Give!Local (2019)

2019 Guide

NOV.-DEC. CAMPAIGN

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2018

THANK YOU! would not be what it is without the support of our sponsors.

Likewise, to all Give!Local’s business partners who generously are providing their products, services and discounts: We could not do it without you.

They believe in the project and the area’s great nonprofits.

We send a special thanks to them.

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

2019 ONLINE GIVING CAMPAIGN: NOV. 1 – DEC. 31

The mission Raise funds and awareness for 45 worthy local nonprofits that are making a big difference where we live — while making philanthropy simple, fun and rewarding, no matter how small or large the gift.

The method Offer a single platform that makes end-of-year giving easy with a shopping cart that allows donors to direct a single gift, whether for $5 or thousands of dollars, to just one or to many Give!Local nonprofits.

Reward donors with lots of goodies provided by a wide range of local businesses.

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EVERY PENNY COUNTS! 100% of your donations go to the nonprofits No transaction fees, no extra charges

Credit card service fees are proudly paid for by

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

PUBLISHER Jeff Fobes GIVE!LOCAL COORDINATOR Able Allen LEAD DESIGNER Olivia Urban DESIGN Scott Southwick COVER DESIGN Olivia Urban

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ADMINISTRATION Able Allen • Olivia Urban EDITORS Tracy Rose • Gina Smith

how to participate

INCENTIVES Susan Hutchinson

rewards for giving

Alli Marshall • Daniel Walton

Bryant Cooper • Sara Brecht Brian Palmieri • Heather Taylor Christina Bailey • Tiffany Wagner

giving games

WEB Bowman Kelley

special offers

DISTRIBUTION Cindy Kunst

The Give!Local Guide is published by Mountain Xpress P.O. Box 144 Asheville, NC 28802 828.251.1333 Copyright 2019

ABOUT THE COVER Renata Llamas Martinez, of Emma Elementary School, takes off from the starting line with her personal running buddy, Ricardo Llamas. They are pictured together at the Girls on the Run 5K in spring 2019 at Asheville Outlets.

Photo by JCM Photography

14 18 24 28 34 38 42

06 08 09 10

community health & wellness education animals creativity & literacy environment social justice

optional mail-in donation form

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Welcome to WNC’s 2019 ONLINE GIVING CAMPAIGN

How to participate

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Learn about this year’s 45 participating nonprofits, which are all listed in this handy print guide, as well as on the Give!Local website at givelocalguide.org. Learn about their missions and how they are helping make this a better community.

Go to givelocalguide.org and set up your account.

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Check out and pay with a credit card.

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You’re done!

Every penny of your donation goes to the nonprofits you designate — Give!Local even covers the credit card fees!

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Decide which nonprofits you want to give to

and how much, from $5 up to as much as you like.

As you make your selections, Give!Local’s shopping cart will total what you’ve decided to give to each nonprofit. Before you check out, you will have an opportunity to go back and adjust your amounts if you wish.

If you donate $20 or more, Give!Local will mail you a voucher book about 10 days afterward containing coupons for goods and services at area businesses. If you give $300 or more, an additional incentive packet will be mailed to you 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.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

GIVE!LOCAL Guide!

NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 31

Give!Local Rules • 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 qualify you for drawings. Winners will be chosen by random drawings.

• You can give more than once, but be sure to use the same username and email so we can combine the total of your gifts.

• Incentives are limited in quantity. We will try our darnedest to make sure everyone gets an incentive, but incentives will be distributed 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 contact information will only 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 incentives.

• 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.

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Rewards for

2019 2 02 0

GIVING

20 19 2020

GIVE $20-$299

r Book VoucheVo ucher Book

... and get a voucher book filled with great freebies and discounts from your favorite retailers around the area — including Copper Crown, Izzy’s Coffee, Baked Pie Company, Ben & Jerry’s and many more — to thank you for your contribution. Your voucher book will be mailed to you the week you donate!

GIVE $300-$999

... and get the voucher book right away, plus more great things in January that fit in an envelope, such as movie tickets and gift certificates for goods, services and meals at area restaurants.

GIVE $1,000 OR MORE

... and get the voucher book right away, plus 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.

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

The

Giving

Games

All donors of $20 or more who give by midnight on Nov. 10 will be entered to win lunch from “Bombay to Buncombe” at both Chai Pani and Buxton Hall. (See page 15 for details) All donors who give $20 or more by midnight on Nov. 24 will be entered to win a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream party. (See page 21 for details)

Donors who give $20 or more by midnight on Dec. 3 will be entered to win dinner at Strada Italiano. (See page 25 for details) All donors who give $20 or more by midnight Dec. 17 will be entered to win a treetop adventure for two on Navitat’s zip lines.

(See page 27 for details)

All donors of $100 or more will be entered in a drawing for the opportunity to release a Wild for Life rehabilitated bird of prey back into the wild. (See page 31 for details) All donors of $20 or more will be entered to win an Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. pizza party. (See page 35 for details) Three nonprofits with the most Give!Local donors will each win a $1,000 Mountain Xpress advertising campaign — one prize for each of three sizes of nonprofits (small, medium and large revenue categories).

(See page 45 for details)

To enter the Giving Games, donate at the required level, through Give!Local, before the date of the drawing for each prize and you will automatically be entered in all subsequent drawings. That means early donations have the most chances of winning! No purchase necessary, see terms at givelocalguide.org for details.

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SPECIAL OFFERS In the spirit of Give!Local’s mission to make philanthropy fun and rewarding, participating nonprofits have called on their reliable partners and their own resources to offer additional goodies and donation boosters to excite your giving muscles. The offers are divided into three categories: Matches, which are additional monies that your donation can earn for the organizations; Incentives, which include membership benefits, clothing, food and drink and other goodies to add to your pile of sweet rewards; and Raffles, opportunities to win exciting prizes.

Matches Animals Section Match: The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina will match all donations of $25 or more, up to $100 per donor, to any of the Give!Local Animal nonprofits, up to a maximum of $9,000 in matches (see page 32 for details).

103.3 Asheville FM: An anonymous donor will match the first $1,000 in donations.

All Souls Counseling Center: An anonymous donor will match the first $750 in donations.

Asheville City Schools Foundation: Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty will match the first five gifts of $1,000.

Asheville Poverty Initiative: An anonymous donor will match donations dollar for dollar, up to $5,000.

BeLoved Asheville: The first $1,000 in donations will be matched by Asheville Home Realty at Keller Williams.

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County: Publix Super Market Charities will match up to $3,000 in donations.

Council on Aging of Buncombe County Inc.: An anonymous donor will match the first $1,000 in donations.

Girls on the Run: The first $3,500 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar by generous gifts from Johnson Price Sprinkle PA (up to $1,000) and Starks Financial Group (up to $2,500).

Homeward Bound of WNC: Creating Hope and Homes matching gift challenge will match all donations up to $100,000 dollar for dollar, thanks to two generous families.

OpenDoors of Asheville: An anonymous donor will match every dollar donated, up to $2,500.

Pisgah Legal Services: Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by generous donors.

The Mediation Center: Anonymous donors will match all donations up to $10,000.

Verner: All donations will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor.

WNC Birth Center: The birth center board and friends will match up to $3,000 of donations.

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

Incentives 103.3 Asheville FM • Any donor of $60-$99 will receive a T-shirt.

• Any donor of $100-$364 will receive a Record Fair Tote Bag. • Any donor of $365 or more will receive a Firefly Mason Jar Radio.

Asheville Choral Society • Donors of $50 or more will receive a ticket voucher to a Choral Society concert ($25 value).

• Donors of $100 or more will receive a ticket voucher, as well as an Asheville Choral Society T-shirt.

Asheville City Schools Foundation • The first two donors giving $500-$999 will each receive two complimentary passes to the Biltmore Estate.

