Support Darlin' Appalachia's Disaster Relief Efforts

Darlin' Appalachia is a project operating under the nonprofit Oconee Cultivation Project (EIN 81-2994931) and was formed in response to Hurricane Helene. With funds raised, Darlin’ Appalachia will provide relief to areas of Appalachia affected by natural disasters by (1) facilitating water transportation (2) funding transport for the delivery of donated items (3) funding rescue efforts and transportation of rescued or deceased victims of natural disasters (4) funding the rescue and boarding and/or delivery of donated items for affected farms’ livestock and (5) funding the funerals of natural disaster victims.

Our Mission: Supporting and revitalizing the people and culture of Appalachia

Our Vision: Appalachia as an economically and environmentally thriving region whose people remember and honor its unique culture

OUR TEAM

Michael Story, Community Coordinator / Henchman: Michael Story is an Army Veteran and alumnus of Appalachian State University. As an 8th-generation Appalachian, Michael brings a deep connection to the region, with roots that extend back over 200 years in Western North Carolina. Since working as a Cremationist in Asheville, NC, Michael has dedicated his career to advocating for compassionate and dignified death care. Also known as The Appalachian Son, he engages and educates audiences on important issues regarding Appalachian culture and death care through social media.

Parisa Fitz-Henley, Public Relations: Parisa is an actor, writer, producer and consultant with a passion for public health and education. She serves on the Advisory Council for the FUTURES Center for Policy, Action, & Leadership, and the Board of Advisors for Mona Foundation. She is a proud and grateful resident of Upstate South Carolina, where she has crafted experiences for folks to explore their creativity in community, and serves as a teacher of neighborhood-based classes for inclusive spiritual education of children. In response to hurricane Helene‘s devastation in the region she helped start Love4Appalachia, a medical and humanitarian disaster relief effort under the NGO Humanitarian MD.

Casey Certain, Project Manager: Casey is a boss babe who uses her skills and ability to multitask to build and nurture communities. In addition to being an educator and healing arts practitioner, she has dedicated over a decade to working in the nonprofit sector, co-founding the Oconee Cultivation Project, serving the Tamassee DAR School, leading 4-H GreenSteps, consulting for the Oconee Food Council, and event planning for the NOLA Network. Proud that her family set roots in Appalachia in the mid-1700s and never left, she honors her heritage by observing the ways of Granny women and stewarding her 12-acre family farm in her hometown of Walhalla, SC with her husband and critters.