Support Garzarelli Family to Rebuild Quietude After Helene

Hello, my name is Nancy. I live in Bend, Oregon. I am raising money for my dear sister Elizabeth Garzarelli, my brother-in-law Richard, and my nieces Rachel and Lena, who live in Black Mountain, NC, (just outside Asheville) and have been greatly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Like many others, they have no power, no water, and their home is flooded, but the real devastation is that there is extensive damage to their small business, the Quietude Retreat Center, located in Black Mountain, that many have worked so hard to build and poured their hearts and souls into.

All ten structures on the creekside property flooded, many up to the windows. The retreat center is at least 75% devastated. Three of cabins are total losses, and they do not have flood insurance. They are now out of the monthly rental income as all the renters are displaced, including Lena & her boyfriend Rivers, who have lost their home as they lived at Quietude.

Richard and Elizabeth Garzarelli have devoted their lives to serving others, inspiring countless individuals to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Both are licensed therapists. Beyond that they are compassionate empaths, healers, catalyzers, change-makers and community-builders. The vision of Quietude manifested from their dream to create a property where people can live and work more authentically. To that end, Quietude provides space for spiritual practice, conscious/green business meetings, retreats, and educational workshops. Some of the cabins were made available as live-work residences for health and wellness practitioners to grow their businesses. Other cabins were retreat rentals for individuals and families seeking renewal.

Now more than ever we need places like Quietude. A sanctuary in the heart of Black Mountain where our community can come together after this shattering experience of Helene to navigate how we move forward on all levels—practically, emotionally and spiritually. Quietude is an inclusive and accessible space, committed to serving the whole community. They will be re-opening to host meditation, counseling circles and grief groups to support the community in the wake of the disaster.

Despite the flooding, four of the cabins have now re-opened (as of October 7), although extensive repairs are still needed. The Lodge will be re-opening for morning meditations later this week (week of Oct 14), but there still is NO WATER. Richard and Elizabeth are committed to restoring Quietude to the best of their abilities. They hope to celebrate the 100 th anniversary of this historic property in 2026. This is a huge loss not only for the Garzarelli family but also for the community.

The cost to rebuild and repair all that has been lost is exorbitant. Please consider contributing, anything helps. Thank you.