• For the first 25 donations of $100 or more, the donor will receive two complimentary High Five espresso drinks for themselves, and two more will go to ACS educators.

Asheville Humane Society will offer a $25 adoption-fee credit for every donation of $25.

Asheville Museum of Science • Any donation over $20 will earn a day pass to AMOS. • Donors giving $150 or more will become AMOS members for one year.

Each donor giving $25 or more to Asheville Poverty Initiative will receive an API bumper sticker.

Asheville Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) • Donors giving over $100 will receive an ASAP Farm Tour pass.

• The first 10 donors giving more than $250 will receive an Appalachian Grown hat and $25 in Asheville City Market tokens.

Any donor giving $50 or more to the Asheville Tool Library will receive a one-year membership. The membership can be gifted to someone else. Members can check out any tools from the large and diverse inventory for a week at a time.

BeLoved Asheville • Donors giving $20 or more get their choice of a custom BeLoved T-shirt (many designs to choose from).

• Donors of $500-$749 may join a Street Tour with up to five guests to learn about change action in Asheville. The tour weaves together Asheville history, systems analysis and stories from people impacted by oppression.

• The first 12 donors of $750-$999 get the use of our community space for up to eight hours (type of use subject to approval and guidelines).

• The first three donors of $1,000-$2,999 get a “live” screening with our co-director, graphic/screen artist Ponkho Bermejo. We help you create a design and supply the screen printer and ink (you supply the T-shirts).

• Donors of $3,000 or more get a named sponsorship of a kitchen in one of our deeply affordable micro homes at the BeLoved Village The first 15 donations over $100 to Blue Ridge Humane Society will have a pet plaque with a photo of their pet placed in their honor at the Blue Ridge Humane Society Adoption Center.

The West End Bakery will give a free cup of coffee to every donor who makes a donation to Bountiful Cities.

Every donor who gives more than $25 to Brother Wolf Animal Rescue will receive a Brother Wolf Animal Rescue sticker.

Council on Aging of Buncombe County • Donors giving $25 or more will receive a coupon for a handmade bar of soap at the Herbiary downtown and a 20% off coupon for Moose Cafe Asheville.

• Donors who give $200 or more will have their name put on our donor tree.

EcoForesters • The first 25 donors of $25 or more will receive a free Hole doughnut and a free small scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors of $25-$50 will get an EcoForesters T-shirt.

• Donors of $50 or more will receive an EcoForesters T-shirt and a pint glass.

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Incentives, continued Friends of the Smokies • Donate $35 to become a member of the Friends of the Smokies and receive a certified Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail map.

• Donate $50 or more and receive a Friends of the Smokies branded koozie and the trail map.

• Donate $100 or more and receive a complimentary entry for a Classic Hike of the Smokies, a hiking program offered through Friends of the Smokies Asheville office, as well as the trail map and koozie.

• Donate $500 or more and receive a complimentary ticket to the Smokies Stomp Barn Party on July 18, 2020, at Taylor Ranch, as well as the trail map and koozie.

Friends of the WNC Nature Center • Donors who give $25 or more receive a free day pass to the WNC Nature Center.

• Donate $50 or more and receive a sustainably sourced, wooden ornament with the Nature Center logo and a day pass.

• Donors who give $125 or more can enjoy a Wild Parent Symbolic Animal Adoption of a red panda or otter (includes large plush animal), as well as the ornament and day pass.

The first five donors who give $50 or more to Girls on the Run will receive complimentary Girls on the Run 5K entries.

For every $20 donated to Green Built Alliance, 1 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.

The first 25 donors who give $25 or more to Helpmate will receive a coupon for a free bonbon at any of French Broad Chocolate’s three locations, as well as a token for one free beer at Highland Brewing.

Literacy Council of Buncombe County • Donors who give $50-$99 will receive a $5 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café.

• Donors who give $100 and up will receive a $15 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café.

The coupons will be available for pick up at Malaprop’s one week after the donation is processed. They will be redeemable for in-store purchases at Malaprop’s through the end of February and would need to be used in one visit.

MountainTrue • Donors giving $50 or more will receive a $10 gift certificate to Green Sage.

• Donors giving $250 or more will receive a MountainTrue hat and the gift certificate.

• Donors giving $500 or more will receive a MountainTrue backpack, a MountainTrue hat and Green Sage gift certificate.

• The first donor of $1,000 or more will receive a pair of No Taste Like Home Passes, as well as the above rewards.

My • • • •

Daddy Taught Me That Donors who give $50-$199 will receive a copy of My Daddy Taught Me That, the book by Keynon Lake.

Donors who give $200-$499 will receive the official MDTMT letterman jacket.

Donors who give $500-$999 will get the MDTMT two-piece sweatsuit.

Donors who give $1,000 or more will enjoy a special day with MDTMT youths and staff.

NC Glass Center • Donors giving $250 or more will receive a handblown pint glass.

• Gifts of $1,000 or more will receive recognition on the NC Glass Center Wall of Gratitude, along with a handblown pint glass and complimentary 30-minute hands-on glass class.

OpenDoors of Asheville • All donors will be entered to win a handblown piece of glass art created by one of our students in our One Neighborhood Arts Program.

• Give $50 or more and receive one week of fitness classes or a strategy session including an individualized functional movement screening at Plank Fitness.

Anyone who donates $25 or more to Open Hearts Art Center will receive a specialty embroidered logo magnet.

Our VOICE • Donors giving $10 or more will receive a complimentary coffee from Izzy’s Downtown Coffee Den or Izzy’s West Coffee House.

• Donors giving $20 or more will receive a specialty coffee drink from Izzy’s and a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors giving $50 or more will receive a 12-ounce bag of coffee from Izzy’s and a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors giving $100 will receive a 12-ounce bag of coffee from Izzy’s, a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop and a complimentary yoga class at Asheville Yoga Center.

The first 15 people to donate $25 or more to Pisgah Legal Services will receive a $20 gift certificate to Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co. 12

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Donors of $40 or more to Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy will receive a 2020 Waterfall of North Carolina Giving Calendar. (Available for pick-up at SAHC office.)

Each donor who contributes to The Mediation Center will receive a free biscuit from Biscuit Head.

Everyone giving $100 or more to The POP Project will receive two complimentary tickets to AVL Lit Tours ($50 value, see avllitmap.com/tour/ for details).

Verner • All donors will receive a Verner refrigerator magnet and car decal.

• Donors over $250 to are invited to visit Verner and share a delicious Rainbow In My Tummy lunch with us.

Wild for Life • Donors of $30 or more will receive the new logo T-shirt.

• Donors of $1,000 or more will receive a plaque on our new 100-foot flight enclosure, large enough to rehabilitate bald eagles.

Raffles Donors of $50 or more to Appalachian Wildlife Refuge will be entered in a raffle for a private local tour with Ventures Birding Tours.

Gifts of $100 or more to Asheville Museum of Science will be entered in a raffle for use of the museum’s event space (good for events ranging from a kids party to a conference; use subject to approval).

Donations of $250 or more to BeLoved Asheville will be entered into a raffle for a celebratory evening (with up to 10 guests), including wine, hors d’oeuvres, a tour of our community space and a maker session in our art studio led by a Rise Up Studio Artist.

All gifts of $300 or more to Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County will be entered to win a package of five one-day Park Hopper tickets to Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (valued at $870; not valid 12/25-12/31; expires 7/12/2021).

Donors of $100 or more to Council on Aging of Buncombe County Inc. will be entered to win a weekend camping trip with a Jeep Renegade (some restrictions apply; please see coabc.org/Give!Local for additional details).

Donors of $300 or more to Friends of the WNC Nature Center will be entered in a raffle to win a red panda barrier-free experience in 2020.

