We are devastated physically and mentally by what has happened to our Village of Chimney Rock and the Town of Lake Lure in North Carolina. The two side-by-side towns have suffered so much loss of property that it is unfathomable. In an effort to keep any scam or fraudulent fundraising at bay, we have provided below the local businesses needing monetary assistance. Please help us rebuild our little area known as North Carolina's Outdoor Destination. We look forward to the days when we can welcome back visitors, tourists, and local hangouts to our stunningly beautiful towns again that have been taken away from us by a hurricane.
We all love Lake Lure and Chimney Rock and agreed to gather at the historic Broad River Inn for the weekend where we were introduced to the world’s most amazing and gracious innkeepers, Nick and Kristen Sottile.
We had the time of our lives just playing miniature golf, ribbing one another, talking about the past year’s ups and downs. We finally were able to take the time to breathe, to enjoy the fellowship and friendship, and to take in the beautiful surroundings of this painstakingly restored inn and the serenity of the river beside it.
We vowed to return every year, and it’s become a tradition we all look forward to. Nick and Kristen have basically become part of our group and we have extended our silly antics and laughter to include them
Y’all… it’s time to extend the same hospitality extended to us. They’re hurting right now. Everything they’ve worked toward has been devastated in Helene’s aftermath. The community is washed away and there will be a long painful road ahead.
When Matt & Michelle Banz opened RiverWatch Grill opened in 1998, they didn’t know the everlasting impact it would have on our community. For decades, RiverWatch has been a sanctuary on the Rocky Broad River, where friends, family, and visitors from near and far gather to create memories, enjoy a meal, and take in the beauty of Chimney Rock.
Though our beloved RiverWatch is still standing, it is deeply wounded and in desperate need of help to recover.
While we’re grateful the building remains, the damage is overwhelming, and we are asking for your help with funds for building repairs, replacing vital equipment, and supporting our RiverWatch family. Lake Lure
Rob and Robin Jones own the Riverside Event Center in Lake Lure. They helped many couples have the wedding of their dreams in their beautiful venue.
Hurricane Helene came through and completely destroyed their venue. Insurance won’t cover the building or the refunds for the couples already demanding their money back. Rob and Robin have put their hearts and souls into this business and are devastated that they won’t be able to continue.
The funds collected will go to the couples whose weddings have been cancelled and have already paid as well as the building’s expenses. Rob and Robin are still trying to help the couples by finding other venues to hold the weddings.
I am starting this GoFundMe for my parents to assist them through this difficult time. Chimney Rock
My Uncle Bruce and his wife Becca have lost everything.
If you’ve ever been to Chimney Rock, you know it’s a charming and quaint little town nestled beneath the iconic state park of the same name. To the right of the classic Old Rock Café stood Coffee on the Rocks; my family’s shop, where you could stop in for a delicious latte, dress up for an Old Time Photo, or both! What many didn’t know, however, is that my Uncle’s home was there too.
We are blessed that Bruce and Becca made it out alive and managed to evacuate to the firehouse a bit further up the hill. However, everything else was swept away. Coffee on the Rocks is gone. Their home is gone. Everything they own is gone.
I am establishing this campaign to help my family rebuild their life. Our $5,000 goal will aid in replacing the necessities they’ve lost: clothing, food, hygiene products, household essentials, and more.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your consideration, help, and prayers.
The O’Learys, are a cherished, hardworking family that runs Bubba O’Learys, a well-loved and known general store in Chimney Rock, NC, for decades. Chimney Rock has been destroyed. Their store is gone, their home also likely gone as it was across the street, but they are not able to even access it to know at this point. The family is safe. The roads are all destroyed.
Please consider donating anything to help this sweet family get back on their feet. The store was both of their careers and family legacy. All their kids and grandkids have grown up there.
All donations will go directly to the O’Learys and Bubbas.
Hurricane Helene caused major flooding, landslides, and devastation in Chimney Rock Village, NC, resulting in major losses of the town's infrastructure. Your donations will go directly to Chimney Rock Village to support rebuilding efforts. We appreciate your support now and in the upcoming months.
My name is Vinny Sottile, and my mother April and I own April’s Boutique and Under the Rock in Chimney Rock Village. We were very fortunate for one of our businesses to be free of damage, but we can’t say the same for the other.
