Raffle and Online Auction Benefitting the Always Asheville Fund to Support Local Small Businesses Open Through Sunday, October 20
Asheville, NC (Oct. 15, 2024) – Explore Asheville, the presenting sponsor of Concert For Carolina with a $1 million pledge for aid relief, announced new opportunities for fans to attend the sold-out show through donations and an online auction, both providing vital support for local businesses in Buncombe County affected by Hurricane Helene. All donations will go towards emergency grants for small businesses through the Always Asheville Fund.
"We’ve opened up additional ways to bring financial resources into our community severely impacted by Hurricane Helene," said President and CEO of Explore Asheville and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority Vic Isley. "For those able to participate, you not only have a chance to attend an unforgettable concert, but you're also helping our local businesses and neighborhoods recover. It's an opportunity to be part of rebuilding our community."
Option 1: Donate for a Chance to Win – Music fans and community supporters can enter to win concert tickets by making a $250 donation to the Always Asheville Fund. Each additional $250 donation increases the odds of winning. Explore Asheville’s Always Asheville Fund is a vital lifeline for the community, providing emergency grants to small, independent businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County. These grants are crucial for helping local enterprises rebuild, recover, and continue to be the backbone of the vibrant community.
Option 2: Bid on the Ultimate Concert Package via Online Auction – For those seeking a premium experience, five exceptional VIP packages are available through an online auction. Each package includes a pair of floor tickets to the concert, exclusive lounge access with a full-service bar, all-inclusive food and beverages, private bathroom facilities, and a one-night hotel stay for Saturday, October 26 at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Charlotte located within walking distance of the stadium. The starting bid for each package is $1,500.
Both the donation opportunity and online auction close on Sunday, October 20, at 11:59 PM ET.
"According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a disaster. We want to change that statistic for the area's local entrepreneurs, ensuring their legacies continue to shape our community's future," added Isley.
Concert For Carolina, presented by Explore Asheville, features an impressive lineup of artists, including Luke Combs, Eric Church, Billy Strings, James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, The Avett Brothers, Bailey Zimmerman and more. The event will take place on Saturday, October 26, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. One hundred percent of the proceeds, including sponsorships, will support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
For full terms and conditions or to participate, visit https://always.exploreasheville.com/concert-for-carolina-tickets
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ABOUT EXPLORE ASHEVILLE AND THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Explore Asheville is the official destination marketing and management organization for one of the most deeply rooted and creative destinations in the mountains of western North Carolina. Explore Asheville is powered by the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, a public authority that has been investing in and building community since 1983. The authority has committed $96 million in grants to more than 50 community projects as well as $5 million in grants through the Tourism Jobs Recovery Fund to nearly 400 small travel and hospitality businesses to reopen following the pandemic.