Donors giving $20 or more to MemoryCare will be entered into a raffle for a gift basket containing botanically based skinand-body-care products from Privai, valued at $484, as well as a gift certificate for a 60-minute Relaxation Massage (gratuity included) at Spa Theology, located in downtown Asheville.

Donors giving $100 or more to MountainTrue will be entered in a drawing to win one pair of Biltmore Estate passes.

Gifts of $25 or more to NC Glass Center will be entered in a raffle to receive a free 30-minute hands-on glass class.

All donors to OpenDoors of Asheville will be entered to win a handblown piece of glass art created by one of our students in our One Neighborhood Arts Program.

The Mediation Center • Each donor who contributes $20 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card from Biscuit Head.

• Each donor who contributes $50 or more will be entered into a drawing to win a yearlong membership to the Biltmore Wine Club (valued at $300).

Donors to Wild for Life of $50 or more will be entered in a raffle for four different prizes: a pair of tickets to Biltmore, a custom made bluebird house, a custom made Eastern screech owl box or a gift certificate to PLANT restaurant. Donors will get to choose their prize in order of names drawn.

Check GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG for more offers and updates!

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COMMUNIT Y

COMMUNITY

103.3 Asheville FM Asheville FM is volunteer-driven, community radio at its best. Programming includes community-focused news and talk radio in both English and in Spanish and the most eclectic, free-form mix of music in Western North Carolina. More than just a radio station, Asheville FM is a nonprofit with the mission to impact our community in positive ways. Our services include youth and community podcasting bootcamps, a live performance studio and partnerships with other organizations that help bring attention to the musicians, artists, activists and movers and shakers of Asheville.

“When I first heard Asheville FM, I instantly loved the variety. The amount of voices on the shows gives people from all walks of life a platform to talk about whatever they want and to play whatever they want.

So, you get to hear music from everywhere, ranging from punk rock to Mongolian throat singing, which is incredible. You get to experience more than just corporate radio.”

— Matt Miller, Asheville resident Adrian Etheridge Photography

ashevillefm.org • (828) 348-0352

Asheville Tool Library The Asheville Tool Library is a fast-growing nonprofit offering over 1,500 tools for community members to share. We are 100% volunteer run and currently have more than 350 members. We have ambitious plans to continue growing our inventory of tools, increasing the number of scholarship and low-income memberships, expanding our hours of operation and broadening our roster of tool workshops and community programs, such as our free tool sharpening events. We welcome new volunteers and members as well as donations of quality tools.

“As a homeowner, once I discovered the Asheville Tool Library, my life was changed. Not only is the community surrounding the tool library wonderful, having access to the diverse selection of tools has allowed my partner and I to undergo home improvement projects we never would have dreamed of doing before. The idea of community tool sharing is simply wonderful.”

— Travis Smith, ATL board member ashevilletoollibrary.org • (828) 808-2122 • volunteer@ashevilletoollibrary.org

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Bountiful Cities/FEAST As Asheville’s urban agriculture resource, we encourage self-reliance, cooperation and stronger communities through providing opportunities to grow, harvest and eat fresh local produce. We develop community spaces that serve as models for equity and sustainability through organic food production, water conservation, ecological building, cooperative economics, leadership development and community celebration.

“Bountiful Cities supports the type of work that builds healthy communities. Their Grass to Greens edible landscaping program has supported Southside Community Garden through work days and technical assistance, while the Community Garden Network provides Southside’s garden manager with access to tools and information. This partnership has helped maintain a valuable neighborhood asset while connecting residents with the resources to build a thriving community-based food system.”

— Sekou Coleman, Southside Rising bountifulcities.org • (828) 257-4000 • info@bountifulcities.org

SPECIAL OFFERS 103.3 Asheville FM An anonymous donor will match the first $1,000 in donations. • Any donor of $60-$99 will receive a T-shirt. • Any donor of $100-$364 will receive a Record Fair Tote Bag. • Any donor of $365 or more will receive a Firefly Mason Jar Radio.

100% of your

donations go to the nonprofits

Asheville Tool Library Any donor giving $50 or more to the Asheville Tool Library will receive a one-year membership. The membership can be gifted to someone else. Members can check out any tools from the large and diverse inventory for a week at a time.

Bountiful Cities/FEAST The West End Bakery will give a free cup of coffee to every donor who makes a donation to Bountiful Cities.

The

Giving

Lunch from “Bombay to Buncombe”

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

Games

Donors who give $20 or more by midnight on Nov. 10 will be entered to win lunch from “Bombay to Buncombe.” The prize will be awarded as a $25 gift card for Chai Pani and a $25 gift card for Buxton Hall.

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COMMUNIT Y

Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. Our mission is to promote the dignity, independence and well-being of adults through service, education and advocacy. Each year, Council on Aging staff members answer thousands of calls and assist hundreds of individuals in accessing services and support. In 2018, we secured more than $2 million in benefits for older adults, which allowed them to purchase food and pay for heating and medications that they were otherwise unable to afford.

“I can truthfully say the Council on Aging has done wonderful things for us. I would encourage anyone needing help to call the Council on Aging.

I have never had any place treat us with more respect and honesty. I recommend them to anybody.”

— James and Martha Hare, Council on Aging clients COAbc.org • (828) 277-8288

The Mediation Center The Mediation Center has helped community members find common ground and a way through difficult and stressful conflict since 1984. Participants are families, youth, neighbors and organizations as well as people impacted by incarceration. We also provide supervised visitation services to ensure that children can stay connected to both their parents despite previous disputes. By helping people resolve differences, The Mediation Center creates a safer and more peaceful community for everyone.

“The mediators were very professional and listened without any judgment to my family’s story about what happened before my daughter became incarcerated. This process was a good way to restore our communication and create understanding. It’s given our family one more advantage for a successful reentry. Thank you so much for this service.”

— Terry, prison reentry mediation participant mediatewnc.org • (828) 251-6989

SPECIAL OFFERS Give now at

givelocalguide.org

= OFFER

MATCHING

Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Inc. An anonymous donor will match the first $1,000 in donations. • Donors who donate $25 or more will receive a coupon for a handmade bar of soap at the Herbiary downtown and a 20% off coupon for Moose Cafe Asheville • Donors giving $200 or more will have their name put on our donor tree. • Anyone who donates $100 or more will be entered to win a weekend camping trip with a Jeep Renegade. (Some restrictions apply; please see our website coabc. org/Give!Local for additional details.)

The Mediation Center Anonymous donors will match all donations up to $10,000. • Each donor will receive a free biscuit from Biscuit Head • Each donor who contributes $20 or more to The Mediation Center will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card from Biscuit Head • Each donor who contributes $50 or more to The Mediation Center will be entered into a drawing to win a year-long membership to the Biltmore Wine Club (valued at $300).

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

OUR MISSION To build community and strengthen democracy by serving an engaged, thoughtful constituency at the local level – where the impact of citizen action is greatest.

We report on local events, regional issues and the area’s vibrant arts-and-culture scene – independently, fairly and in-depth.

We partner with the community to create an ongoing civic dialogue. We offer exceptional and affordable media opportunities for local businesses, professionals and nonprofit groups to promote their offerings to the community.

Serving WNC since 1994 2019 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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HE ALTH AND WELLNESS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

All Souls Counseling Center Our mission at All Souls Counseling Center is to provide quality mental health counseling to the uninsured and underinsured residents of Western North Carolina. All Souls Counseling Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our program fills the gap in existing behavioral health services available in our community by serving community members who would not be able to afford services otherwise.

“All the people I have interacted with have been the utmost of professional and demonstrate genuine caring for my well-being. I am beyond grateful for their services and would highly recommend them to anyone needing support.”

— ASCC client AllSoulsCounseling.org • (828) 259-3369

Bounty & Soul Bounty & Soul connects people to food, education and each other through five weekly distribution events offering fresh, whole foods; healthy cooking demonstrations; nutrition and well-being education; and a caring community of support. There are no eligibility requirements and all are welcome. All materials are translated into Spanish.

