As Western North Carolina begins picking up the pieces left in the wake of Hurricane Helene, University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) alumni-owned businesses are actively contributing to the regional, state and nation-wide efforts to support communities affected by the storm.
From contributing sales profits to hosting fundraising events, UNCW alumni who own businesses are raising funds and collecting donations to help communities, families and individuals who are struggling to begin what will be a long road to recovery.
With a wide array of non-perishable food, water, hygiene and household items immediately needed by many, explore how you can get involved with your fellow Seahawks and alumni-owned businesses to get this much needed support to areas impacted.
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The Plant Ecologist | Gabriella De Souza '18, '22M
One hundred percent of the profits from her products will go directly to organizations involved in Hurricane Helene relief. Learn more on The Plant Ecologist Instagram.
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N. Sea Oyster Co. | Alyssa MacNair '16 and Conor MacNair '16
In partnership with Lawrence Barbecue, they will host a fundraiser on October 12 at Boxyard RTP in Durham, NC. Proceeds will be donated to relief efforts in Western NC. Learn more on N.Sea Oyster Co. Instagram.
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Wine & Design of Leland, NC | Gia Long '91
In addition to accepting donations (through October 24), Wine & Design of Leland will be offering $5 off any class for those who contribute. Learn more on Wine & Design of Leland Instagram.
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RECESS | Bevin Prince '05
Join the Ride for Hurricane Helene Relief on October 17, where 100% of the proceeds will support relief efforts in Western NC. Learn more on RECESS Instagram.
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Social Coffee Supply | Rachel Ellzey '14 and Giovanni Ellzey '15
On October 1, Social Coffee Supply donated 50 percent of all sales to Beloved Asheville, a nonprofit helping those directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. Learn more on Social Coffee Instagram.
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Hidden Grounds Coffee | Joshua Skidmore '15, Taylor Pfyffer Skidmore '17 and Caitlin Skidmore '17
Hidden Grounds Coffee donated 10 percent of all sales to Red Cross Disaster Relief Programs for the Carolinas. Learn more on Hidden Grounds Coffee Instagram.
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Good Hops Brewing | Robert Malkmus '10
Good Hops Brewing is accepting cash donations to benefit the Lookout Brewing Company in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more on Good Hops Brewing Instagram.
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Wild Birds and Garden | Jill Peleuses '02 '07M
Ten percent of sales (on October 4) were donated to Manna FoodBank in Asheville, NC to help provide support. Learn more on Wild Birds and Garden Instagram.
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RX Chicken & Oysters | Sarah Doss '08
In collaboration with Waterline Brewery, RX BBQ will be hosting a fundraiser dinner on Sunday, October 13, from 5-8 p.m. All proceeds will go to BeLoved Asheville and Bob of CB Scuba. Learn more on RX Chicken & Oysters Instagram.
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What's Up Wilmington | Roz Williams '07
In collaboration with Yoga Salt Wilmington, What’s Up Wilmington will be hosting a class fundraiser on Thursday, October 10. Learn more about the class on What's Up Wilmington Instagram.
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Wilmington Mom | Amanda Hofmann '12
Wilmington Mom is seeking and collecting donations for moms and babies in need in Western North Carolina. Learn more about additional ways to support moms and babies in impacted areas on Wilmington Mom Instagram.
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Wrightsville SUP | Jarrod Covington '10
Wrightsville SUP is joining forces with Carolyn Royce Yoga for a stand up paddleboard yoga class on Sunday, October 13, from 9-11 a.m. All proceeds will benefit Long Road Home – Helping Animals in Western, North Carolina. Join the class by emailing carolyn@recessbybevinprince.com.
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1792 Beer Co. | Zack Wynne '05
In collaboration with the Animal Protection Society, Inc (APS), 1792 Beer Co, will be hosting a Bark-Toberfest event on Saturday, October 12 to raise funds for the Asheville Humane Society. Learn more on 1792 Beer Co. Instagram.
