"Buy a Pint" for Katie Eastridge

I'm Brett Hulsey with Hulsey Media in Hendersonville, NC. Our company publishes the Asheville Ale Trail and the Discovery Map of Asheville, which are both managed by our teammate Katie Eastridge. If you've ever picked up a copy of the Ale Trail to plan your brewery visits, had copies delivered to your wedding party for all of your guests to use while in Asheville, or used the Discovery Map to find restaurants, local shopping, and outdoor adventures, it's because of Katie's work. Or perhaps, you've had Katie take you on a guided kayak brewery tour down the French Broad River through her business, Green Flash Water Sports.

Katie could use your help. Katie lives on Hwy. 9 along the Broad River between Bat Cave and Black Mountain, NC, an area that was devastated by flooding and landslides from Hurricane Helene. Her home has suffered extreme damage and possessions have been ruined. These losses will likely not be covered by insurance. Funds raised will be used to help Katie and her family rebuild their home and buy much needed furnishings, clothing, and food.

Katie's first contact with me was last Sunday, saying her house was flooded, landslides on both sides of the road, and that she had paddle boarded across a flooded river to reach satellite wifi. She was first told it would be weeks before a path would be cleared for them to get out.

Katie texted again on Tuesday saying she and her husband have been shuttling evacuees across a river; in all, about 30 people, pets, and their remaining belongings. Sadly, Katie reported many deaths in her area, as well as others who are still missing and likely dead.

Katie texted again on Thursday, October 3rd. She asked, "Is Bat Cave still there?" Let that sink in...knowing first-hand that the damage was so extreme that an entire community was likely not there anymore, but having such little communication that you're not sure what has happened just a few miles down the road from you.

A true hero: Katie told me she had heard that they might finally be able to get out by going towards Black Mountain but that they are choosing to stay there to continue helping their neighbors. She said she's ok but still in rescue mode, feeding families and getting hay to horses across the river. They are still shuttling the elderly and families with young kids to safety via paddle board and canoe. They managed to get insulin and baby formula across the water on day 1 by working with the fire department to set a rope to transport supplies over the river.

Katie's work with her kayak brewery tour company and the Asheville Ale Trail have given her a strong connection to Asheville and Western North Carolina's craft beverage scene. So if you've ever enjoyed a great-tasting beer from our region, or simply want to help out, please have a virtual beer and "Buy a Pint for Katie" by making a $6 donation to this fund. And if you want to have "have a few" and leave a gracious tip, that would be much appreciated. Last but not least, please share with others who might feel compelled to help Katie and her family.