“It’s the approach we need to be taking at a local, regional and national level to address the underlying challenging but critical lifestyle changes that lie beneath chronic disease and poor health. It has the potential to be a game changer.”

— Ben Aiken, M.D., Avenu Health www.bountyandsoul.org • (828) 419-0533

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Girls on the Run At Girls on the Run of Western North Carolina, girls are inspired to recognize and tap into their inner strength and celebrate their own uniqueness. Our trained coach/mentors lead small teams through our research-based curriculum of team-building, positive self-talk and communications, thoughtful discussions and physical activities. During our 10-week program (offered in fall and spring), third-eighth graders learn critical life skills, establish appreciation for health and become the CEOs of themselves. Teams impact their communities through service projects and prepare for a celebratory 5K. Together, we grow strong, resilient girls who become strong, resilient women.

“We are a low-income family and ... we weren’t excluded because of finances.

They loved the challenge, they loved the weekly meetings, they loved the relationships built. I loved seeing my girls accomplish something I wish I could. I loved seeing them strengthen their bodies and build friendships.”

— Anonymous gotrwnc.org • (828) 713-4290

MemoryCare MemoryCare is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide specialized medical care to older adults with cognitive impairment; to support caregivers with education, counseling and improved access to services; and to provide community education.

“When we realized Alzheimer’s had become a part of our dad’s life, my sisters and I found that initial learning curve to be very steep. MemoryCare made a huge difference in our family’s peace of mind and acceptance of the future.”

— Liz Spear, family member www.memorycare.org • (828) 771-2219

SPECIAL OFFERS All Souls Counseling Center An anonymous donor will match the first $750 in donations.

100% of your

Girls on the Run The first $3,500 in donations will be matched dollar for dollar by generous gifts from Johnson Price Sprinkle PA (up to $1,000) and Starks Financial Group (up to $2,500). • The first five donors who give $50 or more will receive complimentary Girls on the Run 5K entries.

MemoryCare Donors giving $20 or more to MemoryCare will be entered into a raffle for a gift basket containing botanically based skin-and-body-care products from Privai (valued at $484) as well as a gift certificate for a 60-minute Relaxation Massage (gratuity included) at Spa Theology located in downtown Asheville.

donations go to the nonprofits

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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HE ALTH AND WELLNESS

Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation The Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation expands access to health care, reduces health inequalities and promotes prevention and wellness for the most under-resourced people in our communities. Through our Project Access program, more than 2,500 Buncombe and Madison county individuals receive lifesaving medical care, medications and follow-up care at low or no cost. Project Access is supported by a collaborative network of more than 700 volunteer medical offices and providers. The WCMS Foundation also provides interpretation services for deaf and limited-English-proficient individuals in our community. Please connect with us to learn more.

“As a medical student rotating in clinics across WNC, I cannot emphasize enough how important Project Access is to patients who would otherwise be unable to obtain necessary medical care.”

— Leeallie Carter, UNC medical student mywcms.org • (828) 274-2267

WNC Birth Center We are Western North Carolina’s first fully accredited, free-standing nurse midwife-staffed birth center. We offer safe, family-centered, comprehensive, evidence-based maternity and well-woman care. In the midwifery model of care, we empower women and families through education and support so they are able to make informed, shared decisions about their birth and well-being. We want to build a trusting, caring bond with our families that supports a positive birth experience. Our staff is deeply committed to providing exceptional care to all our patients, and it is an honor and a joy to care for every family.

“The birth center was the ideal ‘home away from home,’ just as we had hoped. All the midwives and nurses possess a strong clinical competency as well as incorporating traditional midwifery wisdom and heart into their care. The birth center is a huge gift to our WNC community.”

— Emily Rose Sullivan, patient WNCbirthcenter.com • (828) 378-0075

SPECIAL OFFERS 100% of your

donations go to the nonprofits

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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WNC Birth Center The birth center board and friends will match up to $3,000 of donations given during the Give!Local campaign.

Give now at givelocalguide.org

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

WNCAP Since 1986, WNCAP — the Western North Carolina AIDS Project — has provided HIV prevention and care services to 18 counties in WNC. WNCAP is dedicated to preventing new cases of HIV and hepatitis C as well as helping people living with HIV survive and thrive. WNCAP provides HIV-related client support, prevention, education and advocacy activities guided by the belief that all people are entitled to equal access to health care.

“I’m really grateful for WNCAP because they helped me get treatment for my physical and mental health. Now I’m undetectable, which means I cannot transmit the HIV virus to another person. Through WNCAP, I’ve also been able to continue the advocacy work that has become a true passion for me.”

— Jeffrey Long, former WNCAP client and HIV activist wncap.org • (828) 252-7489 • info@wncap.org

The

Giving

Games

Ice Cream Party Donors who give $20 or more by midnight on Nov. 24 will be entered to win a sweet-treat Ben & Jerry’s ice cream party. The prize will be awarded as a $200 gift card for Ben & Jerry’s.

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Celebrating

s r a Ye

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EDUCATION

EDUCATION

Asheville City Schools Foundation The Asheville City Schools Foundation supports students, teachers and families. Our mission is to implement bold strategies, fund big ideas and engage the community to increase excellence with equity for all children in our schools. ACSF’s work impacts over 4,400 students each year through after-school programming, grants to educators, teaching-artist classroom residencies and college scholarships. Since 2000, ACSF has provided over $1.5 million to teacher-led projects and over $2.6 million to students through scholarships.

“For my family, IRL is not just an after-school program — it’s a way of life.

My son has been participating for three years, and he has loved it from the very beginning. He has made new friends, new connections and found new interests. For us, it’s been a blessing and something that we can always depend on, especially if you’re running late after work and you want somewhere safe for your child to be after school, IRL is the place to be.”

— Parent of IRL (In Real Life) participant www.acsf.org • (828) 350-6174

Asheville Museum of Science As a center for experiential science learning, AMOS strives to spark the imagination and foster lifelong curiosity through exhibits, field trips and year-round educational programming. Regional educators and families depend on AMOS to provide fun, hands-on learning activities through science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM).

“AMOS is the perfect family-friendly place to bring my daughters to have fun, all while learning and exploring. This summer, they participated in their Space and Makers Unite summer camp program and were begging to go back. We love our science museum and have enjoyed watching it grow.”

— Kendall Bernier ashevillescience.org • (828) 254-7162

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Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County Children First’s mission is to empower children and their families to reach their full potential through advocacy, education and services. The mission of Communities In Schools is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

“The staff and volunteers at Children First/Communities In Schools have made a huge impact in the lives of my kids. They have provided opportunities for them to explore Asheville, learn and grow. [Dalton] has improved both socially and academically. ... I have watched many of the staff go above and beyond throughout the years. ... I just cannot say enough about Children First/CIS and the way that they have the best interest of all the kids in our neighborhood at heart.”

— Anonymous childrenfirstcisbc.org • (828) 259-9717

SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville City Schools Foundation Mosaic Community Lifestyle Realty will match the first five gifts of $1,000. • The first two donors giving between $500 and $999 will each receive two complimentary passes to the Biltmore Estate. • For the first 25 donations of $100 or more, the

donor will receive two complimentary High Five espresso drinks for themselves, and two more will go to ACS educators.

Asheville Museum of Science Any donation over $20 will earn a day pass to AMOS. • Gifts of $100 or more will be entered into a raffle for use of the museum’s event space (good for events ranging from a kids party to a conference, use subject to approval). • Donors giving $150 or more will become AMOS members for one year.

Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County Publix Super Market Charities will match up to $3,000 in donations. • All gifts of $300 or more will be entered to win a package of five one-day Park Hopper tickets to Walt Disney World Resort, including Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park (valued at $870; not valid 12/25-12/31; expires 7/12/2021).

