Give!Local (2016) by Mountain Xpress

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

To our sponsors and partners, without whom the guide could not exist

Asheville Salt Cave

High Five Coffee

Biltmore Estate

The Hop

The Blackbird

John W. Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center

Blue Dream Curry House

Kilwins

Cataloochee Ski Area

LaZoom

Chestnut

Locally Maid

Copper Crown

Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe

Embellish Asheville

Mosaic Cafe

Empyrean Arts

North Carolina Arboretum

Fine Arts Theatre

Old Europe

Frank’s Roman Pizza

Patton Avenue Pet Company

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Still Point Wellness

Gearu

UpCountry Brewing Company

Green Home Cleaning

Wine & Design

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Zuma Coffee

CHECK GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG FOR ADDITIONS AND UPDATES! 2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

WELCOME TO WNC’S GIVE!LOCAL GUIDE THE MISSION

Raise funds and awareness for 47 worthy local nonprofits that make a big difference where we live — and make giving simple and fun, no matter how small or large the gift.

THE METHOD

• Make giving easy with a single website using a simple shopping cart system — that allows gifts from $2 to $20,000, whether to just one or to many nonprofits. • Offer donors hundreds of fun incentives provided by dozens of area businesses.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

1. First, check out the 47 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. The site’s shopping cart will total what you’re giving to each nonprofit, allowing 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, you’ll receive an incentive packet in the mail in January — unless you give $1,000 or more, in which case, we will hand-deliver a bag of goodies to your home or business.

SOME RULES OF ENGAGEMENT • The minimum combined donation to receive an incentive is $20. Unless you are under age 12, 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 ensure that everyone gets an incentive, but incentives will be made on a firstcome-first-serve 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 | 2016

The inspiration for Xpress’ Give!Local project comes from the Willamette Week in Portland, Ore., which created a similar program 15 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 Highland Brewing Co. 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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Incentives

Special Offers

Julian Award Winners

Big Give Week – Home Improvement

Big Give Week –

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Mystery Prize

Community

Youth

Animals

Big Give Weekend –

Romance

Arts

Big Give Weekend –

Adventure

Environment

Donation Form

PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes DIRECTOR Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER (PRINT & WEB) Scott Southwick DESIGN Jordan Isenhour • Norn Cutson ADMINISTRATION Able Allen • Jordan Isenhour COVER design by Scott Southwick JULIAN PRIZE WRITER Thomas Calder EDITORS Karen Richardson Dunn • Tracy Rose INCENTIVES Susan Hutchinson • Thomas Allison • Sara Brecht • Bryant Cooper • Tim Navaille • Brian Palmieri • Nick Poteat WEB Bowman Kelley DISTRIBUTION Denise Montgomery • Jeff Tallman

INCENTIVES FOR YOUR OVERALL GIVE!LOCAL DONATION

OOK B R E H VOUC VOUCHER BOOK

Give $20-$249

Receive a coupon book filled with great freebies and discounts worth more than $100 from your favorite retailers around the area. High Five Coffee, The Hop, Frank’s Roman Pizza and dozens of others have donated discounts, services and products to thank you for your contribution.

Give $250-$499

Receive the coupon book 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 coupon book and even more gift certificates and discounts for fine things around town, 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.

If you are 12 or under and give at least $5 (with permission, of course), you will receive a coupon book with kid-friendly items, including a kiddie scoop from The Hop. 6

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

KIDSGIVE! The next generation!

VISI

e.orgn d i u g l a eloc re informatio T giv for mo

SPECIAL OFFERS DONATION BOOSTERS MATCHES

• All donations — up to $48,000 — to Wild South will be matched through a major grant from the National Forest Foundation. • Local instrument makers Make Noise and Moog are joining together to provide a matching donation up to $4,000 to support the incredible work of Girls Rock Asheville. • The Family Health Centers will donate a toy to the kids at Eliada for every donation to the organization. • Chestnut Mountain Cabin will match the first $250 in donations to the Appalachian Barn Alliance. • For every $20 donated to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council, 1 ton of carbon emissions will be offset through Appalachian Offsets program that performs energy efficiency upgrades for local schools and nonprofits. • A portion of the proceeds from the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights drive-through show will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics. The show begins on Friday, Dec. 2, and is nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23.

INCENTIVES

• Wild for Life will donate the experience of releasing a bird of prey that has gone through rehabilitation and is ready for release — giving the first $1,000 donor to Wild for Life the chance to release the animal to freedom.

• Oskar Blues Brewery will donate a gift card good in its taproom to each of the first 25 donors of $50 or more to Wild for Life. • Sierra Nevada Brewery will give $50 gift certificates to the first two donors of $75 or more to Wild for Life.

• Make a donation of $10 or more to Our Voice and get a free cup of coffee from Izzy’s Coffee Den (downtown or West Asheville); donations of $20 or more earn a free specialty drink from Izzy’s; and donations of $50 or more earn a free specialty drink at Izzy’s, plus a “Only Yes Means Yes” T-shirt. • Urban Orchard will give a free Urban Orchard Cider pint glass to each donor of $10 or more to EcoForesters. • Big Frog Custom T-shirts will give a gift certificate for a free T-shirt to each person giving $20 or more to Anam Cara Theatre Company. • The Lobster Trap will give a $10 gift card to the first 10 people giving $30 or more to the Asheville Museum of Science. • Asheville Pizza Company will give a $5 gift certificate to every person donating $25 or more to the Bob Moog Foundation. • Cradle of Forestry in America will donate one free entry pass ($5 value) to anyone who gives to Muddy Sneakers. • Those who donate $1,000 or more to Bounty & Soul will receive a guided farm tour at New Sprout Organic Farm, followed by a tour and tasting at Pisgah Brewing Co. The top eight donors to the nonprofit will receive a New Sprout Organic Farm hat, and anyone who donates to the organization can pick up a New Sprout Organic Farm bumper sticker at a Bounty & Soul Mobile Market. • Every donor to Provision Asheville will receive a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase at MTN Merch. • The John C. Campbell Folk School has offered one week’s tuition for a class at the school to the Southern Highland Craft Guild to support their Give!Local efforts. (Some restrictions apply; see website for details.) • Donors to the Southern Highland Craft Guild will receive a gift card to Filo Pastries & Coffee. Donors of $25+ receive a $5 gift card; donors of $50+ receive a $10 gift card; and donors of $100+ receive a $25 gift card.

