HENDERSONVILLE - In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which left many in the Western North Carolina community struggling to rebuild their lives, the Educational Foundation of Blue Ridge Community College is stepping up to rally support for affected students, employees, and community members. As the region begins to recover from the storm’s devastating impacts, the Foundation is committed to offering critical resources and meeting the diverse and urgent needs of those in Henderson and Transylvania counties, and beyond. Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, expressed her deep concern for the affected individuals and families. "As someone who grew up and has deep roots in Western North Carolina, my heart goes out to everyone who has been impacted by the recent storm,” she said. “The loss and devastation are overwhelming, and we are committed to standing alongside our students, faculty, staff, and neighbors as they navigate this unprecedented and challenging time. Their safety and well-being remain our highest priorities at this moment." As essential services like power and water are gradually restored in Hendersonville, Brevard, Asheville and many neighboring communities, the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation is mobilizing to provide necessary aid and resources to students and the wider college community. “In the coming days and weeks, we will begin to see the full scope of the needs created by this disaster,” explained Benjamin Rickert, Blue Ridge’s communications director. “It is more important than ever, especially for those outside our Western North Carolina communities, to generously support and address the urgent needs of our affected students and neighbors. It is heartening to hear so quickly from friends of the College asking how they can help, and the Educational Foundation provides a simple and effective opportunity to do so.” Donations to Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation will provide assistance to those affected by the hurricane and tropical storm, ensuring that they have the resources needed to rebuild and recover. The funds will help people to restore access to vital services, support academic continuity, and address both immediate and long-term needs. To contribute to the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation’s Helene relief efforts, visit BlueRidge.edu/Foundation, click the “Give Online” button, and choose the “Greatest Need Fund” under the “Designation” list. Every tax-deductible contribution, no matter the size, plays a vital role in helping students and families recover and rebuild. The North Carolina Community College System office estimates that more than 6,000 community college employees and nearly 74,000 students are impacted by the storm damage. These colleges, including Blue Ridge, are providing resources to emergency responders while they work to reestablish campus operations. |