The

Giving

Romantic Dinner

Games 100% of your

Donors who give $20 or more by midnight on Dec. 3 will be entered to win a romantic dinner at Strada Italiano. The prize will be awarded as a $128 gift card for Strada Italiano.

donations go to the nonprofits

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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EDUCATION

Muddy Sneakers Muddy Sneakers is an award-winning outdoor science education program that partners with public elementary schools to teach students on nearby protected lands. In its 12th year of fostering the joy of learning outside, the nonprofit will serve more than 3,500 students in 47 schools across North Carolina during the 2019-2020 school year. Fifth-graders in 11 counties in WNC get to experience the myriad benefits of learning their science curriculum in the outdoor classroom.

Highly trained naturalists lead small groups in hands-on activities and experiments during six to 10 full-day expeditions over the year. Muddy Sneakers believes every child deserves the opportunity to connect with nature and that outdoor learning inspires a love of inquiry and positions students for improved academic performance.

“The forest is our laboratory!”

— Hall Fletcher Elementary student muddysneakers.org • (828) 862-5560 • info@muddysneakers.org

My Daddy Taught Me That The mission of My Daddy Taught Me That is to support young males’ development into righteous, respectable and responsible men. We achieve that goal through youth development programming and advocacy focused on eradicating the education-achievement and economic-mobility gaps that affect young men 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

OpenDoors of Asheville OpenDoors of Asheville’s mission is “to break the cycle of poverty through education, one child at a time.” Our To and Through college program supports local students, grades 4 through college graduation, with services including educational consulting, access to tutoring, enrichment activities and emergency resources. We prepare students growing up in multigenerational poverty to enter college and graduate with little to no student debt.

Our One Neighborhood after-school STEAM-based initiative provides mentoring in glass blowing, ceramics, painting, recording arts and more.

“OpenDoors... helped me navigate through my options for continuing school, which led me to getting my GED and helped me find my current job working as a victim/witness legal assistant at the DA’s office. OpenDoors has really helped me find myself and reach my educational and professional goals.”

— Jasmine Middleton, board member, former OpenDoors student opendoorsasheville.org • (828) 239-8811 • dquarrier@opendoorsasheville.org

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Verner Verner provides high-quality, center-based and home-based early care and education to 260 children, ages six weeks to 5 years, at locations including four centers across Buncombe County. We offer Early Head Start, NC Pre-K, child care subsidy and parent-pay options. Verner believes in comprehensive, blended programming where children and families with many diverse life stories may thrive. Mothers on the Move allows moms to continue their education and English-language skills, while Rainbow In My Tummy® focuses on child and family nutrition. Verner’s Experiential Gardens at North Carolina Outward Bound School offers a place for learning, growing and gathering that our children visit weekly.

“Verner Center for Early Learning provides children with a great start in life. Healthy development for children is critical for lifelong success, and Verner provides that level of care for children and families.”

— Suzanne, Asheville resident and community volunteer Photography by Meghan West

vernerearlylearning.org • (828) 298-0808

SPECIAL OFFERS My Daddy Taught Me That Donors who give $50-$199 will receive a copy of My Daddy Taught Me That, the book by Keynon Lake. • Donors who give $200-$499 will receive the official MDTMT letterman jacket • Donors who give $500-$999 will get the MDTMT two-piece sweatsuit. • Donors who give $1,000 or more will enjoy a special day with MDTMT youths and staff.

OpenDoors of Asheville An anonymous donor will match every dollar donated, up to $2,500. • Give $50 or more and receive one week of fitness classes or a strategy session including an individualized functional movement screening at Plank Fitness. • All donors will be entered to win a handblown piece of glass art created by one of our students in our One Neighborhood Arts Program.

Verner All donations will be matched dollar for dollar by an anonymous donor. • All donors will receive a Verner refrigerator magnet and car decal. • Donors over $250 are invited to visit Verner and share a delicious Rainbow In My Tummy lunch with us.

The

Giving

Treetop Adventure

Games

Give now at

givelocalguide.org Donors who give $20 or more by midnight Dec. 17 will be entered to win a treetop adventure for two on Navitat’s zip lines. The prize will be awarded as a pair of $99.95 gift certificates for the full value of the Navitat Mountaintop Tour.

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

2019 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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ANIMALS

ANIMALS

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Rescue. Rehab. Release. That’s the mission of Appalachian Wild, a nonprofit founded to provide care for injured and orphaned native wildlife, support WNC’s wildlife rehabilitation network and provide conservation education. With the opening of the Appalachian Wild Urgent Care facility in July 2018, people now have a place to bring mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in crisis for emergency care. Volunteers have been very busy managing the hotline, coordinating transport and providing triage to an expected 2,000 animals each year.

“Appalachian Wild has impressed me again and again with the amazing help they bring to wildlife that would otherwise perish in fear and pain.

We are incredibly lucky to have the capable hands (and great hearts) of such rescuers so near.”

— Michael Fisher, Appalachian Wild supporter www.AppalachianWild.org • (828) 633-6364

Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund The Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund was formed in February 2018 with the goal of keeping owned cats out of shelters to ease the burden on the local rescue community. We focus primarily on the financial aspect of veterinary care, paying directly to vet practices and bridging the gap between clients and veterinarians. Our second program, the ACW Cat Pantry, launched in August 2018 to offer pet nutrition education and preventive care, including flea medications and dewormers. In January 2019, we introduced a fund aimed at providing spay and neuter services and rabies vaccinations to low-income households.

“If it were not for ACWEF, my Rebekah would probably not be here today.

She had a terrible [urinary tract infection] and was treated promptly at Junaluska Animal Hospital emergency. ACWEF provided the funds to help her, and I don’t know what I would have done without them.”

— Dianna Farrell ashevillecatweirdos.org • (828) 338-9443, (828) 367-7684

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Asheville Humane Society Asheville Humane Society is about hope, not heartache. As Buncombe County’s critical safety net since 1984, we are always here to save and protect every animal. We have mastered the art of saving lives within our walls and now we are going even further, helping our community’s pets and their people thrive together. We are going beyond a no-kill community to ensure that each animal has the quality of life they deserve — a life worth living.

“Financially stable and transparent, excellent executive director, knowledgeable and friendly staff, amazing number of dedicated volunteers and fosters, and best of all, they do it all while taking every animal that comes through the door, saving all that can be saved and finding them homes with loving families. Their Community Pets outreach program is groundbreaking and a model for similar organizations around the country. They are the best!”

— Nan (Shaw), Asheville Humane Society volunteer/donor www.ashevillehumane.org • (828) 761-2001 Ext. 328

Blue Ridge Humane Society Blue Ridge Humane Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization and limited admission shelter. Blue Ridge Humane is dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of life for animals in Henderson County and our neighboring communities through adoption, outreach and education. We envision a community that embraces the protection, compassionate care and highest quality of life for animals.

“If you are considering a family pet, please check out Blue Ridge Humane Society. We visited several shelters in the area and were blown away by how well the staff ran this place and how much they cared about finding us the right fit. … If you can’t adopt, remember you can always foster, sponsor, volunteer or donate.”

— Jen, adopter of Michelle from Blue Ridge Humane in 2019 www.blueridgehumane.org • (828) 692-2639

SPECIAL OFFERS The Community Foundation of WNC Donations to all animal welfare organizations will be matched by CFWNC up to $9,000. And the organization with the most individual donors will get $1,000. (See details on page 32.)

Appalachian Wildlife Refuge

100% of your

donations go to the nonprofits

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

Asheville Humane Society Will offer a $25 adoption-fee credit for every donation of $25 or more.

Blue Ridge Humane Society The first 15 donors giving over $100 will have a pet plaque with a photo of their pet placed in their honor at the Blue Ridge Humane Society Adoption Center.

