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WNC Business

"Buy a Pint for Katie" to Support a Local Hero

Oct 06, 2024 07:30PM ● By WNC Business

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we are learning of local heroes across Western North Carolina who are helping their neighbors in this time of need. One of those heroes is a part of our Hulsey Media family, and I feel compelled to share her story with you and ask to consider making a contribution of any size to provide support for her and her family.

Katie Eastridge joined Hulsey Media in early 2022 and manages several publications for us including the Asheville Ale Trail brewery guide and the Discovery Map of Asheville. If you've ever picked up a copy of the Asheville Ale Trail to check off your local brewery visits or had copies delivered to your out of town guests to use while in the Asheville area, it's because of Katie's work. Or, perhaps you've had Katie take you on a guided kayak brewery tour down the French Broad River through her business, Green Flash Water Sports.

Katie and her family could use your help. Katie lives on Hwy. 9 along the Broad River between Bat Cave and Black Mountain, an area that was devastated by flooding and landslides from Hurricane Helene. Her home has suffered extreme damage and possessions have been ruined. These losses will likely not be covered by insurance. Funds raised will be used to help Katie and her family rebuild their home and buy much needed furnishings, clothing, and food.

I started checking in with all of our team members during the weekend after Hurricane Helene came through WNC to see if everyone was safe. Katie's first contact with me was last Sunday, Sep. 29th, saying her house was flooded with landslides on both sides of the road, and that she had paddle boarded across a flooded river to reach satellite Wi-Fi. She was first told it would be weeks before a path would be cleared for them to get out. Katie texted again on Tuesday, Oct. 1st saying she and her husband have been shuttling evacuees across a river; in all, about 30 people, pets, and their remaining belongings. Sadly, Katie reported deaths in her area, as well as others who were still missing at that time.

Katie reached me again via text on Thursday, October 3rd. She asked, "Is Bat Cave still there?" Let that sink in... knowing first-hand that the damage was so extreme that an entire community was likely not there anymore, but having such little communication that you're not sure what has happened just a few miles down the road from you.

A true hero: Late last week, Katie told me she had heard that they might finally be able to get out by going towards Black Mountain but that they were choosing to stay there to continue helping their neighbors. She said she was okay but still in rescue mode, feeding families and getting hay to horses across the river. Katie and her family have continued shuttling the elderly and families with young kids to safety via paddle board and canoe. They managed to get insulin and baby formula across the water on day one by working with the fire department to set a rope to transport supplies over the river.

Katie's work with her kayak brewery tour company and the Asheville Ale Trail has given her a strong connection to Asheville and Western North Carolina's craft beverage scene. So, if you've ever enjoyed a great-tasting beer from our region, or simply want to help out, please have a virtual beer and "Buy a Pint for Katie" by making a $6 donation to this fund. And, if you want to have "have a few" and leave a gracious tip, that would be much appreciated. Additionally, all profits from Asheville Ale Trail merchandise sales from the Asheville Ale Trail online store will be donated to Katie through the end of 2024. Last but not least, we ask that you please consider sharing this with others who might feel compelled to help Katie and her family. Thank you.

To learn more about Katie's story and make a donation, please click here"Buy a Pint for Katie" fundraiser

From Brett Hulsey, President/Publisher, Hulsey Media and WNC Business