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The WNC Historic Association, in conjunction with the UNCA Alumni Association and the Asheville-Buncombe Chapter of the North Carolina Symphony Society, will sponsor a fundraising event featuring the Capital Brass of the North Carolina Symphony. The event will be held October 8, 2000, at 5:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Asheville. 
The purpose of the event is to help the WNC Historic Association raise funds to pay for the purchase of the former Biltmore High School building. The WNC Historic Association hopes to convert the former Biltmore High School building into The Museum of Western North Carolina. It will be devoted to the exploration and celebration of our region's traditions, cultures, and history. The Museum of Western North Carolina will become the only comprehensive history museum in the region.
The Biltmore School building is currently owned by Buncombe County. The Buncombe County Commissioners met on Tuesday, September 12, 2000, and voted to extend the closing date on the purchase of the property to February 28, 2001. The WNC Historic Association requested the extension in order to have more time to reach their fundraising goal. Currently, the WNC Historic Association has raised or received grants and commitments for $1.1 million. They need a total of $1.8 million to purchase the building from Buncombe County.
Rebecca Lamb, Executive Director of the WNC Historic Association, says, "The six-month extension granted by the Buncombe County Commissioners should give the WNC Historic Association the time needed to raise the balance of the funds needed for purchasing the Biltmore High School building. The WNC Historic Association is very grateful to the Buncombe County Commissioners for giving us this extension."
The WNC Historical Association has also unveiled a stained-glass ornament commemorating Asheville's former Biltmore High School. Proceeds from the sale of this ornament will benefit the Association's effort to save the circa 1926-27 Biltmore High School building.
The ornaments are handcrafted by artist Tina Steenerson of Mauldin, SC. Her design is silk-screened on glass, hand-tinted, and kiln fired. Copper-foiled stained glass is added for a decorative touch. Each ornament is signed by the artist and includes a descriptive tag.
The ornaments are $20 each and prints are $15, including sales tax. Either may be purchased at the Gift Shop at Smith-McDowell House Museum on the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Tech Community College. Orders can be placed at 828-253-9231, or by mail to WNC Historical Association, 283 Victoria Road, Asheville, NC 28801. 
The purchase of the former Biltmore High School building has the support of many of Asheville's leaders. Asheville Mayor Leni Sitnick says, "I would like to say thanks and send my sincere appreciation for all the hard work in establishing historic Biltmore High School as a regional museum. I personally think that, in doing so, it will benefit Asheville and the greater Asheville area."
Lamb asks, "Everyone who is interested in making a contribution for the purchase of the Biltmore High School building to please contact the WNC Historical Association. Your contributions will be greatly appreciated."
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