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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ANIMALS

Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Brother Wolf Animal Rescue was founded in 2007 to provide the resources and lifesaving programs to build no-kill communities. Through their adoption center in Asheville and their dedicated foster homes, Brother Wolf saves the lives of thousands of animals in Western North Carolina each year. In addition, Brother Wolf’s mobile spay and neuter clinic works to end pet overpopulation by offering low-cost services to more than six counties in our region. Their unwavering commitment to better the lives of animals is the guiding force of their work.

“Brother Wolf changed what animal rescue meant to Asheville and beyond. I’m so grateful for their continued commitment to saving lives in an area of the country that badly needs this resource. Thousands of animals’ lives have been saved and will be saved, thanks to Brother Wolf.”

— Elise Lewis, WNC resident bwar.org • (828) 505-3440

Friends of the WNC Nature Center The WNC Nature Center connects people of all ages with the native plants and animals of Southern Appalachia. When we learn about the natural world around us, we are inspired to conserve it for future generations. Each wild animal found at the Nature Center has its own unique story. Most have been imprinted or permanently injured and are nonreleasable. Others are endangered and are part of a Species Survival Plan developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Animal habitats are supported by the Friends of the WNC Nature Center, along with education programs and conservation initiatives.

“Thank you so much to the WNC Nature Center for educating the public about local wildlife and reminding us of our responsibility to conserve it!”

— Kelly H., WNC Nature Center visitor www.wildwnc.org • (828) 259-8092 • admin@wildwnc.org

SPECIAL OFFERS Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Every donor who gives more than $25 will receive a Brother Wolf Animal Rescue sticker.

Friends of the WNC Nature Center Donors of $25 or more will receive a free day pass to the WNC Nature Center. • Donors of $50 or more will receive a sustainably sourced, wooden ornament with the Nature Center logo and a day pass. • Donors of $125 or more will enjoy a Wild Parent Symbolic Animal Adoption of a red panda or otter (includes large plush animal), as well as the ornament and day pass • Donors of $300 or more will be entered in a raffle to win a red panda barrier-free experience in 2020.

Wild for Life Donors of $30 or more will receive the new logo T-shirt. • Donors of $1,000 or more will receive a plaque on our new 100-foot flight enclosure, large enough to rehabilitate bald eagles. • Donors to Wild for Life of $50 or more will be entered in a raffle for four different prizes: a pair of tickets to Biltmore, a custom-made bluebird house, a custom-made Eastern screech owl box or a gift certificate to PLANT restaurant. Donors will get to choose their prize in order of names drawn.

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Wild for Life Songbirds, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and a peregrine falcon — these are only a few of the native birds Wild for Life has admitted for rehabilitation this year. Wild for Life strives to get these animals back into the wild by rehabilitating them from injuries they have endured. Freedom is the best day. Through our education outreach, Wild for Life also teaches people things they can do to help our environment. In both of these ways, Wild for Life makes a difference in our community.

“I have known the founders of Wild for Life for over 20 years and witnessed dedication and time committed to rehabilitation of injured native birds. I’ve seen increasing demands each year to provide food, medical care and appropriate housing. I’ve seen the joy and freedom of releasing a wild animal back to the wild. Thank you, WFL!” — Diane Morgan, Fairview resident wildforlife.org • (828) 665-4341 • wildforlifeAVL@gmail.com

The

Giving

Games

Release a bird of prey Donors who give $100 at anytime during Give!Local will be entered in a drawing for the honor and unique experience of joining Wild for Life in releasing a rehabilitated bird of prey back into its native, wild habitat.

Photos by Clinton C. Brown

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Grow Your Gift

When you give $100, n the organizatio receives

$200!*

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina will

match your contribution to any of the 2019 Give!Local animal welfare organizations.* *Your contribution must be $25 or more. *CFWNC will match your gift up to an additional $100. *One matching gift per donor per organization.

Make your gift, then spread the word. The animal welfare organization with the largest number of individual donors will receive an additional $1,000 from CFWNC. CFWNC’s total contribution is limited to $10,000.

The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina works with families, businesses and nonprofits to strengthen communities through the creation of charitable funds and strategic grantmaking. A permanent charitable resource, the Foundation manages over 1,100 funds and facilitated $20 million in grants last year, bringing total giving to more than $254 million since its founding in 1978.

Learn more at www.cfwnc.org.

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ARTS AND LITERACY

CREATIVITY & LITERACY

Asheville Choral Society The Asheville Choral Society has been inspiring and enriching audiences in Western North Carolina since 1978 with remarkable choral music at the highest artistic level. The ACS is made up of some 100-plus auditioned singers ranging in age from 16 to 80-plus, many of whom have professional music backgrounds and all of whom share a passion for singing.

“There is nothing you can compare to the feeling of singing with 150 other people. The power of so many voices together is tangible, inspiring and uplifting. I have met some of my lifetime best friends through this group. We are lucky to have such a wealth of music talent in the Asheville region. ACS has made my Monday nights my favorite night of the week, hands-down.”

— Kara Irani ashevillechoralsociety.org • (828) 367-7350 • info@ashevillechoralsociety.org

Literacy Council of Buncombe County The Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s mission is to increase comprehensive literacy and English-language skills through specialized instruction by trained tutors and access to literacy resources. We serve students in four programs: Adult Literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Youth Literacy and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library®. Improved literacy skills benefit not only the struggling reader, but everyone in our community regardless of age, race, gender or background.

“Not only was I learning disabled, I was also born 65% deaf. If this was not available to me, I actually wouldn’t have been given the opportunity to read. I came in at a kindergarten reading level and quickly moved to a fifth grade reading level.”

— Molly, Adult Literacy student litcouncil.com • (828) 254-3442

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NC Glass Center The North Carolina Glass Center is a nonprofit, public-access glass studio and gallery. We are dedicated to education, exploration and collaboration in all forms of glass. Our studios help emerging artists launch their careers. Our furnaces, torches and kilns enable established glass artists to pursue new and ambitious work. Our gallery showcases the finest work from undiscovered to established glass artists. Our educational programs provide thousands with high-quality, affordable instruction. Our community outreach programs provide safe spaces for veterans and low-income youths to learn the art of glass.

“North Carolina Glass Center, in the heart of the River Arts District, always has its big, bright doors open with amazingly diverse programming. Hot glass is the rare artistic medium that is also a team sport … which is what makes NC Glass such a fun experience. I am honored to work with this amazing collection of talented folks to further the community goals of the River Arts District.”

— Pattiy Torno, owner of CURVE studios and garden ncglasscenter.org • (828) 505-3552 • info@ncglasscenter.org

SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville Choral Society Donors of $50 or more will receive a ticket voucher to a Choral Society concert ($25 value). • Donors of $100 or more will receive a ticket voucher, as well as an Asheville Choral Society T-shirt.

Literacy Council of Buncombe County Donors who give $50-$99 will receive a $5 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café. • Donors who give $100 and up will receive a $15 coupon for Malaprop’s Bookstore and Café. (For details see offer on page 12.)

NC Glass Center Gifts of $25 or more will be entered in a raffle to receive a free 30-minute hands-on glass class. • Donors giving $250 or more will receive a handblown pint glass. • Gifts of $1,000 or more will receive recognition on the NC Glass Center Wall of Gratitude along with a pint glass and a complimentary 30-minute hands-on glass class.

The

Giving

Pizza Party

Games 100% of your

All Donors of $20 or more will be entered to win an Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. pizza party. The prize will be awarded as a $200 gift card for Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

donations go to the nonprofits

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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ARTS AND LITERACY

Open Hearts Art Center Open Hearts Art Center is a supportive studio and gallery dedicated to representing and empowering adults with varied abilities to connect to and reach their full potential through the arts. We are a communitybased day program that offers experiences in visual and performing arts while focusing on supporting the individual needs of the artists who attend, with the everyday goal of emphasizing each person’s many and vast abilities.