We would greatly appreciate any donations you would like to provide at this time. I believe there is about a foot of mud still in Under the Rock, and everything from the floor to two feet up is unsalvageable. That being said, we fared much better than some of our friends who lost everything. For that, we are thankful and humbled.
100% of the donations you provide will be going to the cleanup efforts of not only Under the Rock, but wherever else we are able to provide aid to in the village. The saying “it takes a village” can apply to many situations, and this is definitely one of them. We will rebuild, and we will rebuild better than it was before. #ChimneyRockStrong
Hickory Nut Gorge Outreach will be accepting monetary donations to help aid the victims of Hurricane Helene with food and support for rebuilding.
Our mission is to help eliminate hunger and provide emergency services with love and compassion to those in need. All programs and activities are solely supported by our volunteers and generous donors.
Families and individuals can go to Out reach with bills as we will not hand out cash but we will pay the bills directly.
Please click the check box:
Outreach Services (rent, medical bills, other expenses) Lake Lure Chimney Rock
We have experienced unprecedented devastation throughout the Hickory Nut Gorge in Western North Carolina as a result of Hurricane Helene. The Lake Lure Flowering Bridge has sustained much structural damage. The west end gardens are entirely gone, and the Rocky Broad River is flowing through this area. The Education Center, Informational Kiosk and Atrium in this area are still standing. Initial assessments are much damage to the east end of the gardens.
At this time, we do not know what is ahead for us as we are focused on making sure our community and citizens are safe. We are grateful for the outpouring of support we are receiving. We have had many inquiries and requests regarding donating money to the Flowering Bridge and hope to rebuild.
We're asking your help to support our staff. Fae Nectar has always been a scrappy company flying by the seat of its pants. All of our money has gone into the business during the past 4 years, so there is very little left to hand out at this point. If you've been to Fae Nectar, you know exactly how amazing each staff member is! 100% of donations received will be distributed to the staff, listed below.
Thank you all so much for helping bring community and merriment to our beloved establishment.
Ray - Bartender
Amanda - Bartender
Starla - Bartender
Keith - Bartender
Somber - Bartender
Natalie - Bartender
Nea - Bartender
Noelle - Head Brewer
Samson - Barback
Asa - Social Media & Events
Sprig - Illustrator
Brad - Cook
Logan - Bartender
Victoria - Bartender
Christian - Cook
Morgan - Kitchen
Moxie - Bartender & HR
Cap'n Moss - Pirate Emcee
Craig - House Sea Shanty Band
Kristina - House Sea Shanty Band
Kelly - Decorator & Weddings Lake Lure Chimney Rock
Our community is facing a devastating loss with the recent flood that destroyed Chimney Rock, including the beloved @the_highlands_kitchen_bar , (as seen in the photos) stands no longer. This was more than just a restaurant; it was a gathering place for friends and family.
@megs_h_v and her dedicated staff are in urgent need of support as they navigate this challenging time. Any contribution can to help them rebuild and recover. As of October 4th, all proceeds will go towards the open of the sister restaurant to get our town employees job placements. Every donation counts and will make a huge difference.
Ways to donate at the moment ✨
VENMO : Highlands-KitchenBar
My name is Tiffany Speare, and my family owns The Carter Lodge in Chimney Rock, NC. As many of you have already heard, the town of Chimney Rock has been completely destroyed from hurricane Helene. Those of you that know us, know that we are a family-owned lodge in the heart of Chimney Rock, NC. Many of you have met myself, my uncle Derek Hennessey, my husband Allen, and our 2 little girls Cambria and Izabella, and know that the lodge was our home.
We witnessed entire homes being carried away and swallowed up by raging 40ft waters.
Many of these homes still had people in them, and all we could do was pray. Our Main Street Deli was ripped from the lodge and taken by the river right in front of our very eyes. When more of the lodge from that point was being torn apart and washed away, we decided we had no choice but to leave. With nowhere to go our family and guests rushed to our vehicles in attempt to reach the highest point in Chimney Rock possible.
We are now humbly asking for your help as we take on the responsibility of rebuilding our town and rebuilding our lives while helping others do the same. Just know that we are a real family here in Chimney Rock, NC who called The Carter Lodge home.