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Bottega Art and Wine | Addie Wuensch '11
In addition to hosting an ongoing supply donation drive, Bottega Art and Wine will donating proceeds on Saturday, October 12 to Operation Air Drop. Learn more on Bottega Art and Wine Instagram.
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Port City Cheesesteak Company | Chap Wallace '04
In collaboration with local restaurants, bars and breweries, Port City Cheesesteak is hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, October 13, to support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Learn more on Port City Cheesesteak Company Instagram.
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Grey Outdoor LLC | Grey Vick '05
Grey Outdoor is utilizing communications platforms to share ways to donate to Western North Carolina. Learn more on Grey Outdoor Instagram.
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Thorpe Landscapes | Daniel Thorpe '08
In collaboration with High Rock Acres, Access Route 9 and Black Mountain, Thorpe Landscapes have created temporary roads, managed water routing for streams and rivers and removed rotten trees and debris. Find out more on Thorpe Landscapes Instagram.
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Daybreak Doulas | Meaghann Strickland Daniel '13
Daybreak Doulas are collecting essential items for babies and families in Western North Carolina. Learn more on Daybreak Doulas Instagram.
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Sharpe Patel PLLC | Jay Sharpe '97 MSA '98
Sharpe Patel continues to share ways to donate to Western North Carolina on social media. Learn more on Sharpe Patel's Facebook.
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Tama Tea LLC | Rocco Quaranto '08
Tama Tea donated three mixed pallets of Tama Tea to Western North Carolina. Learn more on their Instagram.
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Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop | George Murray '75 & Misty Murray Pelliciotta '94, '17C
Mimi & Papa's continues to donate to organizations and share ways to donate to Western North Carolina on their social media. Learn more on Mimi & Papa's Facebook.
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Shaka Taco | Cody Leutgens '11
Shaka Taco is encouraging donations of select items to fill a trailer, parked between the beer garden and pickleball courts at the Hampstead location. Check out the listed items on Shaka Taco Instagram.
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Tedd's List | Rachel Kincaid '02
Check out Tedd's List to learn more about donation locations in the Asheville area. Learn more about local and regional businesses and resources on Tedd's List Instagram.
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Outer Banks Boil Company | Matt Khouri '12
In collaboration with Outer Banks Aviation and Operation Airdrop, Outer Banks Boil Company is delivering supplies to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Find out more on Outer Banks Boil Company's Facebook.
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WB Brawley Company | Steve Ezzell '75 '93M
Brawley Company accepted donations of supplies needed for Western North Carolina. Find out more on WB Brawley Company Instagram.
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South End Surf Shop Inc. & SUNdays Cafe | Jeff DeGroote '04
The companies hosted a clothing drive to collect items to Western North Carolina. Find out more from their Instagram.
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Port City Young Professionals (PCYP) | Jenna Curry Way '08
PCYP is hosting a networking event on Wednesday, October 16. A portion of all ticket sales, as well as funds from new PCYP memberships during October, will support disaster relief in Western North Carolina. Learn more about event tickets and PCYP memberships.
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Cold Stone Creamery Wilmington | Whitney Bouknight '06
Cold Stone Creamery Wilmington donated 20 percent of profits on October 4 to the United Way. Learn more on Cold Stone Creamery Wilmington Instagram.
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Cape Fear Adventure Company | Austin Adams '09
In addition to traveling to Boone, NC to assist with relief efforts, Cape Fear Adventure Company is also seeking donations for select items. Learn more on Cape Fear Adventure Company Instagram.
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Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill & Volleyball Facility | Brookes Musser '06, '09M
Capt'n Bill's is hosting a donation drive for those directly affected by Hurricane Helene. Learn more on the drive and items needed on Capt'n Bill's Instagram.
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Black Mountain Cider + Mead | Jessica Bowman '07, '09M
Black Mountain Cider + Mead continues to be a source of supplies for the community to serve those in need. Learn more on Black Mountain Cider + Mead Instagram.
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Seagate Bottle Shop | Matthew Ryan Dunn '05
Seagate Bottle Shop was accepting donations through October 9 and will be traveling to Buncombe County to deliver supplies. Learn more on Seagate Bottle Shop Instagram.