efforts in Western North Carolina by providing grants to non-profit organizations and business owners. Manna Food Bank is using funds to help local families in need of food and baby supplies.

Does the GoFundMe benefit Black Orthodontics Team Members?

No. SOP has ensured all Black Orthodontics Team Members and their families have had their needs met over the past few weeks. These donations will solely benefit the community we serve in Asheville.

About Southern Orthodontic Partners:

Southern Orthodontic Partners is a premier network of integrated orthodontic practices in the southern United States.

Through its network, partners gain access to valuable opportunities to positively impact their profession and teams through a partnership of clinical and service excellence.