Give!Local (2017) by Mountain Xpress

2017

THE MISSION Raise funds and awareness for 37 worthy local nonprofits that make a big difference where we live — and to make giving simple and fun, no matter how small or large the gift.

THE METHOD • Make giving easy via a single website with a simple shopping cart system — that allows gifts from one dollar to thousands of dollars, whether to just one or to many nonprofits. • Offer donors hundreds of fun incentives provided by dozens of area businesses.

T hank You!

To sponsors, for making the project possible.

...and all the local businesses that are providing goods & services to reward the donors. 2

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

WELCOME TO WNC’S GIVE!LOCAL GUIDE HOW TO PARTICIPATE 1. First, check out the 37 participating nonprofits in this handy print guide or on the Give!Local website at givelocalguide.org. Learn about their missions and how they are helping make this a great community. 2. Go to givelocalguide.org and create an account. 3. Decide which nonprofits you want to give to, and how much, from $1 up to as much as you like. Give!Local’s shopping cart will total what you’re giving to each nonprofit, and allow you to go back and adjust your amounts before you check out. 4. Check out and pay with a credit card. 5. You’re done! If you donate $20 or more, watch for your voucher book in the mail about 10 days afterwards. Additional incentive packets for donations of $250 or more will be mailed in January. And if you give $1,000 or more, we will hand-deliver a box of goodies to your home or business in January or February.

SOME RULES OF ENGAGEMENT • The minimum combined donation to receive an incentive is $20. Unless you are age 12 or under, in which case it is $5. • Donations of $20 or more made during Big Give events qualify you for Big Give drawings. Winners will be chosen by random drawings in the week following each event. • You can give more than once, but be sure to use the same username and email, so we can combine your gifts into one donation. • Incentives are limited in quantity. We will try our darnedest to make sure everyone gets an incentive, but incentives will be made on a first-come, first-served basis, and no incentives are guaranteed. • Only one incentive package per email address, and two incentive packages per household. • Children can participate, too! The minimum to earn a Kids Incentive is just $5. Children must have parental approval. Multiple children from one home may give separately, but the incentives will come in one envelope addressed to the parent or guardian. • Your basic contact information will be given to the nonprofits you donate to. If you do not wish to be contacted by them, there is an opt-out check box. Note that we need your address in order to deliver your incentive. • Give!Local is a web-based giving project, but if you prefer to fill out a paper form and write a check instead, there is a paper form at the back of this print guide.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

The inspiration for Xpress’ Give!Local project comes from the Willamette Week in Portland, Ore., which created a similar program 16 years ago. Currently, a dozen or so alt-weeklies around the country are hosting similar giving events each November and December. WNC’s Give!Local project would not have happened without the mentorship of our sister alt-weeklies. Give!Local would not be what it is without the support of our sponsors: Ingles, Asheville Savings Bank and The Orange Peel. They believe in the project and the area’s great nonprofits. We send out a special thank you to them. Likewise, to all Give!Local’s business partners who generously are providing their products, services and discounts: We could not have done it without you.

NOW, LET’S GIVE LOCAL.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Incentives & Giving Games

Special Offers

Julian Award Winner

Community

Youth

Animals

Arts

Environment

Social Justice

Optional Mail-in Donation Form

Give!Local Supporting Advertisers

ABOUT THE COVER Fifth-grade students examine moss-covered tree bark during a Terrestrial Ecosystems expedition, led by Muddy Sneakers on protected lands near their schools. Photo by Capturing WNC, courtesy of Muddy Sneakers

PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes DIRECTOR Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER (PRINT & WEB) Scott Southwick DESIGN Olivia Urban ADMINISTRATION Able Allen • Jordan Isenhour COVER design by Scott Southwick JULIAN PRIZE WRITER Able Allen EDITORS Carolyn Morrisroe • Tracy Rose INCENTIVES Susan Hutchinson • Sara Brecht • Bryant Cooper • Niki Kordus • Tim Navaille • Brian Palmieri • Heather Taylor WEB DJ Taylor DISTRIBUTION Denise Montgomery • Jeff Tallman

INCENTIVES

REWARDS FOR GIVING 201

7-2

018 201

ok o B r e hu c h e r B o o k co Vo uV

Give $20-$249

Receive a voucher book filled with great freebies and discounts from your favorite retailers around the area, including The Hop Ice Cream Cafe, Izzy’s Coffee, Copper Crown, High Five Coffee, Sonora Cocina Mexicana, Zuma and many more — to thank you for your contribution. New this year: Your voucher book will be mailed to you the week you donate!

Give $250-$499

Receive the voucher book right away, plus more great things that fit into an envelope, like movie tickets, theater passes, tour passes and gift certificates for goods, services and meals at area restaurants.

Give $500-$999

Receive the voucher book right way and get even more gift certificates and discounts for fine things around town, including dinners, services and more.

Give $1,000 or more

and have a basket of goodies hand-delivered to your door, filled with unique products and gift certificates for goods and services from talented local entrepreneurs. 6

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

GIVING GAMES • All donors who give during BIG GIVE WEEK (Dec. 3-9) will be entered in a drawing for cool stuff! See page 11. • Five nonprofits with the most Give!Local donors will win a $1,000 MOUNTAIN XPRESS ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN! * See page 25. • The nonprofit with the most donors in any seven-day window will win $1,000 OF COMPUTER SUPPORT FROM ONE CLICK FIX! * See page 15. • The nonprofit that throws the most successful Give!Local event will win $1,000 WORTH OF CUSTOM RECOVER BRAND T-SHIRTS. Runner-up gets $250 worth of decal printing from Blue Ridge Sign Supply. * See page 17. * only one major prize per nonprofit

Every penny counts! 100% of your donations go to the nonprofits No fees, no extra charges

Credit card service fees are proudly paid for by give!local advertisers and

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

SPECIAL OFFERS DONATION

Matches • Mosaic Realty will match all donations made to Asheville City Schools Foundation up to $1,000. • Gifts made to Pisgah Legal Services through Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar. • An anonymous donor will match all donations made to The Collider up to $100,000.

