Greenville Comes Together for Carolina Cares Event
On a beautiful Thursday night in Greenville, the air was filled with laughter and joyful chatter as the community gathered at Papi’s Tacos. Under a stunning canopy of red, blue, and green lights, the outdoor space transformed into a vibrant dance floor where couples swayed, kids cartwheeled, and friends caught up with one another. With autumn finally settling in and cooler temperatures gracing the area, it felt like the perfect occasion to bring everyone together.
Rallying for Recovery
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as nearly 200 local residents and business owners wandered in, carrying donations of children’s clothes, first-aid kits, and personal hygiene items. All of this was in support of the Carolina Cares event, organized to raise funds to assist with recovery efforts from the recent devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene.
As attendees entered, they were greeted with the chance to win in a spectacular raffle, featuring items generously donated by local businesses. The evening offered a delicious spread from Papi’s Tacos complemented by refreshing drinks from Pangaea Brewing Company, Thomas Creek Brewery, and even Tito’s Vodka – all proceeds were directed towards reaching a fundraising goal of $25,000.
A Remarkable Turnout
By the end of the night, it was uplifting to learn that the community had raised an impressive $16,000. However, the work wasn’t done yet. Tabitha Skinner of Kelley Collective PR, one of the event organizers, shared that efforts would continue to bridge the remaining gap of $9,000.
A Family Affair
One family that showed up to lend a helping hand was the Mathenas—Conner and Ivan brought their kids, Sawyer, Stryker, and Cassius. Ivan expressed why they made the effort, saying, “We needed to feed our kids, and we heard that this was going to benefit Western North Carolina and Asheville.” Conner added, “We’ve lived in Greenville our whole lives, so Asheville and all of those surrounding areas are very close to our heart.” The sentiment shared by the Mathena family reflects a deep-rooted connection many feel towards the affected regions.
Benefiting Local Nonprofits
The money raised will support three nonprofits in Greenville and Hendersonville, North Carolina, including the Hispanic Alliance and St. Gerard House. These organizations will partner with Papi’s Tacos to provide meals for those in need, serving around 1,500 people through their food truck.
In addition to savoring tacos and sipping on local brews, event-goers could also select items from a list of necessary donations for Nothing But Jesus Street Ministries, a group dedicated to supporting unhoused individuals in Greenville. It was a wonderful way to combine fun with giving back to the community.
Support and Solidarity After the Storm
As Sheryl Guarniero, founder of local environmental nonprofit Make GVL Greener, shared, the extent of the storm’s aftermath caught many by surprise. “We don’t deal with earthquakes or wildfires; maybe it seemed like we were in a bubble until this happened,” she commented, illuminating the importance of support in times of need.
With hundreds of thousands in South Carolina facing prolonged power outages and tragic flooding in North Carolina, the need for community resources is critical. However, those needing help often struggle with language barriers. Andrew Skinner and Cesar Salas from the Hispanic Alliance emphasized the necessity of guiding vulnerable community members to the resources they need. “It’s essential that we build trust with these individuals so they know who they can turn to for help,” noted Salas.
The Long Road Ahead
Guarniero urged that assisting communities doesn’t just happen in a single effort; it’s a long ride ahead. “It’s always a marathon, not a sprint,” she stated, emphasising how the needs of communities can change over time.
As recovery efforts continue throughout the Upstate, residents understand that this is only the beginning. Various fundraising activities—from dining events in Spartanburg to lively festivals in Greenville—aim to address the long-term impact caused by the storm. “We must stay connected to local organizations and individuals to truly understand their ongoing needs,” she advised.
In a world increasingly filled with division, gathering for Carolina Cares was a refreshing display of unity, heart, and a commitment to supporting one another in challenging times. As the evening wrapped up, the sense of community and hope was palpable—a reminder that, together, we are more resilient.