“Open Hearts has enriched our daughter Rachel’s life in many ways.

The people at Open Hearts have so much respect for their artists and their caregivers. It is remarkable how much of a positive difference that respect can make in a person like Rachel. We are so thankful that Open Hearts Art Center is here in Asheville. Every person involved in this program is a hero to our family.”

— Jennifer and Steve Warren, parents of an Open Hearts Art Center artist openheartsartcenter.org • (828) 505-8428

The POP Project At the POP Project, we find new homes for used books. Our goal is to make sure no book goes unread or without a home, and that all books we are entrusted with are used for constructive, personal expansion.

Because everyone deserves a good book.

“At our last Homework Diner, a sixth grade boy was OVERJOYED to find his favorite book. He was wide-eyed and telling everyone, ‘This is my FAVORITE book! Now I have a copy for school AND home!’”

— Resource Coordinator, United Way thePOPproject.org

SPECIAL OFFERS Open Hearts Art Center 100% of your

donations go to the nonprofits

= MATCHING OFFER Nonprofits with this icon have offers to match donations made to them.

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Anyone who donates $25 or more will receive a specialty embroidered logo magnet.

The POP Project Everyone giving $100 or more will receive two complimentary tickets to AVL Lit Tours ($50 value, see avllitmap.com/tour/ for details).

Give now at givelocalguide.org

MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Virtue is happy to give back to our local community.

Together,

we can make all the difference.

58 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC

Locally Owned and Operated

ShopVirtue.com

2019 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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ENVIRONMENT

ENVIRONMENT

Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) ASAP’s mission is to help local farms thrive, link farmers to markets and supporters and build healthy communities through connections to local food. Through events, promotions and publication of the free Local Food Guide, we work to drive demand for area food and farm products. We also offer training and tools for farmers, operate the Asheville City Market, examine the role and impact of regional food systems through the Local Food Research Center and provide educator training and experiences for children through the Growing Minds Farm to School Program.

“ASAP provides resources so critical to small-farm business success and profitability, it should be a model for other communities.”

— Franny Tacy, Franny’s Farm asapconnections.org • (828) 236-1282

EcoForesters EcoForesters is a nonprofit professional forestry organization dedicated to conserving and restoring Appalachian forests. Forestland owners and local communities benefit from EcoForesters’ ability to develop and implement forest stewardship strategies that promote sustainability and resiliency.

Our methods emphasize sound ecological management over other profitand production-driven forest management approaches. We make positive impacts on the Appalachian landscape while helping landowners achieve individual management objectives.

“This land is part of our history and one of the things that has kept our family together. Our thought had been to save the land, not use it, but you showed us a way, through active stewardship, to do both — and this should make it easier for coming generations to be able to hold onto the land.”

— Marcella H., Jackson County ecoforesters.org • (828) 484-6842

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Friends of the Smokies Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in preserving and protecting Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds, building public awareness and providing volunteers. Friends of the Smokies also offers unique opportunities like Trails Forever, which connects volunteers with trail reconstruction in the park. The organization’s Parks as Classrooms program brings over 18,000 students from nearby communities into the park for hands-on science education.

“I am a dedicated volunteer for the organization and I am always impressed with the staff’s energy and determination to raise funds to better the Smokies. They help provide funds for projects that would otherwise go unfunded, from education for thousands of students to trail management and rehabilitation.”

— Johnny Remein, volunteer since 2014 FriendsOfTheSmokies.org • (828) 452-0720

Green Built Alliance We’re people who care about where we live — our homes, neighborhoods and the planet. Since 2001, we have been advancing sustainability in the built environment through community education, measurable standards and regional action. We make a difference by hosting original educational events, distributing the annual Green Building Directory, managing the Blue Horizons Project community campaign and implementing programs such as Green Built Homes and Appalachian Offsets.

“A study of the built environment’s role in the climate crisis indicates it is imperative to make every decision an environmental improvement. Green Built Alliance is pushing the margins of possibility until creating clean energy, cleaning the air and water, strengthening local economies and ensuring the well-being of all life with every action becomes standard practice.”

— Stephens Smith Farrell, Director of Sustainable Design at Haizlip Studio Greenbuilt.org • (828) 254-1995 • info@greenbuilt.org

SPECIAL OFFERS Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP) Donors of over $100 will receive an ASAP Farm Tour pass. • The first 10 donors of more than $250 will receive an Appalachian Grown hat and $25 in Asheville City Market tokens.

EcoForesters The first 25 donors of $25 or more will get a free Hole doughnut and a free small scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors of $25-$50 will get an EcoForesters T-shirt. • Donors of $50 or more will get an EcoForesters T-shirt and a pint glass.

Friends of the Smokies Donate $35 more to become a member and receive a certified Great Smoky Mountains National Park trail map. • Donate $50 or more and receive a Friends of the Smokies branded koozie. • Donate $100 or more and receive a complimentary entry for a Classic Hike of the Smokies. • Donate $500 or more and receive a complimentary ticket to the Smokies Stomp Barn Party.

(See offer details on page 12.)

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ENVIRONMENT

MountainTrue MountainTrue is the environmental champion for Western North Carolina.

Our members protect our forests, clean up our rivers, plan vibrant and livable communities and advocate for a sound and sustainable future for all. Together, we keep our mountain region a beautiful place to live, work and play. MountainTrue is active in the Broad, French Broad, Green, Hiwassee, Little Tennessee and New watersheds and is home to the French Broad, Broad, Green and Watauga Riverkeepers.

“MountainTrue not only does a great job of communicating and educating the public about environmental issues — they also follow through with real, tangible action to protect our forests, keep our rivers clean and make our communities better. That’s why I’m a MountainTrue member, a volunteer and a business supporter.”

— Danny Wilcox, Boone resident and senior manager at Appalachian Mountain Brewery mountaintrue.org • (828) 258-8737

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy We permanently protect and steward our region’s most beloved natural areas. When you support local land and water conservation, you ensure our lands, waters, wildlife, farms and way of life will be there for future generations. By preserving vital resources, you improve the area’s quality of life and continue building healthy and vibrant communities — forever.

“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.”

— Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store Appalachian.org • (828) 253-0095

SPECIAL OFFERS Green Built Alliance For every $20 donated to Green Built Alliance, 1 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.

MountainTrue Donors giving $50 or more will receive a $10 gift certificate to Green Sage. • Donors giving $250 or more will receive a MountainTrue hat and the gift certificate. • Donors giving $500 or more will receive a MountainTrue backpack, a MountainTrue hat and Green Sage gift certificate. • Donors giving $100 or more will be entered in a drawing to win one pair of Biltmore Estate passes. • The first donor of $1,000 or more will receive a pair of No Taste Like Home passes, as well as the above rewards.

Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Donors of $40 or more will receive a 2020 Waterfall of North Carolina Giving Calendar. (Available for pick-up at SAHC office.)

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SOCIAL JUSTICE

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity believes that everyone deserves a decent place to live. Our affordable homeownership and home repair programs help people achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build a brighter future here in Buncombe County. When families have decent and affordable housing, they have money to save, invest in education and prepare for emergencies. Children of homeowners have higher graduation rates and better health outcomes. Everyone can do something to help make those things possible for another family. Every donation helps a family help themselves.

“We were going to move out of the area because we didn’t see another choice. We couldn’t afford anything here. But Habitat changed that for us, made it possible for us to stay here.”

— Kyle T., Habitat homeowner ashevillehabitat.org • (828) 251-5702

Asheville Poverty Initiative Asheville Poverty Initiative aims to eradicate poverty by building relationships across socio-economic boundaries. Our 12 Baskets Cafe gathers community to celebrate abundance, reduce food waste and foster dialogue about how the community is better and more whole when we know all of our neighbors. Simply by sitting and eating with someone you might otherwise never bump into: Stereotypes are dismantled. Fear is reduced.