MEMBERSHIPS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

• Spellbound Children’s Bookshop will offer 50 percent off a Book of the Month subscription ($90-$300 value) to all donors of $100 or more to the POP Project. • All donations over $20 to the Asheville Museum of Science earn a pair of day passes to the museum. Donations over $150 to the Asheville Museum of Science earn a one-year museum membership.

RAFFLES

• Persons donating $100 or more to Wild for Life will be entered into a raffle for a pair of day passes to the Biltmore Estate. • All donors to the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for the John C. Campbell Folk School or a $50 gift certificate to one of the Guild stores. • All donors to Appalachian Barn Alliance will be entered into a raffle for a rafting trip for two or a zip-lining trip for two, both from French Broad Adventures. • Each person who donates to the Western North Carolina Green Building Council will be entered to win a free Green Gauge Home Assessment ($300 value).

CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE OFFERS AND UPDATES! 2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

J U L I A N AWA R D W I N N E R S

SUSAN SIDES Feeding our hunger for

JULIAN AWARD WINNER

food and community

Since she was a child, Susan Sides has had her fingers in the dirt, helping her mother with the family garden. That early experience had a profound impact, fostering a passion that continues to this day: Since its inception in 2009, Sides has worked as executive director and garden manager at the Lord’s Acre in Fairview — a nonprofit that increases food access and, in so doing, inspires new ways of living in community. “I love the job,” says Sides. “You’re basically creating a space for plants, animals and people to thrive. I can’t think of a job that would be better than that.” Community is a key component of her work. It’s not enough, she says, to simply grow organic food and hand it out; that takes care of one need, but it doesn’t address the larger problem. Sides’ goal has always been to help people develop skill sets and be a part of a support system they can learn from and give to. “We’re trying to create a space where all these living things can work together and get Photo by Emma Grace Moon

THE JULIAN AWARDS Rewarding young 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 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 three winners will each receive a $1,000 cash prize. The prizes were made possible by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, in the spirit of Julian Price. This year’s award winners will be the guests of honor at the opening party for the Give!Local campaign, which will be held at Highland Brewing, Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 6 p.m.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Julian Price. Photo by Meg MacLeod

To qualify for Julian Awards, 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.

to know each other and see how dependent they are on each other,” she says. When people come together in a garden, “you get to hear their stories,” Sides observes. “You hear why they are where they are in life. You hear recipes from their grandmother, what kind of food they’re growing. And you get to see people look at [a] watermelon and say, ‘I never knew there was yellow watermelon; that’s the best thing I’ve ever tasted.’”

MELISSA WILSON JULIAN AWARD WINNER

Commitment and empathy in the classroom

Of course, challenges do arise. When the Lord’s Acre began seven years ago, Sides was its only paid employee. Even with the added help of two part-time employees in 2014, her schedule remains busy. “She works sometimes 80 hours a week, in the garden and in the office, to ensure that the Lord’s Acre message of ‘educating and inspiring people to address the many types of hunger’ is heard,” says Robin MacCurdy, board member of the nonprofit. Besides managing the garden and training interns, Sides leads tours, organizes volunteers, writes grants, and assists in networking and marketing the organization. In addition, Sides has helped to create the Gardens That Give organization, a group of volunteers, garden managers and other participants who work together to share resources, experience and knowledge. She has also put together a garden manual to inspire others to start their own Gardens That Give program. “She has done all of this good work declaring that what we’re really doing is spreading love — to those who are hungry for food and to those who are hungry for community ... to those who are hungry to learn and to those who are hungry to serve,” MacCurdy notes. Sides' objective is to end hunger and, in so doing, eliminate the very services she and the Lord’s Acre provide. “Our goal has to remain putting ourselves out of business,” she says. This objective, she emphasizes, means asking hard questions about one's intention. “Are we doing this because we want to keep doing what we’re doing, or are we doing this — making the choices we’re making — because we want to not be needed anymore? That’s the constant soul-searching thing.”

BOTTOM LINE FOR WNC: Over the past seven years, Susan Sides has championed the Lord’s Acre mission and helped its community grow and then deliver more than 60 tons of produce to local food banks.

Photo by Emma Grace Moon At 19, Melissa Wilson was a single mother, working at McDonald’s and living below the poverty line. She decided to enroll in a class at A-B Tech that was part of the college’s jobs placement program. With it came free child care. Unfortunately, the class itself didn’t speak to Wilson. “I was training for an office job, but it didn’t click for me,” she says. On a whim, she asked the director of her daughter’s child care program if they were hiring. As it happened, they were. The next day the phone rang. Someone from the child care program was calling. Could she come in to help? “I wasn’t really sure this was what I wanted to do,” Wilson says. “But as time went on, I began to really feel invested with the children … and 21 years later,

here I am [working in child care]." Her commitment stands out in a field that experienced a 19 percent turnover rate last year for full-time teachers, according to the 2015 Workforce Study, "Working in Early Care and Education in North Carolina." Wilson has worked for eight years as a lead teacher at Verner Center for Early Learning, with children ages 2 and 3. The organization assists families struggling with poverty, as well as those who might have additional challenges, such as a child with a learning disability. "Melissa has a compassion for children in this region, more than any other teacher I've worked with," says John Williams, former assistant center manager at Verner. Williams adds that the children Wilson teaches "haven't been dealt the best hand, 2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

J U L I A N AWA R D W I N N E R S and she sees that and has compassion and empathy for them, but also respect. She uses the year that she has with them to really equip them with the academic and social tools that they need to succeed in preschool and in primary school and in life. I'm really proud that she's on my team and that she's one of my teachers." Recognition isn’t a high priority for Wilson. She understands her impact may not be clearly remembered by any given student or family, but she knows that her work can play a crucial role in a child’s development. “Those first three years are so critical in the bonding process,” Wilson says, noting it's a time when children develop trust, both in themselves and in others.