We are Jim and Robin Proctor, proud owners of Pine Gables Inn & Cabins, a historic treasure in Lake Lure, NC. Our family has stewarded this property for 77 years, preserving its legacy as the oldest inn in Rutherford County, dating back to the 1700s. Sadly, Hurricane Helene has caused severe damage to this beloved property, and we need your help to restore it to its former glory.
Why Pine Gables Matters
Our inn, listed on the National Historic Register, is more than just a business—it’s a living piece of history. The original log house, built by John W. Harris, served as a stagecoach stop, the first post office for the Chimney Rock community, and later hosted famous writers and travelers like Frances Hodgson Burnett and Edwin Gatchell. For nearly two centuries, Pine Gables has been a retreat for visitors, drawn by its charm, history, and breathtaking views of Chimney Rock and the Hickory Nut Gorge.
The Devastation Left by Hurricane Helene
Unfortunately, the hurricane has left our property with significant damage.
Your donations will go directly toward the restoration efforts of Pine Gables.
Thank you for your support and generosity. Together, we can restore Pine Gables to its historic beauty so it can continue to serve as a refuge for travelers and a symbol of our region's resilience and heritage.
Hello family and friends. As many of you know, western North Carolina has been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Our brother Glenn and our sister-in-law Terri are a hardworking couple that own and operate the beloved Chimney Rock Inn and Cottages. The Chimney Rock Inn was both of their careers.
The village of Chimney Rock has been destroyed. Their home is flooded beyond repair and the Inn cannot be operated. The roads going in and out of Chimney Rock are destroyed and underwater. There is no power or sewer system. The little picturesque town of Chimney Rock and neighboring Lake Lure have for the most part been wiped off the map.
We know there are so many people who need help. We are so grateful that Glenn and Terri are safe! This fundraising effort will directly help Glenn and Terri survive day to day as they try and rebuild their home and business in the months ahead. Please consider donating anything you can to help Glenn and Terri get back on their feet.
A video link has been provided that shows just some of the devastation of Chimney Rock.
My name is Bailey Hill and I am the oldest daughter of Tonya Malloy (Owner of Hair Therapy Salon).
My mother has been a hairstylist for 24 years. Fourteen years ago, she decided to become more than just a Lake Lure resident and fulfill her dreams of owning a hair salon in Lake Lure. My dad and her father, Skip, who passed shortly after the grand opening of Hair Therapy, worked endlessly with Tonya to help her dreams come alive. Since then, Tonya has gained an amazing clientele by showing how hardworking, caring, and selfless she is.
There are so many memories held in those hair salon walls, and it's hard to grasp that it will all have to be redone. Memories of special conversations with her clients to prom and wedding hair on her children and close friends.
This hair salon means the world to my mother, so please, if you feel led, help me by donating, sharing this page, or keeping Lake Lure in your thoughts and prayers.
My name is Wes Ringeisen, neighbor to Riverside Riding Stables in Lake Lure, North Carolina. I'm starting a fundraiser in hopes that this amazing family-owned horse riding stable will get some relief in rebuilding and re-opening their business. They have been in business here in Lake Lure since the '80's and are currently the only trail riding business in the area.
On September 27th, we were hit with a massive hurricane bringing 27" of rain to the area, and the stables suffered a total loss with no flood insurance and no option to get it. Thankfully Ricky and Arlene moved the horses from the property the night before the storm and the horses and owners are all safe.
Ricky and Arlene Jackson need our help to get their home and business back up and running for all of us to enjoy again as many have for many years. Any money raised will go directly to Rick and Arlene to assist them in rebuilding their home and business.
Please share and keep praying for all affected by the aftermath of Hurrincae Helene.
We are truly grateful for the overwhelming response to our donation efforts. In light of this generosity, we have temporarily paused accepting further donations, as we recognize that there are other businesses and families in need of support.
Rest assured, we will take excellent care of our team with the resources you have provided. Thank you once again for your kindness and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Western North Carolina. #ChimneyRockStrong**
My name is Kelly, and I am the daughter of the owners of Chimney Rock Brewery, a family-run business that has been a cherished part of our community for several years. Tragically, our brewery was completely washed away by Hurricane Helene, leaving us with nothing. We are heartbroken, but our immediate concern is supporting our amazing team, who are now out of work. We are raising funds to help cover the lost wages of our employees. Whatever has been donated will be split equally amongst the 8 staff members of CRBC. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a huge difference as we try to recover from this disaster. Thank you for your generosity and support during this incredibly difficult time.
