Southern Highland Handicraft Guild Inc

Title: Support Our Folk Art Center Family Affected by Hurricane Helene

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters,

We are reaching out to share the heartbreaking impact of Hurricane Helene on our team at the Folk Art Center of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Two of our beloved employees have lost their homes and are facing unimaginable challenges as they begin to rebuild their lives. Others on our team have also suffered severe losses.

Who We Are:

At the Folk Art Center, we are more than just a craft gallery; we are a close-knit family of creators and makers working for the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Our guild is dedicated to not only supporting regional artists and educating but also supporting one another through life’s ups and downs.

What Happened:

On September 27, Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina, leaving devastation in its wake. Many of our staff members are now without shelter and struggling to meet their basic needs.

How You Can Help:

We are launching this GoFundMe campaign to support our team during this challenging time. Your generous donations will go directly to our employees, helping with:

Temporary housing and essentials

Food and clothing

Emotional support services

Assistance with rebuilding their homes

Our Goal:

We aim to raise $50,000 to provide immediate relief and support for our employees. Every dollar counts and will make a significant difference. Please note that all funds raised will go directly to support the staff of the Folk Art Center; none will be allocated to the Craft Guild or its members.

How You Can Contribute:

Donate: Any amount you can give will be immensely appreciated.

Share: Help spread the word by sharing this campaign on social media or with your networks.

Support Local: Visit the Folk Art Center to shop for your craft needs—every purchase helps us recover and supports our employees.

We believe in the strength of our community and the power of kindness. Together, we can help our team rebuild and heal from this tragic event. Thank you for your compassion and support during this difficult time.

With gratitude,

Southern Highland Craft Guild

Folk Art Center

Benefitting: Beth Renne (FAC Shop Manager), Rebecca Corwin (FAC Sales Associate), Janet Wiseman (Education Director & Events Coordinator), Stacy Ogle, and Derek Reed (Folk Art Center custodial work and Craft Fair load-ins)

Stories from staff members affected:

"Here's the current situation: the house needs heating and sewage systems. The bridge is repairable. My car has a broken axle and was flooded inside. There is a huge trash dump in my yard that was my neighbor's house. I have been here without a car for a month with no running water, electricity, or sewage. I'm Pioneer Gal!" - Janet Wiseman, Education Director and Events Coordinator.

"Life has been very different. A month ago, the Storm came to our house. We watched the river come up our driveway. We had no way out. Quickly the water rose into the garage and downstairs of our home. The cars were ruined. A tree came through the ceiling at the same time water was coming upstairs. Steve and I knew we needed to get out. We took what we could and went out the back door. Then as rain continued, we climbed a steep hill with fallen trees and thorn bushes. Once we reached the top we called a friend. He took us to his house and we are now staying with friends. Not sure what is next." - Rebecca - sales associate

"I evacuated around 5:30 am and drove through mudslides and falling trees. I pulled into a parking lot near Folk Art Center and then a tree fell behind my car and I was stuck there until I flagged down a maintenance guy that evening. He managed to get me out of that parking lot. After that, I went to the Folk Art Center and met up with the Browns there. Chunk and I slept in the car that night and then we returned. My airstream got dragged out of its space and wedged against a utility shed. It is full of mud up to my calves. I salvaged some clothes and art hung high enough to miss the flooding. Some nice people also broke in and looted it violently. That's my story. " - Beth Renne, Folk Art Center shop manager.

"Derek’s house is a complete loss it will have to be torn down. He also lost his truck due to it being flooded. My property has major external damage. Everything underneath will have to be replaced. I did get some water in the house so I am not sure of the full extent of the damage underneath the flooring inside the house. My car was hit by a tree while driving and was totaled as well." - Stacy and Derek, Folk Art Center custodians