The Carolina Hurricanes have reached their $1 million fundraising goal for Hurricane Helene relief projects in Western North Carolina. The Hurricanes have been raising money for Hurricane Helene relief since September, via a community preseason game, special auctions, the “Raise Up $1 Million Raffle” and additional special events. In all, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation has now donated $630,000 to 11 different organizations in Western North Carolina since the start of the season.

“We are thankful for our fans, partners, players and ownership for helping us reach the ambitious goal of raising $1 million to help Western North Carolina recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” said Carolina Hurricanes President Doug Warf. “We are fortunate to have fans throughout the Carolinas, including many in the western part of our home state. We’ve been proud to work closely with almost a dozen different groups across that region to assist with the long rebuilding process.”

Recipients:

Asheville Hockey League
The Hurricanes have gifted $75,000 to help build a new hockey rink after the Asheville Hockey League's rink was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The rink was located in Asheville’s Carrier Park. The league boasts 1,800 full-time youth and adult members who were able to play three seasons a year on the rink over a 10-month span. The league’s youth and adult programs are currently playing an abbreviated season in Greenville, SC, a 90-minute drive from Asheville.

Equal Plates Project
Equal Plates is an Asheville-based organization that provides nourishing meals to families facing food insecurity. They purchase high-quality ingredients from local farmers and prepare meals to distribute to those in need. Since the hurricane, they have tripled meal production to support families, especially those hardest hit by the storm. The Hurricanes gave an initial $15,000 gift to help with meal production. Then, on April 20th, the Foundation surprised Equal Plates with an additional $20,000 to cover the cost of a new blast chiller to increase efficiency and food safety.

MANNA FoodBank
MANNA FoodBank, an Asheville-based organization that services 16 counties in Western North Carolina received $50,000 from the Canes. MANNA’s headquarters was destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Their staff immediately set up and established a new site, from which they operate a Disaster Response Food Distribution program with 225 partner agencies, serving as the foodbank’s frontline support, providing food distributions, community meals, nutrition programs and other essential services. Through MANNA’s critical partnership with the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation, they will purchase premade MANNA Packs for children. These funds will quickly ensure children in Western North Carolina have access to essential food during out-of-school times, addressing food insecurity and providing vital nourishment.

Children’s Council of Watauga County
The Children's Council of Watauga County is a nonprofit that works to build a strong foundation for children's learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the wider community. This $25,000 grant will help the Children’s Council assist up to 100 local families impacted by Hurricane Helene with essential needs. It will be a vital support for those who lost jobs or face financial strain, especially during the holidays. They can provide flexible aid, such as covering childcare costs, groceries, supplying gas cards, replacing car seats for families who lost vehicles, and offering temporary housing for displaced families. This funding allows the organization to directly address each family’s most urgent needs as they recover from the storm.

Hunger and Health Coalition
At the Hunger and Health Coalition, they go beyond just handing folks a box of food or prescription medication. They walk alongside the community on their health and wellness journey. Hunger and Health Coalition is providing food and medicine throughout 10 Western NC counties. HHC set up a mobile emergency relief program including a free mobile pharmacy. Relief efforts are reaching 12 remote locations supplying food, hygiene and lifesaving medications. HHC is accomplishing this by repurposing an existing fleet of Food Recovery vehicles and utilizing a network of 40 volunteer drivers who deliver supplies to children and families in their homes. They received $15,000 from the Carolina Hurricanes to assist in these efforts.

Canton All Abilities Playground
The Canton All Abilities Playground, an inclusive recreational space for individuals with diverse physical abilities, was almost ready for its grand opening when the storm caused significant damage to the equipment. With special features such as wheelchair access, ziplines, climbing structures, sensory and musical equipment and more, this park is a critical resource for the community. A donation of $100,000 will help repair and replace the storm-damaged equipment, ensuring that all ages and abilities can enjoy this much-needed recreational space once it opens.

Valle Crucis Community Park
In Valle Crucis, south of Boone, several key elements of the Valle Crucis Community Park were impacted by storm damage. With the team’s $100,000 in funding, the park will see improvements including new fencing, pathway repairs, a replacement playhouse village and upgraded picnic tables and benches. The donation will also help replant trees and add signage in memory of Wally Tatomir, a beloved community member and former Carolina Hurricanes equipment manager who retired to nearby Vilas.

Wade Tipton Field
Wade Tipton Field in Bakersville was severely impacted by the storm, requiring substantial repairs to its press box and bathroom facilities. The baseball field is a hub for local sports, and a donation of $150,000 will allow for repairs, new fencing installation and the addition of signage to honor the community's commitment to youth athletics.

Shultz Circle Park
Shultz Circle Park, located in Newland, sustained damage to its fencing, mulch and restroom building. A $25,000 donation will help restore these elements, ensuring that this community park remains a safe and welcoming place for residents.

Ray Cort Park
Ray Cort Park in Burnsville faced significant damage to its trails, bridge, volleyball court and playground. In addition to repairing the trails and stream bank, $25,000 will go towards renewing the playground mulch for safety. The storm also wiped out other parks and campgrounds in Yancey County, making this contribution crucial to the region’s recovery efforts.

Only Hope WNC
Only Hope WNC, an organization that supports homeless youth, has seen an increase in demand due to housing crises and storm-related challenges – serving five times as many youth post-storm. The organization has received a $50,000 donation to repair its dormitory and bathroom facilities, which will be restored in Hurricanes team colors. The funding will directly benefit vulnerable youth who rely on Only Hope WNC for housing, support, and stability.