Memberships and subscriptions • All donations over $20 will earn a day pass to the Asheville Museum of Science. Donations over $150 will earn a one-year membership. • Donate $35 or more to Friends of the Smokies and receive a one-year membership, which includes discounts at Mast General Store, Dollywood and more. Visit Friendsofthesmokies.org for a list of membership benefits. • Spellbound Children’s Bookshop will offer 50 percent off a Book of the Month Club subscription ($90-$300 value) to all donors of $100 or more to the POP project. • Any donor who contributes $25 or more to Southern Appalachian HIghlands Conservatory will become an SAHC member (aka Conservation Superstar), which includes perks like free guided group hikes throughout the year, the View from the Highlands newsletter and discounts on their sweet merchandise and fun events. 8

BOOSTERS

• Any donor who contributes $100 or more to The Collider will become a Friend of The Collider, receiving special friend opportunities and perks for one calendar year.

Incentives • 103.3 FM - Donate $50 or more to become a member of the station. Donors at this level will be gifted with a logo T-shirt. - Donate $103.30 to become part of the 103.3 Team. Donors at this level will be gifted with a logo hoodie. - Donate $365 or more and sign on at the VIP Level. Donors at this level will be gifted with both the logo hoodie and T-shirt. • Smoky Park Supper Club will give a $20 gift certificate to the first five people giving $50 or more to Asheville Museum of Science. • Anyone donating a minimum of $25 to Asheville Humane Society will receive $10 off an adoption fee through Feb. 10, 2018. • Asheville Poverty Initiative: - Every donor of $30 will be given a 12 Baskets T-shirt. - Every donor of $50 will receive a special handmade coffee mug from Village Potters, embossed with 12 Baskets’ name (donor to come by cafe to pick up). - Every donor of $100 or more will receive an invitation to a celebratory dinner at 12 Baskets Cafe, catered and served by Morrison Healthcare.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

• Big Brothers Big Sisters Of WNC: - The first donation of $500 or more will receive a one-night • -

stay and dinner at The Sourwood Inn, excluding holidays. - The first seven donations of $35 will receive either a $10 gift certificate for Ultimate Ice Cream, or a French Broad Chocolate Lounge factory tour. - The first 20 donations of $25 will receive a $5 gift certificate

to one of the following companies: High Five Coffee, The -

Baked Pie Co. or Kilwin’s Asheville. • Donate $50 or more to Friends of the Smokies and receive one free pass to Asheville Yoga Center.

Raffles

• Friends of the WNC Nature Center will offer a free Wild Parent No. 2 package (adopt-an-animal package) to anyone giving $100 or more to the Friends, and a bumper sticker to anyone giving $20 or more to the Friends. • Anyone contributing over $10 to Friends2Ferals through Give!Local will receive a $5 merchandise coupon from Patton Avenue Pet Co. • For every $20 donated to Green Built Alliance, one ton of carbon emissions will be offset through the nonprofit’s Appalachian Offsets program that performs energy-efficiency upgrades in local schools, nonprofits and affordable housing. • Be one of the first 25 people to donate $25 or more to Helpmate and get a free truffle at French Broad Chocolates. • Diamond Brand Outdoors will give a $10 gear card to anyone who donates $25 or more to Muddy Sneakers. • Our VOICE: - Donate $10+ for a free cup of coffee from Izzy’s Coffee Den in downtown Asheville or Izzy’s Coffee House in West Asheville. - Donate $20+ for a free specialty drink from Izzy’s Coffee Den in downtown Asheville or Izzy’s Coffee House in West Asheville AND receive a free single scoop of ice cream from The Hop Ice Cream Café on Merrimon Avenue or The Hop West. - Donate $50+ for a free specialty drink from Izzy’s Coffee (downtown and West) AND a free single scoop of ice cream from The Hop Ice Cream Café (Merrimon Avenue and West) AND a chance to win a $10 gift card to Table Restaurant (for the first five people to make a donation of $50+). • Verner: - The first donation received of $500 or more will receive a onenight stay at the new Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and four tickets to the Dollywood Theme Park (excluding holidays). - The first 10 people who donate $30 AND make it a recurring monthly donation will receive a $10 gift

certificate to their choice of Chocolate Gems, Ultimate Ice Cream or Mast General. The first 10 donations of $25 will receive a $5 gift card to Target. Wild for Life: Each donor of $25 or more will be sent a Charleston Mint custom creation of a Wild for Life ornament. The first donation of $125 will receive surprise items from Wild Birds Unlimited. The first donation of $1,000 will receive a giclee animal print from Brevard’s renowned artist Rebecca Willis.

• Persons donating $50 or more to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge will be entered into a raffle for a private local tour with Ventures Birding Tours. • Every donation of $250 to Big Brothers Big Sisters Of WNC will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift certificate to Gentleman’s Gallery Inc. The certificate can be used toward the full retail value of any of the fine American and European clothing. • Donate $50 or more to Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County and be entered to win a complimentary two-night stay at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, valued at $500. Compliments of the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. Reservations required. Expires May 31, 2018. • Each person donating to Green Built Alliance will be entered to win a free Green Gauge Home Assessment ($300 value). • Homeward Bound WNC: All donors will be entered into a drawing for gift certificates to Asheville Yoga Center at the end of November and at the end of December. • Any donations over $50 to Ministry of Hope will be entered in a raffle (with multiple drawings) to win various gift certificates/ goods from local businesses and restaurants. Donors of over $100 will receive a tour of the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women facility. • Anyone who donates to The Lord’s Acre will be entered to win square dance tickets from Hickory Nut Gap Farm. • Every donation of $250 or more to Verner will be placed in a drawing to receive a $500 gift certificate to your choice of REI, Rhubarb or Corner Kitchen (a minimum of five donations of $250+ must be received before the drawing). • Wild for Life: - Donors giving $75 or more will be entered into a raffle to receive a personalized local tour by Land & Lore Ecotours. - For donations of $150, donors will be entered into a raffle to win tickets to the Biltmore Estate.

CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE OFFERS AND UPDATES! 2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

JULIAN AWARD WINNER

SHANNON SPENCER

Breaking down stigmas and nourishing the community

JULIAN AWARD WINNER 2017

To sum up her worldview, Shannon Spencer points to a line from a poem by Wendell Berry: “What we need is here.” To her, it’s obvious that there is enough food, enough work and enough housing for everyone, and the only reason people feel scarcity is that “we’ve forgotten that we belong to each other, that our well-being actually stems from our relationship with our neighbors as much, if not more, than it does with our income.” Far from forgetting her role in caring for her neighbors, Spencer actually does quite a lot to help them and to remind everyone else to do so as well. The North Carolina native and self-described Christian socialist is a former college basketball coach and an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, and she serves local faith communities and works as part-time chaplain for the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. Spencer is the founder and leader of the Asheville Poverty Initiative and its innovative 12 Baskets Café project, and Photo by Able Allen

THE JULIAN AWARD Rewarding people making a difference for WNC through nonprofit work Keeping nonprofits going is hard work. These organizations often cannot pay top wages. Give!Local’s Julian Awards, named for the late Asheville philanthropist Julian Price, honor people who have chosen to work for a good cause even though it doesn’t involve a glamorous paycheck. This year’s winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize. The prize was made possible by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, in the spirit of Julian Price. This year’s award winner will be the guest of honor at the opening party for the Give!Local campaign, which will be held at The Orange Peel, Sunday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m.