We are safe and still standing but our communities and fellow business community has not fared so well or has been washed away.
We are a small boutique inn on a hillside just up the road from the Lake Lure beach area. We been using generators and propane to cook breakfast for all our locals who are in the community. We are also utilizing our smoker to give the hot meals to Lured Market & Grill to help them feed the workers, linemen, and clean up crews. We have been very busy but certainly doing every bit we can to take some burden off those in our community who have been devastated.
It will be a long time before visitors and tourism, which is our livelihood, returns to our area and we plan to stay here and help rebuild our community and offer lodging to people who have been displaced or to people who are here to help with the clean up efforts.
Venmo: Kimberly Sayles @Kimberly-Sayles-8
We are heartbroken and devastated. There are no other words.
Our little town is going to need so much love and support and we need to get started right away. We know we have a community around us who want to help so we’re starting here. All funds will be for the clean up of our lake, and water and food for our people. We will be cleaning up and rebuilding Lake Lure. We are forever grateful for your support and care and we look forward to cleaning this place up and seeing you on the water next year.
Xoxo,
LLAC
Hello! My name is Karsyn and my great aunt and her husband just lost everything to a 50ft flooding in Chimney Rock. They now have nowhere to go and have no income coming in due to the total destruction of Chimney Rock, North Carolina.
We found them temporary residency, but they need help getting basic necessities and housing! Anything helps and God bless.
Help Restore the waters of Lake Lure!
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene brought historic rains and catastrophic damage to our beloved Lake Lure. This body of water known as "the gem of the Carolinas" and cherished by both residents and visitors, was left devastated by the storm. Boats were thrown ashore, debris now litters the water, and the lake's water quality has suffered.
We certainly understand that multiple agencies, including FEMA, will be (and already are) providing tremendous assistance to the town for lake clean-up efforts. This campaign is meant to ease the burden of local residents and lakeside businesses who are providing personal resources to assist with lake restoration efforts. Three key areas will be addressed:
1. Boat Retrieval: Hundreds of powerboats, kayaks, and paddleboards have been displaced into the lake and surrounding areas. Your contribution will be used to ease the burden of local residents and businesses providing their own resources to assist in the recovery process.
2. Debris Removal: The lake has been inundated with thousands of tons of floating and submerged debris. The clean-up effort will be a massive undertaking, requiring collaboration among multiple agencies and external support. Your contribution will be used to ease the burden of lakeside residents providing their own resources to assist in the debris removal process.
3. Water Quality Restoration: The lake's water quality has been compromised by the accumulation of harmful solids and hazardous materials. Your support will assist the Town by easing the taxpayer burden for any non-reimbursed costs associated with future lake management and water quality monitoring efforts.
“The Lake Lure community is resilient, but they can’t do this alone. Every donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden of those making scarifies for the good of the community”.
Restore Lake Lure!
We are heartbroken and devastated but our family is so blessed. We have no damage to our home and, most importantly, our family is well. Our beautiful little shop, however, was flooded and will not be able to reopen at the location we previously loved. Miraculously, the building did not float away with the rest of the bank but the floor buckled and it is no longer structurally sound. We were even able to recover some inventory that is coated in mud and will take a long time to clean and see what's salvageable . The thing that saddened me most was that our little unassuming shop was a spot to not only find beautiful treasures; but a place where people came and felt loved. We hope to reopen and are trying to dream what that looks like. We truly worked to make everyone who came in the door feel special.
Our little town is going to need so much love and support. We all long to rebuild but do not know exactly what the geography of our lovely landscape will allow once the dust settles. We know we have a community around us and the world that wants to help. This is our starting point.
We are collecting funds to help to recoup the loss of our business in Lake Lure. Because we were able to salvage part of our inventory, for anyone giving that would like a Rox Box (surprise items recovered from our shop), please leave your information with your donation and when we can begin mailing, we will. We hear it will be weeks until we have power and I do not know when mail services will resume. Funds we receive will be divided between our business and those in need within our community.
We are forever grateful for your support and care. We look forward to cleaning up and rebuilding better than before.
Venmo to: @luredmarketandgrill
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