Greenville Businesses Unite for Recovery Efforts After Tropical Storm Helene
In the wake of the recent devastation caused by Tropical Storm Helene, which left the Carolinas reeling from catastrophic destruction, the community of Greenville is banding together to make a tangible difference. Over the next few days, several Upstate businesses will be coming together to raise funds aimed at aiding the recovery efforts, and you won’t want to miss out on the heartfelt event happening soon!
Carolina Cares: A Night of Giving Back
On October 10, Papi’s Tacos on Augusta Street will transform into a hub of charity and generosity during an event aptly named Carolina Cares. From 6-9 p.m., guests can enjoy a specially curated smaller menu paired with delicious drinks donated by Tito’s Vodka and Greenville’s Thomas Creek Brewery. Every penny raised during the evening will go towards local recovery initiatives, helping those greatly affected by the storm, as well as communities across the border in North Carolina.
The good news? Entry is absolutely free! However, organizers kindly ask attendees to either make a monetary donation or bring along a much-needed item to contribute. It’s a small gesture that could mean the world to someone else.
Aiming High: The Fundraising Goal
Tabitha Skipper of Kelley Collective PR, who is partnering with Papi’s and other local entities, shared some inspiring insights. They have set an ambitious goal to raise $25,000 to support three different charitable organizations. “We’ve already raised $4,000 and we haven’t even posted a link to donate,” Skipper beamed, demonstrating the incredible spirit of giving in Greenville.
The money raised will focus on three key initiatives. In Hendersonville, part of the funds will support an event organized in collaboration with St. Gerard House and the Hendersonville mayor’s office, providing meals for an estimated 2,000 people. Meanwhile, Papi’s Tacos has teamed up with The Hispanic Alliance to supply food in Berea, addressing local food insecurity. Lastly, the funds will aid Nothing But Jesus Street Ministries in covering ongoing needs.
Strategic Giving for Lasting Impact
Skipper emphasized the importance of working with specific organizations to address real needs. “I think it’s important to be strategic and know where the need really is,” she expressed. “In times like these, everybody wants to jump on board, but if you don’t get the right type of supplies to the right group of people, you’re really not helping at all.” By choosing to partner with charities embedded in the communities affected, they can ensure that their efforts are meaningful and impactful.
A Community Response to a Crisis
What’s heartening is how quickly the local business community rallied after Helene hit. Papi’s and Tito’s, which were already committed to their own causes, saw the immediate need and decided to pivot their plans to create a larger benefit event. Other businesses, including Pangaea Brewing Company, Larkins, Augusta Twenty, Modal Hostel and Coffee Bar, West End Social, and Smiley’s on the Roxx, jumped in with contributions ranging from gift cards for raffles to donations of their products.
It’s truly inspiring to observe how a community can come together—even during challenging times. Make GVL Greener, a grassroots organization dedicated to sustainability, also stepped up, providing volunteers, time, and monetary donations to help with the cause.
Overall, Skipper reflected on the overwhelming support, saying, “It’s really snowballed since then. I’m really inspired by all of our friends in the community.”
How You Can Help
As we gear up for this phenomenal event, anyone interested in donating is encouraged to bring items to help in recovery efforts. The focus is on collecting items that are of urgent need, in addition to accepting cash donations.
This fundraiser not only represents a night of food, fun, and community but is an important opportunity to show solidarity with those impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Whether you’re a resident of Greenville or just passing by, come out, enjoy a bite to eat, and extend your support where it’s needed most.
