Reach Out Worldwide became one of the first organizations to arrive in western North Carolina and respond in wake of Hurricane Helene. | Photo courtesy of Reach Out Worldwide
Before Hurricane Helene arrived in the Carolinas, help was already on the way.
“I’ve never seen such a heavy response from highly skilled individuals,” said Felicia Walker, Chief Operating Officer for Reach Out Worldwide (ROWW) — one of the first organizations to respond with boots on the ground within 24 hours of Helene’s widespread destruction across North Carolina.
Felicia spoke with City Editor Jack while coordinating teams across the Southeast in midst of the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season. “Our team is very small. We can get in there very quickly in those first few days. Our team leads are typically professionals in their field of expertise — contractors, heavy equipment operators, arborists, and doctors.”
ROWW team members underwent recon, search and rescue, and air extractions during deployment to western North Carolina.
Photo via Reach Out Worldwide
The small but skilled team proved nimble and efficient, arriving in storm-ravaged areas like Asheville well before FEMA and the Red Cross could mobilize.
In the critical initial hours following the disaster, ROWW raced the clock to perform wellness checks, remove debris from roofs and roadways, and oversee distribution of critical supplies.
ROWW was founded by actor Paul Walker who responded to natural disasters.
Photo courtesy of Reach Out Worldwide
“This was a pretty unique deployment for ROWW and that we were able to have many teams of totally different skill sets running at once.”
Felicia echoed the relief effort took on a life of its own, with the western North Carolina community welcoming ROWW with open arms. “Luckily in Asheville there was this church that could house up to 30 volunteers. The World Food Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, and all these organizations brought food and water in. So, we felt that it was a good idea to bring in more bodies and that’s what we did. We had 275 volunteer inquiries.”
Interested in supporting Reach Out Worldwide?Donations are always welcome.
Free Workout on the SouthPark Loop | Monday, Oct. 21 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | The Colony Apartments | Free | Learn the fundamentals of tango and join neighbors for a community dance session led by Tango Charlotte.
Carolina Shag Beach Dance Lessons | Monday, Oct. 21 | 6:30-7:45 p.m. | Providence Baptist Church | $15 | Swing and learn the fun beach dance that originated in the Carolinas.
Benson Boone | Monday, Oct. 21 | 8 p.m. | Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre | $129+ | Experience an evening “In The Stars” during a live performance by the emerging artist.
Tuesday, Oct. 22
Coffee with the Chamber | Tuesday, Oct. 22 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Summit Place at South Park - Five Star Senior Living | Free | Register and brew new connections with fellow Charlotte business professionals.
USHER: Past, Present, Future | Tuesday, Oct. 23 | 8 p.m. | Spectrum Center | $50+ | Prepare to feel the “Love in this Club” when the pop icon takes the stage.
Jesse McCartney: All’s Well Tour| Tuesday, Oct. 23 | 8 p.m. | The Fillmore | $30 | Feel the lyrics in your “Beautiful Soul” during the pop singer’s live performance.
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Yoga in the Garden | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden | $10+ | Cleanse your body and mind in this guided yoga class + enjoy a free stroll of the gardens after your session.
Dave Chappelle | Wednesday, Oct. 23 | 8 p.m. | Ovens Auditorium | $99+ | Jokes and applause will abound when the one of the country’s most well-known comedians takes the mic for a live stand-up.
Two (big) reasons to apply to UNC Asheville this week
Presented by UNC Asheville
Financial aid, scholarships, and programs like these help make a quality education affordable. | Photo provided by UNC Asheville
Looking for a top-rated university that not only paves the way to a successful career, but also provides a well-rounded liberal arts and sciences education and nationally recognized faculty?
We’ve got two reasons this is the week to consider completing your education at UNC Asheville.
🏫 Access Asheville upped to $90,000
Breaking news: Access Asheville upped its qualifying annual income to $90,000. The university’s financial aid program guarantees fully covered tuition and fees for North Carolina residents whose annual family income is $90,000 or less (previously $80,000) — making a high-quality education more accessible to more than half of NC families and residents.
🧑💻 It’s Free Application Week
ICYMI, this week is College Application Week (aka Free Application Week). From Monday, Oct. 21 to Sunday, Oct. 27, UNC Asheville is among the participating NC colleges that are waiving their application fees — yes, that means you can apply for free when applying through the CFNC portal.
Prepare to enjoy more sunshine. Just days after a frost advisory, daily temperatures are expected to climb this week into the high 70s. Rain chances are forecasted to remain low. (WCNC)
Edu
Watauga County Schools reopen this this week — three weeks after Helene forced them to close. Teachers are back today and students are slated to return to in-person learning on Wednesday. (Queen City News)
Development
A $25 million redevelopment project has begun on a historic hotel in downtown Salisbury. The Empire Hotel will undergo a build out, including 38 residences, a 35-room boutique hotel, and space for “a regional American steakhouse.” The hotel opened in 1859. A timeline on the renovations remain TBA. (Charlotte Business Journal)
Announced
Carolina Panthers Charities announced hurricane relief funding to assist high school athletic programs in the Carolinas.High school athletic programs can apply for grant funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Eat
Craving barbecue? The deadline for pre-orders on pork shoulders for the upcoming Holy Smokers barbecue at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Mooresville has been extended through today. Orders will be ready for pick up Saturday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the church parking lot.
Shop
Balenciaga is now open at SouthPark Mall. The 3,961-sqft space offers men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories, eyewear, and jewelry. The store marks the first location in North Carolina.
Regional
Apple orchard farmers in York County say they continue to feel the sting of a hail storm that destroyed their crops back in April. WCNC’s April King toured the damage and explains if favorite fall activities for visitors are now in jeopardy. (WCNC)
Sports
The Panthers lost 40-7 on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Civic
Election season is here — and the early voting period is open in South Carolina for registered voters now through Saturday, Nov. 2. Find an early voting center.*
Drink
ICYMI Johnston County Visitors Bureau is making it even easier to experience their vibrant craft beverage scene — and we’ve got the deets on the newly launched (and free) digital passport that’s making it happen.*
Tech
Scammers’ tactics are increasingly sophisticated — OmniWatch offers a groundbreaking layer of identity protection (think: 24/7 monitoring, full-scale identity restoration, and up to $25,000 in scam insurance).*
Category
Read
📚 A page-turning party
Verse & Vino celebrates Charlotte libraries by featuring local authors to showcase their work. | Photo via Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Foundation
Storytellers and wine enthusiasts will gather for the 11th annual Verse & Vino at the Charlotte Convention Center on Thursday, Nov. 7. Names can now be added to the waiting list.
The evening event celebrates the joy of reading and the importance of libraries and literacy in the Charlotte community. The event is expected to draw more than 1,300 attendees.
The evening will feature New York Times bestselling authors Emiko Jean, Edward Lee, and Jessica Shattuck as well as Oscar-shortlisted producer and debut author Essie Chambers.
Along with a social hour, an entrée dinner, and dessert,Kentucky distillery Heaven Hill will sponsor a bourbon cocktail at Edward Lee’s author vignette and book signing table.
The Library Foundation hopes to raise $600,000 to support the library’s mission, including building a new Main Library and expanding its programs and collections.
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of thermal fleece lined leggings. Made with an elastic waistband and moisture-wicking fabric, they’re perfect for both casual and active wear.