TRUDIE HENNINGER JULIAN AWARD WINNER

Connecting kids with nature

Wilson is well aware that many of the families she's serving are struggling — which helps her establish bonds with the parents. “For example,” she says, “a family might have their power turned off and they don’t really feel comfortable talking about it.” But because of this bond, Wilson says, they will open up to her, and she can offer “appropriate help in a nonjudgmental way.” “Melissa is an incredibly humble person,” says Heather Ward-Minger, Wilson's former co-teacher. “She advises and supports all of her co-workers in a fair and respectful way.” Ward-Minger goes on to recall her time sharing a classroom with Wilson, describing it as an honor. “It was pure magic to watch her get excited with her students when she was teaching them.” “I guess I’m just young at heart,” Wilson says, when asked about her ability to connect with students. “I’m able to speak to children and respect them and they respect me back. Even 2-year-olds. They’re learning boundaries and figuring out where they are and how they work in the world, and I see the impact that I make on them when I say, ‘Look, you did that,’ and this big smile comes across their face. … For me, I get the satisfaction that I meant something to them.”

BOTTOM

LINE: Melissa Wilson's sustained commitment and empathetic approach stand out in a field characterized by high turnover rate. 10

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Photo courtesy of the North Carolina Arboretum For several weeks this past spring, Trudie Henninger led a class of kindergarteners outside to monitor and study the changes in nearby redbud trees. The process was slow. The kids grew restless. “They’re not doing anything, they’re not doing anything!” they insisted. But then one day, the whole class came running

inside, chanting, “They’re blooming, they’re blooming!” “I don’t think there’s anything more rewarding than that,” says Henninger. Henninger’s passion for the outdoors began when a family friend took her camping. After that trip, her parents

“couldn’t get me to come back inside,” she remembers. This desire to be outside has never left her. When she earned her degree in environmental science, Henninger had a second reason — to collect field data — to heed her natural inclination. At the same time, her work with children at various nature centers across the state exposed her to the joys of instructing and inspiring youth. “I was really stuck for a long time,” Henninger recalls. “Do I go with environmental education or do I stick with field work?” Luckily for Henninger, her position as citizen science coordinator at the North Carolina Arboretum allows her to do both. Her primary role is to work with children, gathering biological data outdoors that shows how climate change is affecting population densities, species occurrence and behavior changes. The information is shared with other citizen science projects across the country, including the National Phenology Network, Carolina Herp Atlas, Monarch Larva Monitoring Project, Box Turtle Connection, the eBird project and more. Henninger began her work with the North Carolina Arboretum as an intern in 2011. The following year, she became an Olmsted Fellow, before joining the arboretum's AmeriCorps Project Conserve program that September. Then, in 2014, she joined the arboretum as an environmental education specialist. It wasn’t until this year, however, that Henninger was offered the fulltime position as its citizen science coordinator, which entails leading the arboretum’s citizen science-driven school-outreach initiative, Project EXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education). “She’s really into getting kids to connect with nature in a really

personal way,” says Jonathan Marchal, youth education manager at the arboretum. “Not just understanding ecological concepts, but recognizing themselves as a part of the environment and a factor that can be incredibly positive.” As a scientist, Henninger understands the importance of observation. She applies this method to her role as an instructor. Her aim is not to lecture, but to share and shape her material to students’ interests and needs. “I do my best to be a good listener,” she says. “I check in with students and learn their specific interests and help tie … that to the curriculum.” In Henninger’s mind, it isn’t enough just to convey information. Her aim is to inspire interest. “I want to feed that curiosity and have [the students] ask lots of questions” — which she achieves through various creative means. One method she employs is a simple challenge through a game of numbers. “How many questions can you ask this tree?” she’ll say to her students and let the inquiries begin. “She’s very into empowering people to take an active role in conservation,” continues Marchal. This particular desire has spurred Henninger to help expand Project EXPLORE beyond the mountains, in order to reach as many children in the state of North Carolina as possible. “Getting kids outside, in their own school yards, knowing the plants and animals that are in their own neighborhood and across the state: That is my biggest goal. Anyone of any age can be a participant in the citizen science community. ”

BOTTOM LINE: Since 2013, Trudie Henninger has worked with over 5,200 children, showing them the importance of being citizen scientists.

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BIG GIVE WEEK

HOME IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE You will be entered to win this package of great prizes to improve your home when you donate $20 or more during this Big Give Week.

A Green Gauge home assessment from the Green Building Council $100 worth of cleaning from Green Home Cleaning $50 gift certificate for the Habitat for Humanity ReStore Pass to Organic Growers Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring conference A dog or cat adoption package from Asheville Humane Society (only if you really want it). Check online for additions

NOVEMBER 1-7 Visit givelocalguide.org for details.

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BIG THANKS GIVE WEEK THE 2016 BIG MYSTERY PRIZE For the gambler in all of us! Give at least $20 during the week of Thanksgiving, and we will enter you into a drawing for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big Mystery Prize. Meanwhile, we will keep it under wraps until its winner is revealed in the Dec. 6 issue of Mountain Xpress!

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NOVEMBER 20-26 Visit givelocalguide.org for details.

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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COMMUNITY

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Photo courtesy of Icon Media Asheville

Asheville Community Yoga

Asheville Greenworks

The Community Table

WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Community Yoga is a nonprofit organization offering donation-based yoga classes, workshops, series, immersions and trainings to those seeking a healthier lifestyle through the practice of yoga. Our mission is to keep yoga accessible financially, mentally and emotionally for people from all walks of life, and our vision is to nurture a welcoming, engaging, friendly and diverse yoga and healing-arts center, bringing everything together under one roof.

WHAT THEY DO: Founded in 1973 as Quality Forward, Asheville GreenWorks engages more than 2,700 volunteers in over 200 conservation and environmental education projects each year to enhance the environment and quality of life for all residents of Asheville and Buncombe County. Our projects include GreenWorks staff and volunteers who are “getting dirty for a great cause” — whether they’re hauling tires out of the river, picking up litter as part of river or roadside cleanups, planting trees and community orchards in underserved communities or conducting water-quality monitoring.

WHAT THEY DO: The Community Table has been providing nutritious meals to our neighbors in need, in a welcoming environment since 1999. We do this through our Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen programs. Last year, we served a record-breaking 27,891 meals and distributed 13,298 boxes of groceries to over 4,000 people.

