![Main fundraiser photo](https://images.gofundme.com/A5LP4gnWGsc08CU6sg4AcpUdPhs=/720x405/https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/83220515_1728052145694137_r.jpeg)
Support Pisgah Banjos and Asheville Artists
Donation protected
Pisgah Banjos needs your help to support our employees and help rebuild our community after the devastating destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
One full week after this hurricane hit our area, our community is still in a dire situation, and it will continue to be for a long time. As I write this, there are helicopters flying overhead searching for the hundreds of missing people. Many communities are decimated. The national guard is here and help is coming slowly but surely. Once power is on and people are safe, the next thing to focus on is how our community will continue to come back from this, even though homes and livelihoods are gone.
Asheville and Western NC rely on our arts community, which brings in tourism that helps our economy survive. The artist community was particularly hit hard with the flooding and decimation of our River Arts District, Swannanoa, Chimney Rock, parts of Fairview, and so many more.
This money will allow us to continue to pay our employees their full salaries that unemployment insurance will not cover due to our continued suspended operation. It will help us pay to fix our parking lot and some other small damages to the property. If we get funding beyond that, we will use it to support other local artists in the best way that we can. There are many other gofundmes and charities set up to help with other needs across the areas affected by Helene, so please feel free to look into those if you want to give there as well.
Thank you for your generosity, support, and patience as we grapple with everything that is happening. Our community is strong, and we will come back soon. Our hearts are with our neighbors who are not as lucky as we have been.
Patrick David Sawyer
Founder/CEO Pisgah Banjo Company LLC
Organizer
Patrick Sawyer
Organizer
Fairview, NC