**Epic Raffle**

Even though we cannot party together, we pulled together an amazing raffle basket as a way to say THANK YOU to all who donate to any of the three nonprofits above in 2020. To enter, simply make a donation of any amount to one of the three nonprofits listed above. If you have already donated to these groups in 2020, fear not – we will enter you in the raffle, too! The winner will be contacted in January 2021.

Way back in March 2020, we selected the following nonprofits. Though we were unable to support them as we typically do (through heartfelt toasts and lively gatherings), we wanted to highlight them to you and share some news related to each one.

NC Glass Center

The NC Glass Center (NCGC) is dedicated to education, exploration, and collaboration in all forms of glass. If you are not familiar with this group, check out its website. Despite the impacts of the pandemic, NCGC has been able to adjust and maintain its outreach programs (socially-distanced, in-person programing for youth and veterans). Also, starting in December 2020, NCGC launched its Cup of the Month subscription.

How to Help:
Donate to NCGC via its website
Visit the NCGC Gallery or make a purchase from its online shop (shop)!

Green Built Alliance – Blue Horizons Projects

Blue Horizons Project (BHP) was formed through the former Energy Innovation Task Force (EITF), a working group convened in April 2016 by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy. BHP was conceived to help achieve specific goals by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy options throughout the region. BHP has a new Community Council seated and the meetings are open to the public.

How to Help:
Support BHP’s Energy Savers Network (free, income-qualified winterization program)
Donate to Green Built Alliance via Mountain Xpress Give!Local (Gift provided for donations over $50!).

Children First/ Communities in Schools of Buncombe County

Children First/Communities in Schools (CIS) of Buncombe County serves the community through direct services, education, and advocacy for family-friendly policies. Support from people in our community has made it possible for this group to serve students and families during this challenging year. This group has seen a greater need than ever before at the Family Resource Center at Emma Elementary, where curbside food box pick-up, clothing, school supplies, emergency financial assistance for rent and utility payments, and other supports are offered. Our Student Support Specialists work in five local schools and are currently serving students virtually and in-person, with proper health and safety measures in place.

How to Help:
Donate to Children First/ CIS via its PayPal link.
Donate via Mountain Xpress Give!Local (Publix is matching donations up to $3,000!)

We are still putting the finishing touches on the basket, but so far items include (value: $400+):

Strada (gift card)

Buxton Hall BBQ (gift card)

The Admiral (gift card)

Smoky Park Supper Club (gift card)

Poppy Popcorn

Gift items from Duncan & York

Sovereign Remedies (gift card)

Spicewalla Spice Set

Coca-Cola Gift Basket

French Broad Chocolate Lounge (gift card & chocolate)

Orange Peel (gift card)

Coach purses (two!)

ENTER NOW BY DONATING TO:

North Carolina Glass Center

Green Built Alliance

Children First/ Communities in Schools

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

We live in a winner-take-all society. And yet, part of our potential as humans is our potential for compassion and our resilience in the face of adversity. While doing research for her play Let Me Down Easy, award-winning playwright/actor/educator Anna Deavere Smith interviewed people in the U.S. and abroad who demonstrated grace in the face of dramatic challenges. This storytelling speech celebrates the resilience of the human spirit, the power of empathy, the strength of imagination, and hope.
**The film adaption of Smith’s play Twilight: Los Angeles is available to view as a complimentary companion piece to Smith’s appearance with the performing arts series.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

The special Schaefer Center Presents production will include a recorded introduction by BalletX co-founder Christine Cox, the BalletX 15th Anniversary Season video, and mixed rep selections “Increasing” and “Fancy Me.” In honor of BalletX’s 15th Anniversary Season, the company has commissioned a documentary film by Daniel Madoff that highlights its growth, trajectory, and continued commitment to redefining ballet in the 21st century. Known as Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, BalletX commissions choreographers from around the world to create new ballets that are “fresh, inclusive, and connect to what people want” (Philadelphia Citizen). Led by Artistic & Executive Director Christine Cox, BalletX has produced nearly 100 world premiere ballets by more than 50 choreographers, and performed for over 100,000 audience members at home and on tour, including appearances at such prestigious venues as the Kennedy Center, Vail Dance Festival, Joyce Theater, and Jacob’s Pillow.

The Grammy winners from Asheville, NC come to Boone for a live concert streamed from the stage of the Schaefer Center into your homes. Frequent collaborators with banjoist (and comedian) Steve Martin, Steep Canyon Rangers are major players in the bluegrass/country and Americana scene today, with comparisons to The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Zac Brown Band. SCR released three albums in 2020, including North Carolina Songbook, a recording of their 2019 performance at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC, in which they performed a selection of songs by NC songwriters such as Ola Belle Reed, Doc Watson, James Taylor, and Ben E. King; Be Still Moses, which has the band teaming up with Philly soul legends Boyz II Men and their hometown Asheville Symphony to perform reimagined versions of previously released SCR songs; and their most recent release of all original music, Arm in Arm. “Every song on Arm in Arm captures the North Carolina group’s innovative spirit, weaving in jazz, gospel, folk, and even rock phrases, creating an intimate and intricate sound that challenges, cajoles, and comforts.” (No Depression)

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Join us in kicking off the Spring season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters! Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium. Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Slice of Life Comedy & Disclaimer Lounge present: Sunset Rooftop Standup Comedy by Local Professional Comics Every Thursday at Rabbit Rabbit

Come grab dinner and a show at Rabbit Rabbit, in Downtown Asheville Outside Theatre Space:
**Great Craft Rabbit-themed cocktails available
**AVL Pizza truck on-site & AVL Pizza full menu available
**Rooftop-seating, depending on weather
**Sanitized Headphones provided so you don’t miss a joke while getting your food & drinks, works anywhere around the venue

Hosted by: Cody Hughes
Featuring: Petey Smith McDowell, Cary Goff & other premier Asheville comics!

What: Weekly Outdoor & Rooftop Sunset Comedy Dinner Shows
When: Thursdays, 5/6,13,20 & 27, 7p (6:30 doors)
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, Downtown Asheville 75 Coxe Ave
Cost: $12

Tickets at RabbitRabbitavl.com
More information or to inquire about performing, contact Michele Scheve at [email protected]

*If it rains or is too windy we may move the show to our great space under the roof!

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Join us in kicking off the Summer season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters!

Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium.

Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Beginner’s workshop lesson at 7:30 P.M., then 8-11 P.M. Contra Dance with Country Waltzing at the break and the final dance. This is a partner dance but it’s not necessary to come with a partner. We have different live bands and callers.