Hope is empowered.

“12 Baskets gives a wonderful opportunity to see generosity, thankfulness and sharing with those enjoying great food and sharing in friendship. In our society, we hear that there is not enough. 12 Baskets demonstrates every day that there is enough food, love and acceptance if everyone shares what they have. We have been involved in 12 Baskets for three years, experiencing the ‘enoughness’ of life in this place. There is enough!”

— Alice Petersen and Bill Lowrey, 12 Baskets supporters ashevillepovertyinitiative.org • (828) 232-2149

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BeLoved Asheville The mission of BeLoved Asheville is to cultivate a transformational way of life rooted in community, creativity and equity. We provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to use their voices, skills and unique gifts to create innovative solutions for some of the toughest challenges we collectively face. Our projects include a neighborhood of deeply affordable micro homes known as BeLoved Village, the first homeless street medic team in the nation, Latinx cultural organizing, Proud to Be Brown youth initiative, Rise Up Art and Music Collective, Liberation Station community center, cultural equity program and more.

“There is an emerging worldwide movement aimed at providing social and economic justice for everyone. BeLoved Asheville is part of this movement. I deeply admire BeLoved’s tireless efforts toward alleviating social injustice and their unfaltering commitment to the betterment of our local community and humanity at large.”

— Brian Haynes, Asheville native and current City Council member belovedasheville.com • (828) 242-8261

Helpmate Helpmate works with our community to eliminate abuse and fear by providing safety, shelter and support for victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.

“I value the working relationship between the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office and Helpmate. We work together to make sure that domestic violence perpetrators are held accountable and survivors are supported.

Thank you to Helpmate for this important work.”

— Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller helpmateonline.org • (828) 254-2968, 24/7 Hotline: (828) 254-0516

SPECIAL OFFERS Asheville Poverty Initiative An anonymous donor will match all donations up to $5,000. • Each donor giving $25 or more will receive an API bumper sticker.

BeLoved Asheville The first $1,000 in donations will be matched by Asheville Home Realty at Keller Williams. • Donors giving $20 or more get a custom BeLoved T-shirt. • Donors of $500-$749 may join a Street Tour with up to five guests. • The first 12 donors of $750$999 get the use of our community space for up to eight hours. • The first three donors of $1,000-$2,999 get a screen printing session with our co-director, graphic/screen artist Ponkho Bermejo. • Donors of $3,000 or more get a named sponsorship of a kitchen in BeLoved Village • Donors of $250 or more will be entered in a raffle for a celebratory evening. (See details of offers on pages 11 and 13.)

Helpmate The first 25 donors who give $25 or more to Helpmate will receive a coupon for a free bonbon at any of French Broad Chocolate’s three locations, as well as a token for one free beer at Highland Brewing.

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SOCIAL JUSTICE

Homeward Bound of WNC Homeward Bound ends homelessness through permanent housing and ongoing personalized support. Our AHOPE Day Center provides essential services to neighbors experiencing homelessness. As we move each person into their own home, we offer ongoing wraparound support. We’ve housed more than 2,066 individuals, families and veterans, and 89% haven’t become homeless again.

“When you’re living outside, you can’t control who is around you. I am so grateful and thankful that Homeward Bound was here when I desperately needed them. I don’t know what would have happened to me if they hadn’t come along.”

— Frankie, Homeward Bound client now in his own home homewardboundwnc.org • (828) 785-9840

Just Economics Just Economics’ mission is to educate, advocate and organize for a more just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.

“As a Voices For Economic Justice graduate, member of Better Buses Together and now board member for Just Economics, I feel fortunate to be part of an organization that provides the tools, training and support to have individuals from all walks of life be heard and make a real difference in our community. From the successful Living Wage Certification Program to transit improvements and affordable-housing advocacy, Just Economics is making a great positive impact.”

— Tracey Wold www.justeconomicswnc.org • (828) 505-7466

Our VOICE In the pursuit of a community that is free of sexual violence, Our VOICE serves individuals in Buncombe County and the surrounding areas who are affected by sexual assault, abuse and human trafficking, through counseling, advocacy, outreach and education.

“Our VOICE is helping those affected by sexual violence to have a voice, to speak up, to speak out, to not feel so alone. Along with the crisis advocacy, greater prevention efforts, awareness-raising events and community familiarity, OV can hopefully continue to shift the culture of Asheville and the surrounding area so that victims of sexual violence can come out of hiding and into the nurturing arms of the community and, ultimately, bring an end to sexual violence.”

— Sommerville Bevilaqua, Our VOICE Crisis Advocate ourvoicenc.org • Business phone: (828) 252-0562; Crisis line: (828) 255-7576

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Pisgah Legal Services At Pisgah Legal Services, we believe that justice is for everyone, not just those who can afford it. PLS provides free, civil legal aid that helps lowincome people meet their basic needs, including protection from domestic violence, avoiding homelessness, accessing health care and increasing income. Pisgah Legal helps more than 16,000 people annually with 27 staff attorneys and approximately 300 volunteer attorneys. Our main service area includes eight WNC counties, with offices in Asheville, Brevard, Hendersonville, Marshall, Rutherfordton and Spruce Pine.

“A sheriff’s deputy came to my house saying they were going to repossess it and sell my house at auction. I didn’t know what to do. I was scared to death. Thankfully, that deputy suggested there might be some help for me and told me about Pisgah Legal Services. I just can’t tell you the relief I got from my attorney. He assured me that I was not going to lose my home.”

— Henry www.pisgahlegal.org • (828) 253-0406

SPECIAL OFFERS Homeward Bound of WNC Creating Hope and Homes matching gift challenge will match all donations up to $100,000 dollar for dollar, thanks to two generous families.

Our VOICE Donors giving $10 or more will receive a complimentary coffee from Izzy’s Downtown Coffee Den or Izzy’s West Coffee House. • Donors giving $20 or more will receive a specialty coffee drink from Izzy’s and a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors giving $50 or more will receive a 12-ounce bag of coffee from Izzy’s and a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop. • Donors giving $100 or more will receive a 12-ounce bag of coffee from Izzy’s, a single scoop of ice cream from The Hop and a complimentary yoga class at Asheville Yoga Center.

Pisgah Legal Services Gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by generous donors • The first 15 people to donate $25 or more will receive a $20 gift certificate to Asheville Pizza and Brewing Co.

The

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2019 | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL

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GIVE Online NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 31

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MOUNTAIN XPRESS GIVE!LOCAL | GIVELOCALGUIDE.ORG | 2019

Thank you!

To sponsors for making the project possible. ...and all the local businesses that are providing goods & services to reward the donors.

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COMMUNITY

103.3 Asheville FM Asheville Tool Library Bountiful Cities/FEAST Council on Aging of Buncombe County The Mediation Center

EDUCATION Asheville City Schools Foundation Asheville Museum of Science Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County Muddy Sneakers My Daddy Taught Me That OpenDoors of Asheville Verner

HEALTH & WELLNESS

All Souls Counseling Center Bounty & Soul Girls on the Run MemoryCare Western Carolina Medical Society Foundation WNC Birth Center WNCAP

Blue Ridge Humane Society Brother Wolf Animal Rescue Friends of the WNC Nature Center Wild for Life

CREATIVITY & LITERACY Asheville Choral Society Literacy Council of Buncombe County NC Glass Center Open Hearts Art Center The POP Project

ANIMALS Appalachian Wildlife Refuge Asheville Cat Weirdos Emergency Fund Asheville Humane Society

EcoForesters Friends of the Smokies Green Built Alliance MountainTrue Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy

SOCIAL JUSTICE Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Asheville Poverty Initiative BeLoved Asheville Helpmate Homeward Bound of WNC Just Economics Our VOICE Pisgah Legal Services

ENVIRONMENT Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP)

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