“I absolutely love Asheville Community Yoga, and I’m so thankful to have such a calming, no-pressure, friendly environment to cultivate my practice while being surrounded by others looking to do the same. ACY is a vital and positive presence in our community, and I am so thrilled to be a part of it!”

“This team of organizers does it all! Thank you for your service to our community!” — Emily Sutton Dezio, community member

“I am in school trying to build a better life for me and my three kids. We’re on food stamps, but it doesn’t carry us through the month. Thank you for feeding my kids when I could not, and for treating us with kindness and respect.” —Nicole S. CommunityTable.org 828.586.6782

— ACY practitioner ashevillecommunityyoga.com 828.255.5575

ashevillegreenworks.org 828.254.1776

ASH EVILLE

BUNCOMB E COU NT Y

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

COMMUNITY

SPECIAL OFFERS Bounty & Soul Those who donate $1,000 or more to Bounty & Soul will receive a guided farm tour at New Sprout Organic Farm, followed by a tour and tasting at Pisgah Brewing Co. The top eight donors to the nonprofit will receive a New Sprout Organic Farm hat, and anyone who donates to the organization can pick up a New Sprout Organic Farm bumper sticker at a Bounty & Soul Mobile Market.

Our VOICE Make a donation of $10 or more to Our Voice and get a free cup of coffee from Izzy’s Coffee Den (downtown or West Asheville); donations of $20 or more earn a free specialty drink from Izzy’s; and donations of $50 or more earn a free specialty drink at Izzy’s, plus a “Only Yes Means Yes” T-shirt.

Provision Asheville Every donor to Provision Asheville will receive a coupon for $5 off a $20 purchase at MTN Merch.

Bounty & Soul

Our VOICE

WHAT THEY DO: Bounty & Soul is a grassroots, volunteer-run nonprofit that provides healthy food, nutrition education and other resources to underserved communities in Buncombe County, ensuring that health and healthy eating are not a luxury, but a right. We currently distribute 6,000 pounds of food to 600 individuals per week and have conducted over 200 healthand-wellness classes and cooking demonstrations for people of all ages over the past year.

WHAT THEY DO: In the pursuit of a community that is free of sexual violence, Our VOICE serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault — through crisis services, hospital and court advocacy, case management, and counseling to all people ages 13 and up. We are equally dedicated to preventing violence from happening in the first place, and offer numerous educational programs, including Shifting Boundaries, OwnWhoUR and Code RED, developed for middle, high school and college students.

“We are a family of six and with only one income, pressure for bills can be very tight. My family has been able to eat good, healthy produce that we wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. I’m really thankful for Bounty & Soul and everything they’ve brought to our lives.” — Jessica

Special Olympics of Buncombe County A portion of the proceeds from the Lake Julian Park Festival of Lights drive-through show will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics. The show begins on Friday, Dec. 2, and is nightly from 6 to 9 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 23.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

bountyandsoul.org 828.419.0533

“Through [Shifting Boundaries], we have identified areas that students consider unsafe on our campus. We are moving forward with a plan to empower students to help create a safer community that is inclusive, respectful and kind. Thank you for offering this service.” — Brady Rochford, Francine Delany New School for Children ourvoicenc.org 828.252.0562 (office) 828.255.7576 (crisis line)

Provision Asheville WHAT THEY DO: Our mission is to build community through service. We primarily focus on two large groups of Asheville residents: low income and artists. Our ongoing programs include: two food pantries, the West Asheville Art Walk and our “Love West Asheville” community event. In all of our efforts, we strive to make all people feel welcomed and accepted, and to build community through relationships rather than serving a “number.” “Provision Asheville is an amazing place! They not only have helped my family with food, but have also helped me with finding resources to get my car fixed. The people there are so friendly and willing to help in any way possible. I recommend Provision Asheville to everyone.” — Kathy A. provisionasheville.com 828.214.5031

Special Olympics of Buncombe County

The Council on Aging of Buncombe County

WHAT THEY DO: We provide yearround sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities — giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. Benefits to area: We have over 50 year-round athletes participating in the sports offered. At our annual Spring Games event, over 500 athletes participate. Students and adults from 30 different schools and group-home programs across the county come to compete in our track and field events.

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, In-Home Aide services, 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.

“Special Olympics makes me feel good about myself. I get to be with my friends and meet new friends. We get to be out in the community and compete in sports.” —Matt Paoletti, Buncombe County Special Olympics Athlete buncombecountyspecialolympics.org 828.250.4265

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

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

COMMUNITY

Helios Warriors

Homeward Bound

The Lord’s Acre

WHAT THEY DO: Helios Warriors is dedicated to offering the highestquality holistic therapies to veterans and their spouses or primary caregivers in a safe and supportive environment. Our low-cost, slidingscale services are made possible by a dedicated corps of volunteer licensed/certified practitioners who provide holistic healing for the whole person, not just their symptoms, to enhance our veterans’ physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

WHAT THEY DO: We work to end the cycle of homelessness. We move men, women and children from cars, camps and shelters into permanent housing, and provide the support they need to stay housed. We are a secular organization, working with everyone, regardless of age, race, religion (or lack of religious affiliation), gender and sexual orientation.

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 relationshipbuilding 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.

“Helios helped me gain perspective and line me up so energy could get out, and it helped me feel whole again. I immediately felt like I could think more clearly, and my ideas of hopelessness and despair were gone.” — Helios Warriors client helioswarriors.org 828.299.0776

“It is not a stretch to say that AHOPE saved my life.” — Chris, talking about the AHOPE Day Center, Homeward Bound’s “front door” to permanent housing.

