Greenville Comes Together for Carolina Cares Fundraiser
On a delightful Thursday evening, the vibrant city of Greenville came alive as residents and business owners opened their hearts and wallets at Papi’s Tacos. With colorful red, blue, and green lights dazzling over plastic picnic tables set against a backdrop of turf, a makeshift dance floor became the centerpiece for an event that would not only bring joy but also much-needed support to those affected by the recent turmoil of Tropical Storm Helene.
A Night of Community Spirit
As the sun set, nearly 200 locals trickled in, each carrying donations that ranged from children’s clothes to first-aid kits and essential hygiene products. It was heartwarming to see couples dancing, kids showing off their cartwheel skills, and neighbors chatting away on one of the first cooler nights the area has seen in months. There was a palpable excitement in the air as attendees picked up raffle tickets for a drawing brimming with items generously donated by local businesses.
What’s dinner without a little indulgence? Folks munched on tacos from Papi’s while sipping on local brews from Pangaea Brewing Company and Thomas Creek Brewery, all while enjoying refreshing cocktails featuring Tito’s Vodka. All proceeds from food and drink sales were dedicated to reaching a fundraising goal of $25,000.
Raising Funds for Recovery
The goal was ambitious, but by the end of the evening, the event had raised an impressive $16,000. At the helm of this initiative was Tabitha Skinner from Kelley Collective PR, who shared that they were already working to close the remaining $9,000 gap. The money will benefit three nonprofits in the region, including the Hispanic Alliance and St. Gerard House. In a unique partnership, Papi’s Tacos will also use their food truck to serve around 1,500 free meals to those in need.
Among those present were Conner and Ivan Mathena, who brought along their children, Sawyer, Stryker, and Cassius. Ivan expressed their motivation, stating, “We needed to feed our kids, and we heard this was going to benefit Western North Carolina and Asheville.” Conner added, “We’ve lived in Greenville our whole lives, so Asheville and all those surrounding areas are very close to our heart. I look at my kids, and I think about all those kids having to stay in shelters and how it affects young families.”
Understanding the Local Impact
The aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene has been significant. Many in both South Carolina and neighboring North Carolina faced power outages, flooding, and devastation that disrupted lives and communities. Andrew Skinner and Cesar Salas from the Hispanic Alliance highlighted the additional challenges faced by non-English speakers. “There are plenty of resources, but our community is vulnerable because they often don’t know the language,” Salas explained. “We can provide that trust so that those people in the community can come to us for guidance.”
Long-Term Support Needed
As Sheryl Guarniero, founder of Make GVL Greener, noted, the storm’s impact came as a surprise to many residents. For a region that seemed insulated from natural disasters, facing this reality brought a wake-up call. “It’s important to remember that assistance in these communities will be needed long-term, not just in the immediate aftermath,” she emphasized. Guarniero further urged potential volunteers not to act hastily but instead understand local needs before they jump into action.
As the evening unfolded, it became clear that this was more than just a one-night affair; it represented a unified community rallying together to help neighbors in need. With every taco purchased and every raffle ticket drawn, the spirit of Greenville shone brightly, showing that even in the face of adversity, people can come together to make a meaningful difference.
Community efforts are far from over, and as recovery takes shape, the important work will continue. The goodwill of Greenville will surely ripple outwards for many months to come as residents find more ways to support one another through challenges big and small.