Julian Price. Photo by Meg MacLeod

To qualify for the Julian Award, nominees must: • Be doing exceptional, creative work in the nonprofit sector. • Work at least 30 hours per week for a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in Buncombe, Henderson, Haywood or Madison counties. • Earn $35,000 or less annually.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

through that work she is connecting food that would otherwise be wasted with rumbling stomachs, and people with people whom they might not otherwise meet. The Poverty Initiative prevents waste by serving up repurposed, donated dishes from restaurants and hot bars all over town to some of the people facing the deepest food insecurity. But for Spencer, the meals are really just a way to get people from all walks of life to the table together. She says what she values most deeply about the project is how it strips away some of the systemic reasons that people are going without — reasons that include stigmas, stereotypes and false narratives. “We want this to be a place where everybody comes in and sits down at a table, because we all come in need to a table,” Spencer says, and because a dinner table is a good place to get to know one another. “So if you pull up to an intersection, and there’s somebody holding a cardboard sign, it’s not the homeless person or the poor person and the rich person, it’s, ‘Oh, hey, Shannon,’ — ‘Oh, hey, Eddie, how are you doing today?’ And it really begins to break down those labels, and we begin to see each other as neighbors.” Spencer says that shift in viewpoint empowers both people, instead of making one feel awkward or guilty and the other one feel neglected, ignored or like a burden. As Fran Durden, a key volunteer at the café puts it, “The secondary purpose of 12 Baskets is to feed people. The primary purpose is to build community.” And it has worked for her. “Before I started volunteering here, I was afraid of homeless people,” she says. “You know, if I saw a guy walking down the street and he looked like he was homeless, I crossed the street. But you know, now, I feel much more comfortable. And there’s one guy here named Brian who’s homeless — when he comes in in the morning first thing to get a cup of coffee, I’ll give him a hug.” Durden says volunteering at 12 Baskets Café has changed her life for the better, and she credits Spencer for providing a space for that personal growth. That’s exactly what Spencer enjoys about her work. “I think part of the biggest reward I get is when I hear the stories of folks from privilege who have come to volunteer here,” she

says. “And to hear their reflections and their process of moving past, ‘Oh, I’m just here to help the needy,’ to ‘These are my friends, and I miss it when I’m not here.’” “I call her Saint Shannon,” says José Cortés, who frequents the café, “because she could be dancing or doing fun things ... but she sacrifices part of her life to help us … and it’s not an easy job.” Spencer has guided the Asheville Poverty Initiative from inception to its current form, including finding its home beneath Firestorm Books & Coffee in West Asheville, which she says was the toughest thing to tackle. Along the way, she developed a vision for a groundbreaking program. She’s also scrubbed pots, served plates, swept and mopped, cleaned spoiled food out of accidentally thawed freezers and been ready with a hug and friendly advice or encouragement for all who come through the doors of 12 Baskets. In a short time, the project has expanded from few meals a month to meals every day, giving Spencer hope that this could be a model for other communities to feed the hungry and improve community relationships. In addition to the café, Asheville Poverty Initiative serves struggling people by finding them paying gigs in the role of poverty experts and educators on the systems of poverty. The Poverty Initiative calls its guest lecturers “poverty scholars.” Spencer says everyone who comes in has gifts and often, the gift they have is the ability to articulate the problems with, and some potential solutions for, the systems of poverty they navigate on a daily basis. She helps arrange educational engagements at places such as Warren Wilson College. In the end, Spencer seems to rely just as much on her project as the project relies on her. “I’m like everybody else,” she says, “in that when I open the door and I walk into the café and somebody says, ‘Hey Shannon,’ I feel seen — it reminds me that I matter, and I need that. I think we all need that.”

BOTTOM LINE FOR WNC: Facilitates 11 poverty scholars. Enables 31,200 heaping meals per year. Encourages dozens of volunteers and hundreds of community members to connect with each other over meals and shared interests.

BIG GIVE WEEK DEC. 3-9 You will be entered to win one of these great prizes when you donate $20 or more during this Big Give Week.

Asheville Salt Cave: Two Salt Cave sessions Green Home Cleaning: $100 home cleaning certificate Humane Society: Dog or cat adoption package LaZoom Comedy Bus Tour: Pair of tickets Still Point Wellness: 2 drawings for 2 prizes — each one for a 60-minute salt water floatation ($69 value) plus a 30-minute Relaxation Room session with Far Infrared Sauna and/or Migun Massage Bed ($30 value) The Blackbird Restaurant: $100 gift certificate

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

COMMUNITY 12

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

SPECIAL OFFERS 103.3 FM

103.3 FM WHAT THEY DO: We are low-power FM community radio broadcasting music, talk, arts, culture and community events from Asheville and WNC. Existing to serve the hyperlocal scene of diverse voices, we celebrate the world’s music, people and ideas. We welcome everyone to participate, but our mission is to amplify the voices of those underrepresented by the mainstream media. We also teach the skills to share one’s points of view via radio. “If you know Asheville, it’s an outstanding music town. AshevilleFM bottles up that rhythm for some awesome turntable magic at any given moment. The radio station is at its best with its freeform programming. Let AshevilleFM show you the true spirit of freeform, with punk, pop, funk and stuff you never thought could work together.” — Ernesto Aguilar, National Federation of Community Broadcasters

Asheville Museum of Science WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Museum of Science supports the advancement of science education in Western North Carolina through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programming for all ages. AMOS offers engaging new exhibits that feature the science behind WNC’s uniqueness and diversity, along with Saturday Morning Science mini-classes for families, field trips and outreach STEM classes for pre-K to 12th-graders, and Beer City Science Pubs for adults to expand their science literacy. “Bringing AMOS to the heart of downtown Asheville is like polishing and celebrating a priceless gem! A discovery, a destination and a treasured setting for children of all ages.” — Karen Tessier, owner, Market Connections

• Donate $50 or more to become a member of the station. Donors at this level will be gifted with a logo T-shirt. • Donate $103.30 to become part of the 103.3 Team. Donors at this level will be gifted with a logo hoodie. • Donate $365 or more and sign on at our VIP Level. Donors at this level will be gifted with both the logo hoodie and T-shirt.

Asheville Museum of Science • All donations over $20 will earn a day pass to the museum. Donations over $150 will earn a one-year membership. • Smoky Park Supper Club will give a $20 gift certificate to the first five people giving $50 or more to Asheville Museum of Science.

ashevillescience.org 828.254.7162

ashevillefm.org 828.348.0352

100% of your

donations go to the nonproﬁts

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

COMMUNITY

Habitat for Humanity WHAT THEY DO: We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Our affordable homeownership and home repair programs help families and individuals achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a brighter future. Better, affordable living conditions lead to improved health, stronger childhood development and the ability to save more, invest in education, pursue opportunities and enjoy more financial stability. “One of the biggest myths about Habitat is that they give houses away. Not true! I worked hard for my house, and my neighbors did, too. We did hundreds of hours of sweat equity and now we all pay a mortgage. It was hard, but worth it! We have a wonderful home of our own.” — Habitat homeowner ashevillehabitat.org 828.251.5702

MemoryCare

Mountain BizWorks

WHAT THEY DO: MemoryCare is a nonprofit clinic serving families affected by Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our teams provide specialized medical care for adults with cognitive impairment that is integrated with support and education for their caregivers. Individuals can stay safely at home longer than otherwise possible, and there is focus on quality of life for all impacted. We provide community education about dementia, caregiving and healthy aging and are committed to serving all with need.

WHAT THEY DO: Mountain BizWorks is a nonprofit with a mission to build a vibrant and inclusive entrepreneurial community in WNC by helping small businesses start, grow and thrive. For 27 years, MBW has provided loans (micro and small-business loans from $1,000 to $200,000) and peer-to-peer business coaching to those who find it difficult to secure funding from banks. This blend of lending and learning helps entrepreneurs overcome obstacles, grow strategically and create a more vibrant local economy.

“With MemoryCare, our family has received unique specialized care guided by compassion, respect and education. Their superior support for patients, families and, most of all, caregivers has made such a difference in our lives. ... We have never felt alone and are truly blessed to have MemoryCare by our side.”

“There are lots of people in the area with some really amazing ideas, and they need some kind of chance to make it happen. Mountain BizWorks definitely helped us have our chance.”

— Aleta & Alan Keough memorycare.org 828.771.2219

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

— Sean Park, Blue Dream Curry House mountainbizworks.org 828.253.2834

BIG WEEK, BIG DEAL, BIG FIX The Council on Aging of Buncombe County WHAT THEY DO: Each year, the Council on Aging of Buncombe County helps more than 8,000 older adults age with choice through education, innovative programming and connection to needed resources such as: Medicare education and counseling, transportation (Call A Ride), Minor Home Repair, Senior Dining and Wellness, the Homebound Food Delivery and Socializing With Seniors programs. Through partnerships, the Council provides guidance for accessing additional services that support independent living. “The Council on Aging fortifies the lives of an underserved population: people over 60. If you were to interview COABC clients, you’d hear stories of compassion, love and respect received. COABC overcomes obstacles daily without fanfare to deliver vital services needed by area elderly. They are the front line.”

WNCAP WHAT THEY DO: WNCAP works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by HIV and AIDS, while at the same time working to prevent further spread of the disease in our community. We do this by offering supportive services for those who are living with HIV or AIDS, and forming partnerships with a wide range of community agencies to bring lifesaving prevention information to all residents in 18 counties. “Early this year, I was living in my storage unit, very sick with little to no hope. WNCAP helped me get into care with an infectious disease doctor, have access to life-saving medications and find affordable, stable housing. WNCAP saved my life!”

The nonprofit with the most individual donations (from unique donors) in any given seven-day window will win $1,000 of computer support from One Click Fix!

— John WNCAP client wncap.org 828.252.7489

— Chuck Fink, former COABC board member coabc.org 828.277.8288

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

COMMUNITY

Helpmate WHAT THEY DO: Helpmate is Buncombe County’s provider of services for victims of domestic violence. We provide case management, a 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, court advocacy, counseling, support groups and preventative education. We work in collaboration with the community to eliminate abuse and fear by providing safety, shelter and support for survivors of domestic violence. “I was in the shelter and the staff was amazing. They made me feel like I mattered; like my life mattered.”

Our VOICE WHAT THEY DO: Our VOICE, Asheville and Buncombe County’s rape crisis and prevention center, is dedicated to serving all people ages 13 and up who have been impacted by sexual assault or human trafficking through 24-hour crisis services, counseling, case management, court advocacy, prevention and education. “My sense of integrity and resolve would not have been possible had Our VOICE not existed. ... I feel ownership of my sense of self.” — A survivor

— Former shelter resident helpmateonline.org 828.254.2968 business / 828.254-0516 hotline

ourvoicenc.org 828.252.0562 (office) 828.255.7576 (crisis line)

The Lord’s Acre WHAT THEY DO: The Lord’s Acre is a diverse and open community of volunteers who grow and donate organic food to an average of 500 people per week via several area food outlets. Yet their true work is community and relationship building and education. This is accomplished by working with schools, colleges, churches, children’s groups, similar gardens and other organizations to actively assist their efforts to learn gardening and develop resilient communities of their own. “TLA is a great gardening incubator and educator, and I’m so very happy to be a part of it.” — Anastasia Walsh, volunteer thelordsacre.org 828.276.1156

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

SHOW UP TO SHOW OFF

SPECIAL OFFERS Helpmate Be one of the first 25 people to donate $25 or more and get a free truffle at French Broad Chocolates.

The nonprofit throwing the most successful Give!Local event will win $1,000 worth of T-shirt printing from Recover Brand.

Our VOICE • Donate $10+ for a free cup of coffee from Izzy’s Coffee Den in downtown Asheville or Izzy’s Coffee House in West Asheville.

Runner-up gets $250 worth of decal printing from Blue Ridge Sign Supply.

• Donate $20+ for a free specialty drink from Izzy’s Coffee Den in downtown Asheville or Izzy’s Coffee House in West Asheville AND receive a free single scoop of ice cream from The Hop Ice Cream Café on Merrimon Avenue or The Hop West.

F REE P

• Donate $50+ for a free specialty drink from Izzy’s Coffee (downtown and West) AND a free single scoop of ice cream from The Hop Ice Cream Café (Merrimon Avenue and West) AND a chance to win a $10 gift card to Table Restaurant (for the first five people to make a donation of $50+).

RIN T I

E E R F IN T IN G PR

The Lord’s Acre Anyone who donates to us will be entered to win square dance tickets from Hickory Nut Gap Farm.

•

The event generating the most funding for Give!Local nonprofits wins — regardless of which nonprofits receive the donations.

•

The donations must be received within 24 hours of the event

•

Event must have been listed in the Xpress Give!Local Calendar

•

Donations must be identified as event-related in the online checkout comment field. 2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

YOUTH 18

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SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville City Schools Foundation

Asheville City Schools Foundation WHAT THEY DO: The Asheville City Schools Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to educational success for all city schools students. We reward innovation and fund educators’ big ideas through our Teacher Grants. Our In Real Life after-school program allows students to learn and grow in an atmosphere of fun, love, safety and collaboration. We empower graduates to realize their dreams through Student Scholarships. We engage the community through our Volunteer Partnership with UNC Asheville. “The In Real Life after-school program has been a godsend. IRL has improved the quality of life for my whole family. You have no idea the relief I felt when when told that no child would be turned away because of an inability to pay. Imagine the positive effect that funding for this program is having on families all over the city.” — IRL parent acsf.org 828.350.6174

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina WHAT THEY DO: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina is working to ensure every child in WNC has an enjoyable, long-term relationship with a caring adult who believes in them and sees their potential. We select and match mentors with children facing adversity and provide ongoing activities, training and support services for both families and volunteers to sustain successful match relationships and enduring connections through which Littles grow in self-confidence and build higher aspirations. “What better opportunity is there to change a child’s life? That’s what this has done for ours. I’m proud that I took the step to ask for help. ... It was the absolute best decision I have ever made for the welfare of my grandsons. It has been absolutely, positively life-changing — I could not imagine raising these boys without the support of their Bigs.” — Mary Lytle grandmother bbbswnc.org 828.253.1470

Mosaic Realty will match all donations made to Asheville City Schools Foundation up to $1,000.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Western North Carolina • The first donation of $500 or more will receive a one-night stay and dinner at The Sourwood Inn, excluding holidays. • Every donation of $250 will be entered into a drawing for a $500 gift certificate to Gentleman’s Gallery Inc. The certificate can be used toward the full retail value of any of the fine American and European clothing. • The first seven donations of $35 will receive either a $10 gift certificate for Ultimate Ice Cream, or a French Broad Chocolate Lounge factory tour. • The first 20 donations of $25 will receive a $5 gift certificate to one of the following companies: High Five Coffee, The Baked Pie Co. or Kilwin’s Asheville.

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

YOUTH

SPECIAL OFFERS Children First/ Communities in Schools of Buncombe County Donate $50 or more to Children First/CIS and be entered to win a complimentary two-night stay at the Renaissance Asheville Hotel, valued at $500. Compliments of the Renaissance Asheville Hotel. Reservations required. Expires May 31, 2018.

Muddy Sneakers Diamond Brand Outdoors will give a $10 gear card to anyone who donates $25 or more to Muddy Sneakers.

Children First/ Communities in Schools of Buncombe County WHAT THEY DO: Children First/ Communities in Schools helps children reach their full potential by making sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school and thrive in life. We support children and families through our student support specialists, Learning Centers, Family Resource Center, Project POWER/AmeriCorps program and Advocacy program. Your gift provides academic support, mentoring, a food pantry, clothing closet, emergency financial assistance, parenting workshops and more! “Children First/CIS helps take some of the weight and the worry out for me and my children. ... My children can focus on going to school, and I can focus on moving us ahead. It really helps.” — Natasha, mother of four receiving services in 2016 childrenfirstcisbc.org 828.259.9717

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

Muddy Sneakers WHAT THEY DO: Muddy Sneakers is an education nonprofit that partners with schools to supplement classroom science instruction for fifth-grade students with inquiry-based outdoor learning. Placed in small groups led by highly trained naturalists, students develop a connection with nature, become more physically active, gain in self-confidence and increase science aptitude. Muddy Sneakers currently serves 44 schools across Western North Carolina and the Piedmont as well as upstate South Carolina, and reached over 2,700 students during the 2016-2017 academic year. “I really liked the hands-on activities, and it was really cool to look inside logs and try to find different producers, consumers and decomposers!” — Teagan, Vance Elementary fifth-grader muddysneakers.org 828.862.5560

SPECIAL OFFERS Verner

My Daddy Taught Me That WHAT THEY DO: The mission of My Daddy Taught Me That is to support young males’ development into righteous, respectable and responsible men through youth development programming and advocacy focused on eradicating the education-achievement and economic-mobility gaps that affect young males living in the city of Asheville and Buncombe County. “MDTMT is an awesome organization teaching our youth much-needed life skills and exposing them to opportunities they may have never had. MDTMT is a generational extension of helping community youth.” — Priscilla Ndiaye, community leader mydaddytaughtmethat.org 828.582.2261

Verner WHAT THEY DO: The first 2,000 days of life matter the most (from birth to kindergarten), and all of us have a stake in the quality of those days for every child. We know that a child’s experiences will largely determine his/her life outcomes! Verner helps by providing high-quality, comprehensive early care and education to nearly 300 children AND provides services to these families. With the 40 percent growth we experienced this year, and with 81 percent of our children coming from low-income families in Buncombe County, the need is greater than ever.

• Every donation of $250 or more will be placed in a drawing to receive a $500 gift certificate to your choice of REI, Rhubarb or Corner Kitchen (a minimum of five donations of $250+ must be received before the drawing). • The first donation received of $500 or more will receive a one-night stay at the new Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and four tickets to the Dollywood Theme Park (excluding holidays). • The first 10 people who donate $30 AND make it a recurring monthly donation will receive a $10 gift certificate to their choice of Chocolate Gems, Ultimate Ice Cream or Mast General. • The first 10 donations of $25 will receive a $5 gift card to Target.

“Zoey has attended Verner since she was around 8 months old. It has been a pleasure to watch her flourish in all aspects of her life through the guidance she has received in this safe, nurturing and educational environment. I can’t praise this school enough for the work that is done here.” — Susan Rhew vernerearlylearning.org 828.298.0808

100% of your

donations go to the nonproﬁts

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville Humane Society

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge

Asheville Humane Society

WHAT THEY DO: Save wild lives! Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is a 100 percent volunteer-driven nonprofit that coordinates the needs of wildlife rehabilitation in Western North Carolina, providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife, support for the wildlife rehabilitation network and conservation education to the community. Funds raised support opening the Wildlife Urgent Care facility to help the struggling local wildlife rehabilitation community care for the growing number of native wild animals in crisis each year.

WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Humane Society is about hope, not heartache. As Buncombe County’s critical safety net since 1984, we are always here to shelter, save and protect every animal in need. We are now going even further, helping our community’s pets have the quality of life they deserve — a life worth living.

“As a home-based wildlife rehabilitator, it is becoming harder to provide the special care these animals require due to the increasing numbers. During baby season, I have taken in as many as 30 animals in one day. Appalachian Wild gives home-based rehabbers much-needed help and relief!”

Anyone donating a minimum of $25 to Asheville Humane Society will receive $10 off an adoption fee through Feb. 10, 2018.

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Persons donating $50 or more to Appalachian Wild will be entered into a raffle for a private local tour with Ventures Birding Tours.

“Thank you, AHS! We adopted today and everyone was helpful, friendly and kind. AHS is unmatched for the care you give the animals. The building is clean, bright, and the staff is welcoming and professional. It is obvious how committed AHS is to both animals and people in our community.” — Michael Ashmore ashevillehumane.org 828.761.2001

— Janice Burleson appalachianwild.org

100% of your

donations go to the nonproﬁts

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ANIMALS

Friends of the WNC Nature Center WHAT THEY DO: Since 1974, the WNC Nature Center has been a beloved part of the region, inspiring appreciation, nurturing and understanding, and advancing conservation of our area’s rich biodiversity. More than 60 species of nonreleasable, native animals in natural habitats over 42 acres act as ambassadors to our guests and students. The Friends of the WNC Nature Center raises funds to support the center’s operational and facilities needs. “The WNC Nature Center is a unique and fun experience for all ages and serves not only Asheville and Buncombe County but many of our surrounding counties as well. The Nature Center serves to educate and excite visitors about the natural living habitat, past and present, of Western North Carolina.” — Laura McCue friends@wildwnc.org 828.298.0182

Friends2Ferals

Wild for Life

WHAT THEY DO: Providing a longterm solution to feline overpopulation in Buncombe, Henderson and Madison counties through a consistent trap-neuter-return program and lowor no-cost spay-neuter surgery at Humane Alliance. In the nine years since its founding, Friends2Ferals/ HSBC has returned about 11,000 cats to responsible care with a rabies certificate designating the person responsible for renewing the shots. Friends2Ferals/HSBC provides an FVRCP vaccine. Cats are also treated for parasites and minor wounds.

WHAT THEY DO: The mission of Wild for Life is to inspire and engage the community of Western North Carolina about the intrinsic value of wildlife and wild places around us through education and rehabilitation. Our goals are to provide wildlife rehabilitation services to animals that have been injured or orphaned and to provide educational experiences that stimulate and engage the community.

“Last November, a feral mother cat that we had been feeding deserted her three kittens. Since we had five rescues already, we couldn’t keep them. Hoping for a better option than the county animal shelter, I called Friends2Ferals. Nancy taught me how to trap the kittens and took them for spay-neuter surgery and vaccinations. Then, through a foster program, all three kittens found a forever home. Since then we have been watching for the mother cat so I can trap her to prevent the reproduction process yet again.” — Mary Ickes avl.mx/33o 828.505.6737

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“Wild for Life is amazing, with more than 46 years of experience! Rehabilitation — over 150 birds/year, from all over Western North Carolina. Education with ambassadors — schools, libraries and nursing homes. Biggest expense? Nutritional foods = $20,000/year. Reward? Releasing birds back to the wild and exciting people about nature.” — John C. Bernhardt, retired biology professor, UNCA wildforlife.org 828.665.4341

SPECIAL OFFERS Friends of the WNC Nature Center

WNC Center for Honeybee Research WHAT THEY DO: We engage in research to further knowledge about honeybees, as well as find answers to challenges to their continued existence. We serve as a world communications center for the exchange of information and contacts relating to bees and beekeeping. We promote programs and events to educate beekeepers and the general public. Our goal is to create a comprehensive laboratory for the analysis of everything affecting the health of bees. “Beginning in 2014, Carl Chesick and the Center for Honeybee Research partnered with us to place hives on the roof of our hotel. Since that time, the center has tirelessly researched and monitored these hives, helping them to thrive and produce. This allows us to contribute to the greater good of the community, fostering knowledge of beekeeping in an urban area, and delighting our guests.” — Drew Walls, operations manager, Renaissance Hotel Asheville chbr.org 828.779.7047

We will offer a free Wild Parent No. 2 package (adopt-an-animal package) to anyone giving $100 or more to the Friends, and a bumper sticker to anyone giving $20 or more to the Friends.

Friends2Ferals Anyone contributing over $10 to Friends2Ferals through Give!Local will receive a $5 merchandise coupon from Patton Avenue Pet Co.

Wild for Life • Each donor of $25 or more will be sent a Charleston Mint custom creation of a Wild for Life ornament. • Donors giving $75 or more will be entered into a raffle to receive a personalized local tour by Land & Lore Ecotours.

SHOW DOWN FOR THE SHOUT OUT Five Give!Local nonprofits with the most donors (of $10 or more) will win a $1,000 Mountain Xpress advertising campaign. One winner for each of these sections: • Community • Youth • Animals • Arts/Social Justice • Environment

• For donations of $150, donors will be entered into a raffle to win tickets to the Biltmore Estate. • The first donation of $125 will receive surprise items from Wild Birds Unlimited. • The first donation of $1,000 will receive a giclee animal print from Brevard’s renowned artist Rebecca Willis.

$1,000

NONPROFIT ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective WHAT THEY DO: Making theater, building community, facilitating awareness and changing the world, one play at a time. At the heart of our mission, we believe the arts can be a valuable educational tool and a catalyst for social change and personal transformation. “The brilliance of DSPAC is that it knows precisely what its purpose is. ... The result is a resume of performances that are indeed provocative in their intent, and demonstrative in their execution. ... I’m a better person for participating with them.” — Cynthia Sprau, Asheville, differentstrokespac.org 828.484.2014

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SPECIAL OFFERS POP Project

Open Hearts Art Center WHAT THEY DO: Open Hearts Art Center is a supportive studio for artists with disabilities with the mission to empower people to reach their full potential through the arts. It is a 501(c)(3), community-based program focused on supporting the individual needs of people living with disabilities with the everyday goal of emphasizing each individual’s many and vast abilities while providing opportunities in visual and performing arts. “Born with Down syndrome, my daughter was recently diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. As abilities decline, Open Hearts continues seeing her as a creative individual who enjoys being with friends and valued as a person. They’ve made it possible to continue ‘really living’ despite changing needs.” — Sheila Kindley openheartsartcenter.org 828.505.8428

POP Project

Spellbound Children’s Bookshop will offer 50 percent off a Book of the Month Club subscription ($90-$300 value) to all donors of $100 or more to the POP project.

WHAT THEY DO: Literacy studies show strong correlations between access to books and literacy, and between literacy and success in life. The POP Project donates free books directly to local educational organizations and to locations whose clients would benefit from a greater access to books. These locations include children’s schools and programs, shelters and housing communities, church programs, food pantries, fellow nonprofits and corrections systems. Every dollar donated to POP equals $10 in free books distributed back into our community. “Have no doubt, your work and wonderful books are changing lives. Today, a mom brought her son to the market. These new books for her child were a wonderful gift! Thank you!” — Jan Ianniello, Free Community Meal and Market, Candler thepopproject.org apopproject@gmail.com

100% of your

donations go to the nonproﬁts

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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SPECIAL OFFERS Green Built Alliance

Green Built Alliance

• Each person donating to Green Built Alliance will be entered to win a free Green Gauge Home Assessment ($300 value).

The Collider

WHAT THEY DO: We are people who care about where we live — our homes, neighborhoods and the planet. Since 2001, we have been accomplishing our mission to advance sustainability in the built environment through regional action. We make a difference in the community by hosting original educational events, serving on Asheville’s Energy Innovation Task Force and implementing programs such as Green Built Homes, Green Gauge and Appalachian Offsets.

WHAT THEY DO: The Collider is a nonprofit innovation center where business and science “collide” to develop solutions for climate change. Located in the heart of downtown Asheville — also known as “Climate City” — The Collider offers professional memberships and student internships for the climate solutions industry, along with public events including science lectures and films. In March 2018, The Collider is spearheading ClimateCon, a new conference on the business of climate.

“The mission of Green Built Alliance comes down to imagining the homes and buildings that our grandchildren will inherit from us. Green Built Alliance finds ways to modify the collective trajectory of our built environment, striving to build a community where buildings have a positive impact on our planet.”

“At The Collider, innovators and the climate industry can connect, develop and launch their products, utilizing the data resources from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, not just for the benefit of strengthening Asheville’s economy, but for what’s going to be impacting the economy nationwide and globally.” — Clark Duncan, director of business development, Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County

— Steve Linton president, Deltec Homes greenbuilt.org 828.254.1995

thecollider.org 828.CLIMATE

• For every $20 donated to Green Built Alliance, one ton of carbon emissions will be offset through the nonprofit’s Appalachian Offsets program that performs energyefficiency upgrades in local schools, nonprofits and affordable housing.

The Collider • An anonymous donor will match all donations made to The Collider up to $100,000. • Any donor who contributes $100 or more will become a Friend of The Collider, receiving special friend opportunities and perks for one calendar year.

100% of your

donations go to the nonproﬁts

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ENVIRONMENT

EcoForesters WHAT THEY DO: At EcoForesters, protecting the forests of the Appalachian Mountains and ensuring their longevity is our passion. Led by professional foresters, our nonprofit uses positive-impact forest stewardship and natural resource education to both conserve and restore our woodlands, transforming them into vibrant, healthy and sustainable forests for the benefit of current and future generations. “EcoForesters worked very hard with our unique situation. My father passed, and they put together a timber harvest that met my father’s final expenses and kept our property intact. With EcoForesters, I knew I had someone representing my interests in good stewardship.” —Tim M., Macon County ecoforesters.org 828.484.6842

Friends of the Smokies WHAT THEY DO: We assist the National Park Service in preserving and protecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds, increasing public awareness and providing volunteers for needed projects. We serve area residents by funding critical park programs, including environmental education for local students, wildlife management, historic preservation, monitoring improvements in regional air quality and large-scale trail rehabilitation projects. “Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most giving, influential and effective nonprofit organization of which I have ever witnessed or been a participant.” — Regina K., volunteer Friendsofthesmokies.org 828.452.0720

MountainTrue WHAT THEY DO: MountainTrue is Western North Carolina’s premier advocate for environmental stewardship. We are committed to keeping our mountain region a beautiful place to live, work and play. Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan vibrant and livable communities, and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all residents of WNC. MountainTrue was voted WNC’s No. 1 Environmental Organization by the readers of Mountain Xpress in both 2016 and 2017. “I am a member of MountainTrue because I love the beauty of our mountains and believe that we have a responsibility to make sure that their unspoiled beauty is here for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” — Ron Roby, member mountaintrue.org 828.258.8737

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

SPECIAL OFFERS Friends of the Smokies • Donate $50 or more and receive one free pass to Asheville Yoga Center.

RiverLink WHAT THEY DO: RiverLink is an Asheville-based nonprofit that serves eight counties to promote the environmental and economic vitality of the French Broad River and its watershed as a place to live, learn, work and play. We promote the experience of the French Broad River through conservation easements, reclaiming contaminated lands for public use, offering hands-on environmental education lessons to over 3,000 regional K-12 students and empowering over 1,700 volunteers annually to learn about the important role the French Broad River plays in our community. “The French Broad River is one of the jewels in WNC and a place that I hold dear. This beautiful resource in our community has been brought back to life and holds numerous recreational opportunities for all ages. This was all made possible because of the hard work and dedication of RiverLink. This is why I support RiverLink.”

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy WHAT THEY DO: As your local land trust, we permanently protect globally significant ecosystems, clean water, beloved recreational areas, working farms and the breathtaking mountains of the Southern Appalachians in WNC. We also responsibly steward and manage these lands for posterity and connect people with the land through hikes and volunteer opportunities. By preserving vital resources in our region, we continue to improve your quality of life by building healthy and vibrant communities. “It is our hope that by working together with SAHC, we can continue to preserve our environment — its beauty, its water, its open spaces, its inhabitants. It is what gives us life, both literally and figuratively.”

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Any donor who contributes $25 or more will become an SAHC member (aka Conservation Superstar), which includes perks like free guided group hikes throughout the year, our View from the Highlands newsletter and discounts on our sweet merchandise and fun events.

— Lisa Cooper, president, Mast General Store

— RiverLink supporter riverlink.org 828.252.8474

• Donate $35 or more and receive a one-year membership, which includes discounts at Mast General Store, Dollywood and more. Visit Friendsofthesmokies. org for a list of membership benefits.

Appalachian.org 828.253.0095

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville Poverty Initiative • Every donor of $30 will be given a 12 Baskets T-shirt.

Asheville Poverty Initiative WHAT THEY DO: 12 Baskets Cafe is a program of Asheville Poverty Initiative. The Cafe serves a free hot lunch to 100-125 people each day, building community one meal at a time. All of the food is rescued from local restaurants, grocery stores and hospitals. The Cafe is open MondayFriday from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 610 Haywood St. (at Kairos West below Firestorm Cafe). “Volunteering at 12 Baskets Cafe, I’ve gotten to know our guests by name. We share a hug when they come in. Often their hands are cold, as they have been outside all night. The Cafe provides more than a hot meal, it provides a place to be with friends!” — Fran D., volunteer ashevillepovertyinitiative.org 828.231.4169

Homeward Bound WHAT THEY DO: We end homelessness in Buncombe County through permanent housing. Our AHOPE Day Center provides essential services to neighbors experiencing homelessness. When we move each person into their own home home, we offer ongoing support for them to be able to stay there. We’ve housed over 1,800 people and 89 percent of them haven’t become homeless again. “Homeward Bound got me situated in a place where I feel comfortable. I hope I get to live here a long, long time. I don’t have all this agony and weight on my shoulders anymore. I couldn’t feel any better when I get up in the morning.” — Harry, a housed client homewardboundwnc.org 828.258.1695

• Every donor of $50 will receive a special handmade coffee mug from Village Potters, embossed with 12 Baskets’ name (donor to come by cafe to pick up). • Every donor of $100 or more will receive an invitation to a celebratory dinner at 12 Baskets Cafe, catered and served by Morrison Healthcare.

Homeward Bound All donors will be entered into a drawing for gift certificates to Asheville Yoga Center at the end of November and at the end of December.

Ministry of Hope Any donations over $50 will be entered in a raffle (with multiple drawings) to win various gift certificates/goods from local businesses and restaurants. Donors of over $100 will receive a tour of the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women facility.

Pisgah Legal Services Gifts made to Pisgah Legal Services through Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar. 2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Just Economics

Ministry of Hope

WHAT THEY DO: Our mission is to educate, advocate and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in WNC. The vision, strategy and direction of JE is determined by participating community members through regular public meetings and committee work. We have three major areas of work: Policy Advocacy, Living Wage Employer Certification and Grassroots Leadership Development. JE works to center the voice of people most impacted by economic injustice to bring about systems change and co-create the economic community we want to live in.

WHAT THEY DO: Ministry of Hope raises funds for chaplains (one full time and one part time) who provide spiritual nurturing, counseling and services for women of all faiths at the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women — in the belief of renewal, reconciliation and restoration as they re-enter society. In 2015, all 146 inmates released were residents of WNC. Programs include transitional mentoring (for housing, employment, etc.), a domestic violence program, retreats for mothers and children, and collaboration with social services in substance abuse treatment, GED coursework and more.

“Being a local company committed to empowering our community to become more sustainable with clean energy solutions, we are proud to be living wage certified by Just Economics. We are grateful they exist to address the social and economic aspects that are critical to creating positive change and true prosperity” — Erika Schneider, Sundance Power Systems justeconomicswnc.org 828.505.7466

“Having visited the Swannanoa Center, and after talking with some of the women there, I felt compelled to add my voice to [the Ministry of Hope’s] request for funding. What I can tell you is the need is great, there is no existing program for incarcerated victims. Furthermore, Ministry of Hope has a proven track record for helping women successfully return to society.” — Sen. Terry Van Duyn ministryofhopewnc.org 828.259.6055

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2017

Pisgah Legal Services WHAT THEY DO: Imagine getting a cancer diagnosis and being expected to determine your treatment alone, without any medical training. That’s what it’s like for people who come to Pisgah Legal Services for help with serious legal problems, but don’t know how to address them. Pisgah Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that serves 15,000plus low-income people in WNC, providing legal remedies for issues such as ending domestic violence, preventing homelessness and gaining access to health care. “You helped me keep my son, and I will be grateful for the rest of my life.” — “Anna” www.pisgahlegal.org 828.253.0406

optional print mail-in donation form This form is provided for your convenience if online giving is not your preference. * NAME * ADDRESS * PHONE EMAIL * ARE YOU 12 YEARS OLD OR UNDER?

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* Required Information

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SEND IT Your check MUST be made out to Give!Local (Checks made out differently will be returned to sender.)

Give!Local 2017 Mountain Xpress P.O. Box 144 Asheville, NC 28802

This form MUST accompany your check (Staple together.)

DETAILS

GIVE

a) If you donate $20 or more, we’ll send you some neat stuff in January. c) Would you like to be anonymous?

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On the lines to the left of each nonprofit’s name, indicate how much you would like to donate to that group. Add all donations together and fill in your total donation amount. Minimum donation to any one group is $1. To be eligible for rewards, your total donations must equal at least $20 (or $5 if you’re 12 or younger). If you do not indicate which nonprofits you want your donation to go to, Mountain Xpress, at its discretion, will give your donation to one or more Give!Local nonprofits.

COMMUNITY Asheville 103.3 FM Asheville Museum of Science Habitat for Humanity Helpmate MemoryCare Mountain BizWorks Our VOICE The Council on Aging of Buncombe County The Lord’s Acre WNCAP

Yes

b) Would you like to opt out of receiving incentives?

YOUTH Asheville City Schools Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County Muddy Sneakers My Daddy Taught Me That Verner

ANIMALS Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Asheville Humane Society

Friends of the WNC Nature Center Friends2Ferals Wild for Life WNC Center for Honeybee Research

ARTS Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective Open Hearts Art Collective POP Project

ENVIRONMENT EcoForesters

TOTAL DONATION $

Friends of the Smokies Green Built Alliance MountainTrue RiverLink Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy The Collider

SOCIAL JUSTICE Asheville Poverty Initiative Homeward Bound Just Economics Ministry of Hope Pisgah Legal Services

THANK YOU! 35

2017 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

T hanks the following advertisers who are supporting the project with cash, goods & services. Visit givelocalguide.org for a full and updated list of supporting businesses. If your business would like to be involved with this worthy project, send a note to

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