“TLA is a great gardening incubator and educator, and I’m so very happy to be a part of it.” — Anastasia Walsh, volunteer

homewardboundwnc.org 828.258.1695 thelordsacre.org 828.628.3688

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Loving Food Resources WHAT THEY DO: Loving Food Resources provides food and personal-care items to over 200 people living with HIV/AIDS in the 18 counties of Western North Carolina, as well as those living in home hospice care with any diagnosis. They serve their clients in a compassionate manner with appreciation and respect for human diversity. “LFR has given me a way to keep my cabinets stocked with enough food, even when I didn’t have my own transportation or enough money. Beyond the food, it has brought me into a community of friends.” — Dolores, LFR client lovingfood.org 828.255.9282

MemoryCare 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. “MemoryCare was a wonderful resource for our family as we cared for our dad. Their team was instrumental in making it possible to safely honor his wish to remain at home. MemoryCare makes our community a better place to age with dignity.” — Lynelle Flowers, MemoryCare caregiver

Mountain BizWorks WHAT THEY DO: Mountain BizWorks believes that small, locally owned businesses are central to building a vibrant and inclusive economy. We help businesses start, grow and thrive by providing loans to owners who may otherwise find it difficult to receive funding. We also offer peer-to-peer business coaching and classes. This formula of capital plus educational support helps entrepreneurs prosper — achieving personal and financial success and generating quality jobs. It all adds up to a resilient local economy. “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.” — Sean Park, Blue Dream Curry House mountainbizworks.org 828.253.2834

memorycare.org 828.771.2219

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

YOUTH

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville Museum of Science

Asheville Museum of Science

Eliada

WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) 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, Saturday Morning Science mini-classes for families, field trip and outreach STEM classes for pre-K to 12thgraders, and Beer City Science Pubs for adults to expand their science literacy.

WHAT THEY DO: Since 1903, Eliada has supported children and youth, whom our founder, Dr. Lucius Compton, referred to as “the least, last and lost.” Today, Eliada provides a full continuum of services, from cradle to career, assuring that success is in reach for every child who comes through our doors. Eliada serves children and youth through our Child Development Center, and through our pre-K, afterschool, foster-care, day-treatment, residential-treatment and workforcedevelopment programs.

“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.”

“She is really missing you guys. The day we left, after we drove off, she started bawling and said you guys saved her life. She said it best when she said you guys are her family.”

— Karen Tessier, owner, Market Connections ashevillescience.org 828.254.7162

The Lobster Trap will give a $10 gift card to the first 10 people giving $30 or more to the Asheville Museum of Science. All donations over $20 to the Asheville Museum of Science earn a pair of day passes to the museum. Donations over $150 to the Asheville Museum of Science earn a one-year museum membership.

Eliada

The Family Health Centers will donate a toy to the kids at Eliada for every donation to the organization.

— Parent of a child formerly in the Eliada program eliada.org 828.254.5356

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

YOUTH

Children First

FEAST

WHAT THEY DO: Children First/ Communities In Schools believes that all children deserve to reach their full potential. We help achieve this by surrounding children and their families with supports in their schools, communities and homes. We help meet basic needs, provide educational supports using evidence-based methods, and teach parenting and resiliency skills. We are unique in that, along with our community supports, we also provide strong public-policy advocacy so that local and state leaders will ensure policies are in place to support families.

WHAT THEY DO: FEAST empowers youth to eat more fruits and vegetables while aiding the creation of a lifelong habit of healthy eating in our community. We work to make healthy eating choices accessible to people of all income levels through hands-on garden and cooking education. Classes use fresh produce to prepare simple recipes with affordable ingredients.

“If it weren’t for Children First/CIS Student Support Specialist presence at Eblen Intermediate, some of our families would have fallen through the cracks.” — Chip Cody, Eblen Intermediate School Principal childrenfirstcisbc.org 828.259.9717

“FEAST is a great gift to our students. Learning to prepare and enjoy healthy food is incredibly important, and our middle school kids are at just the right age to really take advantage of this opportunity.” — Asheville City Schools Foundation feastasheville.com

Asheville Jewish Community Center WHAT THEY DO: The Asheville Jewish Community Center welcomes people from every background and belief to participate in our educational, cultural and wellness programs. JCC programs reach thousands of individuals every year and include our five-starrated early childhood center, afterschool program and summer day camp, as well as a fully inclusive summer camp experience for children with autism. The JCC also partners with numerous community agencies, such as Children First/ Communities in Schools, Warren Wilson’s Center for Gender and Relationships, and UNCA’s Center for Diversity Education. “I learned life skills here, like how to swim and make new friends. This is a place where magic happens — a place of love, kindness, respect and responsibilities.” — Zavian Smith, AVID student and current JCC “Leader in Training” jcc-asheville.org 828.253.0701

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

My Daddy Taught Me That

Project Challenge North Carolina Inc.

WHAT THEY DO: The mission of My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT) is to support young males’ development into righteous, respectable and responsible men through youth development programming and advocacy focused on eradicating the educationachievement and economic-mobility gaps that affect young males living in the city of Asheville and Buncombe County.

WHAT THEY DO: Project Challenge helps at-risk and adjudicated youth become involved in ways to give to their communities. Through the giving of self to others, the children learn that they are important, capable members of their community, and that their time and talents are needed and wanted by many. By becoming involved, they are able to experience what it is like to be a giving person.

“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.”

“Macon County Humane Society would like to thank Project Challenge for the time and commitment they have given us. The children and staff continually dedicate a significant amount of time and care to working with the animals we have at the shelter.”

— Priscilla Ndiaye, community leader mydaddytaughtmethat.org 828.582.2261

— Lisa Bates, executive director, Macon County Humane Society

Sleep Tight Kids WHAT THEY DO: The goal of Sleep Tight Kids is to promote feelings of hope and comfort in at-risk children as they lay their heads to rest each night. Sleep Tight Kids donates newly purchased bedtimerelated items (over 2,000 this year) for children, including clothing, blankets, toiletries, toys and books, either directly to needy families in shelters or through partnerships with other nonprofit organizations supporting needy families. “Three-year-old Will and his mother fled to the women’s shelter with nothing, and thanks to STK donations and a new stuffed animal, Will received the love and security of something to call his own.” — Helpmate sleeptightkids.com

projectchallenge.org 828.765.0776

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ANIMALS

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

The Animal Rescue of Western North Carolina WHAT THEY DO: Our mission is to save adoptable cats and dogs from euthanasia by pulling them from full WNC shelters. We are developing a vast foster care network of caring and loving foster families from all across Western North Carolina to save these animals. Secondary missions are to educate the community about the humane treatment of animals, promote the spaying and neutering of pets to reduce the population of unwanted pets and to prevent cruelty to animals. Our service will be of great benefit to all area residents and to the innocent animals without hope. Tim and Julie Tipton are the founders of The Animal Rescue of Western North Carolina, which is based in Asheville. Both have an extensive and documented record of saving animals going back nearly a decade. They are well-known in the animal welfare community. tarwnc.com 828.208.1123

