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On September 26, I sat down to write this monthly article, planning to make light of the “spooky season” and question if candy corn was in fact candy or just flavored wax. Now, several days later, I’m penning a very different message.Many have likened Hurricane Helene to be Asheville’s Katrina, and I can see the parallels. Lives have been lost, homes have been destroyed, and many parts of this region have been devastated. But it's in these moments that I realize just how strong we are. Just how resilient we are. This is when we come together to do what needs [...]

Last month, eight of us drove from Asheville to represent the AFP WNC chapter at the NC Philanthropy Conference in Winston-Salem. Hosted by the AFP Triad chapter, upwards of 400 attendees from across the state gathered to connect, network, and learn. One session I attended focused on community-centered leadership and asset mapping – focusing on what you already have instead of what you lack. By leaning into possibilities instead of needs, you can find synergy in creating forward movement that is actually driven by the community you seek to serve. To paraphrase the movie Field of Dreams, with community-centered leadership, it’s [...]

National Philanthropy Day is the highlight event of the year for local philanthropic organizations, nonprofits, and Asheville area businesses - think celebration meets recognition and awards plus lots of networking, all in the name of philanthropy and community impact. Since the early 1990s, our local AFP chapter has participated in this national, annual event. This day celebrates the importance of giving and renews our sense of community and shared purpose in impacting this community. This year, instead of celebrating with a seated luncheon, the AFP WNC Board of Directors has re-imagined what this event could look like, including the nominations and awards process. We hope to strike [...]