The Stars Servin’ Up Love tennis benefit, presented by Explore Asheville, raised over $1 million for post-Hurricane Helene recovery in Western NC. Tennis legends Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, Jessica Pegula, and Emma Navarro, along with celebrities Jeff Probst, Michael Kosta, Pete Wentz, and Esai Morales, headlined the event, which aired nationally on the Tennis Channel. Funds will support the Always Asheville Fund, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, and the Asheville Tennis Association. The event was founded by former U.S. Open Tournament Director Jim Curley, who was inspired by similar relief efforts. The Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville, which served as an emergency shelter post-storm, hosted the benefit, marking its first major event since the hurricane. Organizers highlight the role of sports tourism in economic recovery and community rebuilding. Donations and auction bidding remain open at StarsServinUpLove.com.
South College has surpassed 1,000 students in its Competency-Based Education (CBE) programs, just three years after launching the flexible learning model. Designed for working professionals, CBE allows students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating subject mastery. The college has also introduced a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) (Post-Master’s) program, the first graduate- and doctorate-level CBE program approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing. This program enables nursing professionals to earn a doctorate while balancing their careers, with a focus on research, leadership, healthcare informatics, and clinical decision-making.
Donation:
Mast General Store has donated $25,000 to MountainTrue from its Mountain Strong fundraiser, supporting river clean-up efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. This brings Mountain Strong’s total contributions to $110,000, benefiting organizations aiding regional recovery. Mast Store President Lisa Cooper emphasized the importance of clean waterways for recreation and agriculture, while MountainTrue’s Andy Hill highlighted the funds’ impact on protecting High Country rivers. Mountain Strong shirts and stickers remain available, with proceeds continuing to support recovery. Volunteers are encouraged to join MountainTrue’s clean-up efforts. More details can be found at MountainTrue.org/event.
Funding:
MANNA FoodBank has received $7 million from CFWNC and NCCF to upgrade its new 84,000 sq. ft. warehouse, enhancing food distribution in Western NC and the Qualla Boundary. The funding supports critical infrastructure, including refrigeration, a sprinkler system, and a generator. Originally planned in 2018, the project faced delays due to COVID-19 and rising costs. A strategic warehouse purchase just before Hurricane Helene allowed MANNA to continue operations after flood damage. The upfit will take 12-18 months, with a community celebration planned upon completion. CFWNC and NCCF, key in Helene recovery, have granted over $24M and $29M respectively to support long-term relief efforts. Read more.
AdventHealth Hendersonville Foundation has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Perry N. Rudnick Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation of Henderson County to expand acute neonatal services at The Baby Place. This initiative will enhance labor and delivery care, reducing the need for patient transfers and ensuring newborns receive high-quality, comprehensive care close to home. More information is available at AdventHealthWNC.com.
Happenings:
Mars Hill University’s Weizenblatt Gallery will showcase Asheville photographer Pete Candler in the exhibition “A Realism of Absences” from February 12 to March 9, 2025. Candler, known for his black and white film photography, explores overlooked narratives of the American South, challenging accepted historical versions through his work. Candler’s photography has been featured in publications such as the Washington Post and Chicago Tribune, and he has published two collections: The Road to Unforgetting and A Deeper South. The gallery, located in the Moore Fine Art Building, is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with free admission. More information is available at mhu.edu.
Eblen Charities and The Heart of Cabi Foundation are hosting a Hurricane Relief Cabi Clothing Event on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 AM to 3 PM at 23 Hamilton Street, Asheville, NC. Women affected by Hurricane Helene can receive free new designer clothing (sizes 0-20 & XS-XXL) while supplies last. Recipients must bring a valid ID and proof of loss (e.g., FEMA approval letter or insurance documentation) and be present to receive clothing. For more information, contact Kathy Soule (ksoule@eblencharities.org) or Monica Gilreath (monicagilreath@gmail.com) or visit www.eblencharities.org.
APEX Brain Centers will host the Second Annual Brain Injury Forum on March 26, bringing together experts and local businesses supporting individuals with concussions and brain injuries. The event will explore leading-edge therapies such as Low-Level Laser Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Peptide Therapy, alongside progressive rehabilitation strategies, craniosacral therapy, and advanced lab testing. Attendees will gain insights into the future of brain injury care and connect with professionals dedicated to innovative treatment approaches.
Hire:
Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS) has appointed Anita Case, MSW, as its new CEO, succeeding Kim Wagenaar, MSN, who is retiring after leading the organization through significant growth and regional leadership in community health. Case, a Western NC native, previously served as CEO of Affinity Health Center in South Carolina, where she expanded healthcare access and financial sustainability. Wagenaar, CEO since 2019, guided WNCCHS through pandemic response efforts and Hurricane Helene recovery, ensuring continued operations and community support. Case officially starts March 17, working alongside Wagenaar to ensure a smooth transition. More details at www.wncchs.org.
AdventHealth Hendersonville welcomes Madison Hall, ACNP, to AdventHealth Medical Group Integrative Medicine at Medical Office Building. Hall, a board-certified Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, will work alongside Dr. Royce Bailey, providing patient-centered, whole-person care for adult and geriatric patients. Hall holds a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina and specializes in routine, acute, and chronic disease management. She prioritizes patient involvement in treatment plans, fostering trust and clear communication. More information is available at AdventHealthWNC.com.
Promotion:
The YMCA of Western North Carolina is supporting local businesses with a special Love Local offer throughout February. Anyone who brings in a receipt from a locally owned business for $15 or more will receive a free day pass to the Y. Those who claim a day pass will also be entered to win a three-month membership, and if they decide to join, the join fee will be waived. Additionally, anyone—including current members—who brings in a qualifying receipt will receive a Love Local sticker. This initiative encourages both community wellness and local economic support. More details can be found at ymcawnc.org.
Mast General Store’s annual Be a Sweetheart campaign returns February 15-16, raising funds for MANNA FoodBank to help address unprecedented food insecurity following Hurricane Helene. For every pound of bulk candy purchased at the Asheville Mast Store, Mast General will donate $1, which can provide up to $5 in food value and three to five meals for those in need. From February 14-16, customers can also round up their purchases to further support MANNA’s efforts. With food demand at an all-time high, Mast General Store encourages the community to shop, give, and help fight hunger this Be a Sweetheart weekend.
Reopening:
Golden Hour, the wood-fired restaurant at The Radical Hotel in Asheville’s River Arts District, will reopen on March 1 after recovering from Hurricane Helene. Led by James Beard Award-nominated Jacob Sessoms and Executive Chef Kevin Chrisman, the restaurant will debut a new seasonal menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and strong partnerships with local farmers. Golden Hour will serve dinner Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9 PM, with dishes like Slow Roast Lamb on David’s Grits, Apple Brandy Picanha Steak, and Strawberry Rhubarb Galette. Make reservations here.