Asheville Humane Society WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Humane Society is dedicated to promoting the compassionate treatment of animals in our community through education, sheltering and adoption. We believe that pets and their people deserve a safe and healthy community in which to live and thrive ... together! “Asheville Humane Society is doing remarkable things, not only with the homeless animal population in Buncombe County, but with families who need help in order to keep their pets from becoming homeless.” — Ann B., Asheville ashevillehumane.org 828.761.2001

Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue WHAT THEY DO: Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run, no-kill animal rescue dedicated to saving the lives of adoptable dogs and cats who otherwise would die because their time is up at WNC shelters. We transport hundreds of dogs every year to Northern shelters with a shortage of dogs. We also adopt out dogs locally, including through our program with Aloft Asheville, which is now being replicated by hotels nationwide. “Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue is truly run by angels. You can tell that these great people really have a passion for what they volunteer to do. I only wish there were more animal lovers out there that cared this much for our canine and feline friends. We wouldn’t have to worry as much about the abuse and neglect so many animals experience so often.” — Austin Lee, adopter wncanimalrescue.org 828.885.3647

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ANIMALS

Friends of the WNC Nature Center

Heart of Horse Sense

WHAT THEY DO: The Friends of the WNC Nature Center creates awareness and provides resources in support of the Nature Center — Asheville’s wildlife park. With over 60 species of animals, all native to our area, the WNC Nature Center connects people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountains by inspiring appreciation, nurturing understanding and advancing conservation of the region’s rich biodiversity.

WHAT THEY DO: Heart of Horse Sense supports high-quality equineassisted psychotherapy and learning for veterans and for at-risk youth. Teams of horse professionals and mental health providers work with over 400 veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI per year, as well as with scores of children living in poverty. Our organization also helps to support the 20 happy, healthy rescue horses that partner with humans in this work. These horses reflect emotions back to clients and help vets and children alike to gain self-esteem and to manage their behavior more effectively.

“Having grown up in Western North Carolina, I hold dear the wildlife diversity that exists here. The Nature Center represents this diversity, educating local (and visiting) children and adults on our native animals and plants.” — Matt Kern, Friends of the WNC Nature Center board president wildwnc.org 828.259.8092

“I am amazed at how calm and gentle some of our toughest children are when they are interacting with the horses. It is such a beautiful thing.” — Jodi Ford, outreach and engagement coordinator, Children First/ Communities in Schools heartofhorsesense.org 828.649.7064

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Wild for Life WHAT THEY DO: The primary mission of Wild for Life is to provide qualified, professional care, housing and nutrition to injured and orphaned wildlife, ultimately returning them to their native wild habitats. Our 13 non-releasable-wildlife ambassadors also establish connections with the community and educate people, especially children, through handson demonstrations. Wild for Life’s educational outreach programs are designed to create public awareness regarding native wildlife, wild places, conservation and preservation. “I have been involved with humane organizations in North Carolina, both as a volunteer and board member, for over 30 years. I have known the founders of Wild for Life for over 15 years and am constantly impressed with their dedication and hard work.” — Ann E. Lewis wildforlife.org 828.665.4341

SPECIAL OFFERS Wild for Life Wild for Life will donate the experience of releasing a bird of prey that has gone through rehabilitation and is ready for release — giving the first $1,000 donor to Wild for Life the chance to release the animal to freedom. Oskar Blues Brewery will donate a gift card good in its taproom to each of the first 25 donors of $50 or more to Wild for Life.

BIG GIVE WEEKEND ROMANCE PACKAGE You will be entered to win this package of great prizes to share with a sweetheart when you donate $20 or more during this Big Give Weekend.

A pair of day passes to the Biltmore Estate Two relaxing salt cave sessions at Asheville Salt Cave Dinner for two at Chestnut (up to $100, excludes alcohol) Two $10 gift certificates to Old Europe

Sierra Nevada Brewery will give $50 gift certificates to the first two donors of $75 or more to Wild for Life.

Painting class for two from Wine & Design

Persons donating $100 or more to Wild for Life will be entered into a raffle for a pair of day passes to the Biltmore Estate.

DEC

Check online for additions

DECEMBER 2-4 Visit givelocalguide.org for details.

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ARTS

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Asheville Music Professionals

Asheville Music School

The Magnetic Theatre Inc.

WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Music Professionals provides a common voice for members of the music community in Western North Carolina while encouraging connection and collaboration among musicians, venues, local government, music organizations and businesses. We offer free bi-monthly educational workshops on a wide variety of topics relating to furthering the knowledge, abilities and professionalism of local music creators. As an all-volunteer organization, we work from our hearts to create as much of a positive impact on the arts communities in our region as possible.

WHAT THEY DO: Asheville Music School offers high-quality, affordable lessons in a wide variety of musical styles and instruments, as well as summer camps and performing ensembles. Our Sound Education outreach program provides free performances for underserved families, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities. We provide scholarships for children and youths whose families could not otherwise afford quality music lessons.

WHAT THEY DO: The Magnetic Theatre is Asheville’s only company dedicated to original works — and one of the few of its kind in the United States. Operating year-round from its beautiful home, Magnetic 375 (375 Depot St. in the River Arts District), the Magnetic produces an incredible variety of world premieres, everything from farce to the wildest experiments, from poetic drama to Broadwaystyle musical comedy, from historical material to sketch comedy — and, of course, our raucous, ever-changing annual Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular.

