Help Neng Jr.'s team in the Wake of Hurricane Helene

We are the team of Neng Jr.'s in Asheville, North Carolina. Putting into words what our community in Western North Carolina has endured since Hurricane Helene hit feels impossible right now. The destruction continues to reveal new horrors on a daily basis. We know everyone in our area is dealing with unimaginable loss, and we will continue to do everything we can to help the people around us and ensure we can all return to these beautiful mountains when the time comes. Since the storm hit, we have been able to provide hot lunches for 400+ people, we have delivered supplies to Shiloh and Burnsville, helped friends dig out mud and clean their restaurants and studios, helped the in the early stages of a gray water distribution system to underserved communities, and coordinated, processed, and distributed countless food donations. Every day has presented us with new challenges, as the needs of our community change on a sometimes hourly basis, and we have created solutions to the very best of our abilities.

Because of the destruction of our community’s water system, much of Western North Carolina has not had access to running water since September 29th, 2024. Our city has not given an estimated timeline of when water services will return, but have said it could be weeks to months. We cannot function without running water, and we will be forced to remain closed until water services are restored.

We know we will need a lot of support when we are able to re-open the restaurant, but for now, we are primarily concerned about our staff and their lost wages because of this catastrophe. The team at Neng Jr’s are some of the most caring industry professionals in the world. The intention they put into everything they do is deeply felt by everyone who walks through our door and experiences the beauty that is Neng Jr’s. They jumped into action immediately after the storm to help their community, and ensuring that they have enough financial support to make it through this time is extremely important.

We have created this GoFundMe to cover the wages our team will lose during our closure. Our payroll every two weeks averages at nearly $25,000. We are hoping to raise $38,000 to cover 3 weeks of wages, for all of us and cover any underlying expenses during our long unexpected closure. All funds otherwise will be split evenly amongst staff. Our staff can expect to hear from us via text or email and be paid via written check or venmo depending on their preference.

From signing the lease to Neng Jr.'s in 2020, to losing Silver's father in the first 6 months of opening, and now the life changing impact of Hurricane Helene, we are grateful to have the ability to still serve this community with all of our hearts and souls. Please help us take care of ourselves so we can take care of you.

With Gratitude,

Silver and Cherry Iocovozzi