“AMP is not only a great way to meet other professionals in the industry, but the special events, learning seminars and advocacy services it provides to the local music community are invaluable.” — Julian Dreyer, recording engineer

“My daughter Grace has enjoyed all the places she’s played (as part of the AMS Sound Education Outreach program). As important as it is for the recipients of the music, it is also life-changing for students to have the opportunity to play for and to interact with residents in these outreach locations. It reminds her of the amazing power of music to transcend boundaries, how to be compassionate and to take care of other people. Thank you for making this possible.” — Rae Geoffrey

ashevillemusicprofessionals.com

“Magnetic certainly is holding up their end in the world of theater, proudly holding that mirror up to society. It makes us laugh, cry, cheer, and reflect and think.” — Jeff Messer, 880 The Revolution/Mountain Xpress themagnetictheatre.org 828.239.9250

ashevillemusicschool.com 828.252.6244

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ARTS

LEAF Community Arts WHAT THEY DO: LEAF Community Arts uses festivals and cultural arts education programs to lift up marginalized communities and unite people across socioeconomic divides. LEAF offers three programs to achieve these ends: LEAF Festivals, LEAF Schools & Streets, and LEAF International. LEAF Schools & Streets bridges cultures locally by creating experiences that empower youth to become global citizens, leaders and agents of positive change. LEAF International collaborates with Culture Keepers to educate global youth in traditional art forms. “I believe in the power of AfricanAmerican youth in Asheville and that through music and arts, they have a voice to change their lives. LEAF offers youth the opportunity to find this voice within them, and because of that, I support the work they’re doing in our community.” —Cameron Maybin, Asheville native and professional baseball player with the Detroit Tigers theLEAF.org 828.686.8742

Orison Books WHAT THEY DO: Orison Books is an Asheville-based nonprofit literary press focused on the life of the spirit from a broad and inclusive range of perspectives. We publish four to five books of poetry, fiction and nonfiction each year, as well as an annual anthology. Orison serves the community by frequently bringing our authors to town and hosting other public events to foster discussion on the intersections of spirituality and literature. While based in Asheville, we are not just regional in focus, and our books have garnered national acclaim in such publications as Publishers Weekly, Foreword Reviews, The Austin Chronicle and Washington Independent Review of Books.

WHAT THEY DO: Anam Cara produces experimental theater that empowers artists, promotes equality, challenges thinking and transforms community. We provide a safe space for artists and audiences to take risks, grow and collaborate. Our artists create an eclectic mix of work that moves beyond traditional theater, incorporating music, visual art, and the written and spoken word into our productions.

“Orison Books remains open to religious and nonreligious writers. This makes the vision unique, I think, one that is less attached to religious identity than to being open to the universal questions ... [W]e could use a better, more inclusively aware myth than material determinism or idolatrous zealotry, which, of course, have huge consequences: political, environmental and psychological.”

— Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times review of Paradise Park Zoo

—Bruce Bond, author of 15 books and Regents Professor, University of North Texas orisonbooks.com 828.713.1755

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Anam Cara Theatre

“Anam Cara plays by its own rules and has good causes at its core: promoting social change by revealing the equality of all people.”

anamcaratheatre.org 828.633.1773

SPECIAL OFFERS Anam Cara Theatre Company

Appalachian Barn Alliance

Bob Moog Foundation

WHAT THEY DO: Our mission is to preserve the rural heritage of Madison County and surrounding areas through the documentation of the historical barn-building traditions and the barns they represent. Partnering with the Madison County Tourism Development Authority and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, we are working to preserve the agricultural and cultural heritage of Western North Carolina. Our longterm goal is to have Madison County branded as the “Barn County” of WNC, and establish a heritage farmstead for tourists and students to visit.

WHAT THEY DO: The mission of the Bob Moog Foundation is to ignite creativity in children and adults by providing interactive experiences at the intersection of science, music, history and innovation. Through our hallmark educational program, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, we teach over 1,500 Asheville-area second-graders each year about the science of sound through a 10-week curriculum. We train scores of teachers per year to master the physics of sound, so that they become confident in inspiring their students. We provide materials, training and the curriculum at a nominal fee to facilitate a truly innovative STEM-based learning experience with the goal of creating the next generation of creative thinkers.

“To my knowledge, the ABA is the only organization dedicated to the documentation of agricultural structures in Western North Carolina. The ABA’s work raises public awareness of agricultural heritage.” —Annie McDonald, preservation specialist, Western Office, N.C. Department of Cultural Resources appalachianbarns.org 828.380.9146

“The Bob Moog Foundation is changing the face of science and music education in Buncombe County through Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool. Each year, they inspire thousands of students, strengthening our community for years to come.”

Big Frog Custom T-shirts will give a gift certificate for a free T-shirt to each person giving $20 or more to Anam Cara Theatre Company.

Appalachian Barn Alliance All donors to Appalachian Barn Alliance will be entered into a raffle for a rafting trip for two or a zip-lining trip for two, both from French Broad Adventures. Chestnut Mountain Cabin will match the first $250 in donations to the Appalachian Barn Alliance.

Bob Moog Foundation Asheville Pizza Company will give a $5 gift certificate to every person donating $25 or more to the Bob Moog Foundation.

— Kimberly Dechant, Asheville City Schools moogfoundation.org 828.258.1262

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ARTS

Girls Rock Asheville WHAT THEY DO: Girls Rock Asheville is a nonprofit camp that empowers girls, trans and nonbinary youth, ages 8–16, of all backgrounds and abilities through music education. No experience is required, and we supply all of the instruments and gear. We offer full and partial sponsorship for campers whose families are facing economic barriers to participation; no one is turned away due to lack of funds. We are 100 percent volunteer led. “I loved being in a band and playing our song onstage! Girls Rock Asheville taught me an instrument and helped me feel comfortable with myself and feel powerful and brave. Camp connected me to my community. It’s the best week of my year!” — Pascale, Girls Rock Asheville camper girlsrockasheville.org 828.424.8743

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

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Southern Highland Craft Guild WHAT THEY DO: The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an educational nonprofit organization founded in 1930 to create a support network and market for mountain craftspeople, enabling them to enhance our region’s standards and traditions of fine handmade objects. Through daily public demonstrations, historical and artistic exhibits and special events, all provided free of charge at the Folk Art Center, the Guild helps thousands of local Asheville residents and visitors appreciate the skills in making fine crafts. “When joining the Southern Highland Craft Guild, I was welcomed into a supportive, encouraging community. ... Nothing fosters creativity like that kind of love. The result: work crafted toward innovation and improvement.” —Valerie Berlage, SHCG Member southernhighlandguild.org 828.298.7928

SPECIAL OFFERS Girls Rock Asheville Local instrument makers Make Noise and Moog are joining together to provide a matching donation up to $4,000 to support Girls Rock Asheville.

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

Southern Highland Craft Guild All donors to the Southern Highland Craft Guild will be entered into a drawing for a gift certificate for the John C. Campbell Folk School or a $50 gift certificate to one of the Guild stores. The John C. Campbell Folk School has offered one week’s tuition for a class at the school to the Guild to support their Give!Local efforts. (Some restrictions apply; see website for details.)

BIG GIVE WEEKEND ADVENTURE PACKAGE You will be entered to win this package of great prizes for outdoor adventures when you donate $20 or more during this Big Give Weekend.

Gregory frame backpack provided by Friends of the Smokies Two three-day membership passes at Gearu for equipment rental Ski experience for two at Cataloochee Ski Area — includes weekday lift tickets, rental and lesson Check online for additions

DECEMBER 16-18 Visit givelocalguide.org for details.

DEC

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Donors to the Southern Highland Craft Guild will receive a gift card to Filo Pastries & Coffee. Donating $25+ receives a $5 gift card, donating $50+ receives a $10 gift card and donating $100+ receives a $25 gift card.

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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ENVIRONMENT

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Friends of the Smokies

MountainTrue

Organic Growers School

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.

WHAT THEY DO: MountainTrue, Xpress’ 2016 “Best of WNC” Environmental Organization winner, is Western North Carolina’s premier advocate for environmental stewardship. We are committed to keeping our mountain region a beautiful place in which 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.

WHAT THEY DO: Organic Growers School, based in Asheville, is the premiere provider of practical and affordable organic education in the Southern Appalachians, building a vibrant food and farming community by boosting the success of organic home growers and farmers in our region. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we have been serving WNC since 1993. Our hands-on training, workshops, conferences and partnerships strengthen and celebrate each grower’s move toward self-reliance.

“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.”

“I am a member of MountainTrue because I love our mountains and believe that we have a responsibility to make sure that their unspoiled beauty is here for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

“What I got from the OGS Farm Beginnings Farmer Training is a real understanding of what it actually takes to have a farm. This class really taught me what it is by introducing us to real farmers and getting real numbers. It was also a really great way to create a network of folks who have the same passion and vision.”

— Regina K., volunteer Friendsofthesmokies.org 828.452.0720

— Ron Roby, member mountaintrue.org 828.258.8737

—Quinn Asteak, Farm Beginnings graduate organicgrowersschool.org 828.772.5846

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

ENVIRONMENT

SPECIAL OFFERS EcoForesters Urban Orchard will give a free Urban Orchard Cider pint glass to each donor of $10 or more to EcoForesters.

Muddy Sneakers Cradle of Forestry in America will donate one free entry pass ($5 value) to anyone who gives to Muddy Sneakers.

Western North Carolina Green Building Council Each person who donates to the WNCGBC will be entered to win a free Green Gauge Home Assessment ($300 value). For every $20 donated to the WNCGBC, 1 ton of carbon emissions will be offset through Appalachian Offsets program that performs energy efficiency upgrades for local schools and nonprofits.

Wild South All donations — up to $48,000 — to Wild South will be matched through a major grant from the National Forest Foundation.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

EcoForesters

Muddy Sneakers

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.

WHAT THEY DO: Muddy Sneakers is an experiential learning program working in conjunction with 24 Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina public schools to provide outdoor learning opportunities to fifth-graders. Through six to 10 full-day outdoor expeditions on public lands, trained naturalists guide students through curriculum-specific science topics via hands-on learning opportunities. Muddy Sneakers is seeing great improvement in science efficacy and overall engagement, reconnecting children with the joy of learning outside.

“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

“I never knew a rotting log could be so full of life! … When you showed us how important trees were, I wanted to help save trees like the American chestnut.” —William, Brevard fifth-grader

ecoforesters.org 828.484.6842 muddysneakers.org 828.862.5560

Western North Carolina Green Building Council 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 like Green Built NC, Green Gauge and Appalachian Offsets. “The WNC Green Building Council has been a leader in sustainability for our community through the past two decades of tremendous growth. Through the efforts of so many hardworking businesses and individuals involved, we have steered that growth towards a truly brighter future.” — Kevin Ward, owner and president, Southeast Ecological Design wncgbc.org 828.254.1995

Wild South WHAT THEY DO: With offices in Asheville and Moulton, Ala., Wild South works to inspire people to enjoy, value and protect the wild character and natural legacy of the South. For over two decades, we have served as a leading protector of Southern public lands, with programs to conserve biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, defend native wildlife and engage the public in wilderness stewardship. Our volunteers contribute over 4,000 hours of service annually. “Getting outside and being of service is good for my soul. The fresh air and exercise help me to clear my head, relax and rejuvenate my spirit. Being of service enhances my sense of community and of belonging.” — a Wild South volunteer wildsouth.org 828.775.5571

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. “SAHC improves our quality of life by protecting the mountains we live in, plant and animal life, as well as the water that we drink. They continue to be one of the most important environmental leaders in our region.” — Drew Stevenson, Highland Brewing Co. Appalachian.org 828.253.0095

2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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

Yes

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 Community Yoga Asheville Greenworks Bounty & Soul The Community Table The Council on Aging of Buncombe County Helios Warriors Homeward Bound The Lord’s Acre Loving Food Resources MemoryCare Mountain BizWorks Our VOICE Provision Asheville Special Olympics of Buncombe County

WE LOVE IT WHEN YOU DONATE ONLINE AT givelocalguide.org.

YOUTH Asheville Museum of Science Children First Eliada FEAST Asheville Jewish Community Center My Daddy Taught Me That Project Challenge North Carolina Inc. Sleep Tight Kids

ANIMALS The Animal Rescue of Western North Carolina Asheville Humane Society

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | 2016

Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue Friends of the WNC Nature Center Heart of Horse Sense Wild for Life

ARTS Anam Cara Theatre Appalachian Barn Alliance The Magnetic Theatre Inc. Asheville Music Professionals Asheville Music School Bob Moog Foundation Girls Rock Asheville LEAF Community Arts

TOTAL DONATION $

Orison Books POP Project Southern Highland Craft Guild

ENVIRONMENT EcoForesters Friends of the Smokies MountainTrue Muddy Sneakers Organic Growers School Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Western North Carolina Green Building Council Wild South

THANK YOU!

WHERE TO GO TO GIVE

For updates and more information about GIVE!LOCAL visit us ONLINE!

GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG 2016 | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL