Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 14 all-day
Grace Episcopal Church

Beginning Sunday, September 27, and continuing throughout the month of October, the front lawn of Grace Church will once again be filled with pumpkins! And as in years past, proceeds from pumpkin sales will benefit our friends with Consider Haiti.

Annually, the Pumpkin Patch is Consider Haiti’s biggest fundraiser. A year ago, we netted $10,000 that supported programs in community health, sustainable nutrition, clean water and medical care. Consider Haiti’s single most urgent goal is promoting the health and welfare of Haitian children. This year, they will impact the lives of more than 2,000 children and their families. Through the Pumpkin Patch, Grace Church has an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for the work Consider Haiti is doing, even in the midst of a pandemic. We hope we have made participating as safe and risk-free as possible for you. And we thank you in advance for your on-going support.

For the safety of our volunteer sellers, we have developed a method of no-touch electronic payment that will hopefully eliminate a lot of cash transactions that involved handling money. Wheelbarrows will be on hand for shoppers to load their own pumpkin selections. The idea is to handle money and pumpkins as little as possible. Wipes, masks and disinfectant will be available for use as needed within the Patch

Help Greenworks Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry
Oct 14 all-day
Online

Help us Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry

Alternate text

Give during A Community Thrives’ fundraising window through October 16th and GreenWorks could receive a grant of up to $100,000! Your $10 donation will make an incredible difference!

Asheville GreenWorks will continue to adapt and grow with the challenges of 2020, and beyond. We hope to give away and plant more trees to the community, collect more litter and recyclables, and engage and educate more volunteers. Your support encourages us to work harder for a better Buncombe County.

If you are unable to give at this time, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share this information with your family and friends.

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 14 all-day
Online

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company in residence at the historic Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill University. Since its founding in 1975 by visionary director and theatre educator Jim Thomas, SART has produced scores of plays, musicals, and original works, many portraying the rich culture and heritage of Southern Appalachia. After operating for many years as a program of MHU, SART became an independent nonprofit organization in 2003 and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. In recognition of its artistic excellence and cultural importance to the community, SART has received major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, North Carolina Arts Council, Madison County Arts Council, and the Shubert Foundation. SART also receives major support from Mars Hill University, along with donations and sponsorships from many generous individuals and business owners.

All payments for the silent auction will be made upon the conclusion of item bidding. We will reach out to our top bidders to arrange individual payments. Pick-up of all items will be held at the SART box office, by appointment only. Bidders will be responsible for shipping costs, if needed. Once we conclude the silent auction we will then schedule pickups with the winning bidders.

THANK YOU for your participation!

Support Pisgah Legal: Dollar to Dollar Match Donations
Oct 14 all-day
Online

 A Wave of Evictions Expected This Winter
photo credit: Rob Schumacker/The Republic
A federal moratorium (temporary halt) on evictions due to non-payment of rent went into effect on September 4th and will last until December 31, 2020. While this moratorium is a welcome step forward, it does not solve the ongoing eviction crisis.  Jim Barrett, Pisgah Legal’s Executive Director, said in a recent article that he “hopes this so-called moratorium buys some time, but if you think about it, it expires the end of December. When would you rather not be evicted?”

Learn more:

Pisgah Legal is receiving an average of 1,000 calls a week, with over half relating to housing and fears of eviction.  Your support will help provide the vital free legal services to help stem the eviction crisis for thousands of our WNC neighbors. Gifts made to support this important work are being matched dollar-for-dollar. To learn more, contact Ally Wilson at [email protected] or call 828-210-3444.
The 2021 Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive
Oct 14 all-day
Online

Preserve our Parks

America’s national parks belong to all of us. They connect us to the natural world and root us to our nation’s rich and fascinating history.

National parks exist because people had the foresight to protect the wonder of these unique places for future generations. The parks are a legacy that has been handed down to us; it is up to us to prove that we are worthy of that legacy by continuing to protect and preserve these iconic locations for the generations that come after us.

That’s the idea behind our annual Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive. In order to provide the resources for the crucial work that’s needed in our parks in 2021, we must raise $1,332,000 before December 31.

As an added incentive, when you donate to the Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive, you are able to send a beautiful eCard featuring our national parks to whomever you want. Let your friends, colleagues, and loved ones know how important our national parks are to you.

Thursday, October 15, 2020
8th Annual (Virtual) Root Ball
Oct 15 all-day
Online
Alternate text
Alternate text

Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!

Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.

Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).

Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.

Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!

If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].

BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 15 all-day
Businesses throughout Buncombe County

The BOOsters are happy little friendly ghosts sold throughout the month of October in area banks, restaurants, cleaners, convenience stores, and many other businesses. For only $1.00, anyone can purchase a BOOster, place his or her name or business card on it and have it displayed. This is a great way to decorate area businesses for the holiday while providing fun, friendly competition, and funds to help continue the outreach of the Eblen Charities.

Eblen Charitable Group Pumpkin Sales: Much like the BOOster sales, these bright paper pumpkins are sold for $1.00 during the month of October in area schools and Ingles Markets. This program sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Ingle’s Markets, Pepsi, and Clear Channel radio stations benefits the programs of the Eblen Charities  and helps provide a community program to the area schools with the premise of children helping children. Schools also have the opportunity to win prizes and equipment for their school. The school with the most over all sales is awarded the Frank Lewis Memorial Award, named in memory of our long time friend and Buncombe County educator, Frank Lewis.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 15 all-day
Buncombe County

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics

Do you need a cup of ambition before you start the day (or a few throughout the day)? During the month of October, popular coffee shops and cafés throughout Buncombe County donate up to five cents of each cup of coffee purchased to support local sports programs for community members with intellectual disabilities.

Coffee for Champions is the largest annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Buncombe County, a completely donation-funded, volunteer-driven program that provides year-round training and competitive programs in 11 sports for more than 480 youth and adults. Funds raised help build equitable opportunities for everyone who lives here, create a connection between athletes and the greater community, and celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities.

“We started Coffee for Champions five years ago,” says Karla Furnari, Local Coordinator for Special Olympics Buncombe County. “Each year, it continues to grow and helps expand programs and fund critical needs such as equipment, uniforms, and transporting athletes. Even though in-person training was put on hold because of COVID-19, volunteer coaches continued to engage with athletes on a regular basis to keep them mentally and physically healthy during a time that has been particularly taxing on individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have safely resumed some programs in which social distancing is possible and face coverings can be worn such as tennis and bocce.”

Donating Five Cents Per Cup

  • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
  • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company at the YMI (39 South Market Street in Downtown Asheville)
  • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)
  • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)

Donating One Cent Per Cup

  • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company Haw Creek (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Buncombe County provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for adults and children above the age of seven. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis, as well as a young athletes program. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Dine 2 Donate Fundraiser Opportunities
Oct 15 all-day
Various Asheville Restaurants

Local restaurants like Five Guys are offering 20% of sales to fundraising groups who partner with them this November, December and January. With various public safety restrictions in place, restaurants are offering different types of fundraisers including:

  • Takeout
  • Curbside
  • Delivery
  • In-house

To set up a restaurant fundraiser for Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods just view Asheville restaurants giving back, select a location, a date and confirm online.

Find participating restaurants: https://www.groupraise.com/restaurants/search?lat=35.5950581&lng=-82.5514869&filters[tod]=true&grid_atype=email&grid_asource=hatch&grid_avalue=aW5mb0Bhc2hldmlsbGUuY29t&utm_source=hatch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GM%3A%20CH_N1_V1&utm_content=a

Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 15 all-day
Grace Episcopal Church

Beginning Sunday, September 27, and continuing throughout the month of October, the front lawn of Grace Church will once again be filled with pumpkins! And as in years past, proceeds from pumpkin sales will benefit our friends with Consider Haiti.

Annually, the Pumpkin Patch is Consider Haiti’s biggest fundraiser. A year ago, we netted $10,000 that supported programs in community health, sustainable nutrition, clean water and medical care. Consider Haiti’s single most urgent goal is promoting the health and welfare of Haitian children. This year, they will impact the lives of more than 2,000 children and their families. Through the Pumpkin Patch, Grace Church has an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for the work Consider Haiti is doing, even in the midst of a pandemic. We hope we have made participating as safe and risk-free as possible for you. And we thank you in advance for your on-going support.

For the safety of our volunteer sellers, we have developed a method of no-touch electronic payment that will hopefully eliminate a lot of cash transactions that involved handling money. Wheelbarrows will be on hand for shoppers to load their own pumpkin selections. The idea is to handle money and pumpkins as little as possible. Wipes, masks and disinfectant will be available for use as needed within the Patch

Help Greenworks Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry
Oct 15 all-day
Online

Help us Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry

Alternate text

Give during A Community Thrives’ fundraising window through October 16th and GreenWorks could receive a grant of up to $100,000! Your $10 donation will make an incredible difference!

Asheville GreenWorks will continue to adapt and grow with the challenges of 2020, and beyond. We hope to give away and plant more trees to the community, collect more litter and recyclables, and engage and educate more volunteers. Your support encourages us to work harder for a better Buncombe County.

If you are unable to give at this time, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share this information with your family and friends.

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 15 all-day
Online

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company in residence at the historic Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill University. Since its founding in 1975 by visionary director and theatre educator Jim Thomas, SART has produced scores of plays, musicals, and original works, many portraying the rich culture and heritage of Southern Appalachia. After operating for many years as a program of MHU, SART became an independent nonprofit organization in 2003 and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. In recognition of its artistic excellence and cultural importance to the community, SART has received major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, North Carolina Arts Council, Madison County Arts Council, and the Shubert Foundation. SART also receives major support from Mars Hill University, along with donations and sponsorships from many generous individuals and business owners.

All payments for the silent auction will be made upon the conclusion of item bidding. We will reach out to our top bidders to arrange individual payments. Pick-up of all items will be held at the SART box office, by appointment only. Bidders will be responsible for shipping costs, if needed. Once we conclude the silent auction we will then schedule pickups with the winning bidders.

THANK YOU for your participation!

Support Pisgah Legal: Dollar to Dollar Match Donations
Oct 15 all-day
Online

 A Wave of Evictions Expected This Winter
photo credit: Rob Schumacker/The Republic
A federal moratorium (temporary halt) on evictions due to non-payment of rent went into effect on September 4th and will last until December 31, 2020. While this moratorium is a welcome step forward, it does not solve the ongoing eviction crisis.  Jim Barrett, Pisgah Legal’s Executive Director, said in a recent article that he “hopes this so-called moratorium buys some time, but if you think about it, it expires the end of December. When would you rather not be evicted?”

Learn more:

Pisgah Legal is receiving an average of 1,000 calls a week, with over half relating to housing and fears of eviction.  Your support will help provide the vital free legal services to help stem the eviction crisis for thousands of our WNC neighbors. Gifts made to support this important work are being matched dollar-for-dollar. To learn more, contact Ally Wilson at [email protected] or call 828-210-3444.
The 2021 Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive
Oct 15 all-day
Online

Preserve our Parks

America’s national parks belong to all of us. They connect us to the natural world and root us to our nation’s rich and fascinating history.

National parks exist because people had the foresight to protect the wonder of these unique places for future generations. The parks are a legacy that has been handed down to us; it is up to us to prove that we are worthy of that legacy by continuing to protect and preserve these iconic locations for the generations that come after us.

That’s the idea behind our annual Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive. In order to provide the resources for the crucial work that’s needed in our parks in 2021, we must raise $1,332,000 before December 31.

As an added incentive, when you donate to the Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive, you are able to send a beautiful eCard featuring our national parks to whomever you want. Let your friends, colleagues, and loved ones know how important our national parks are to you.

Friday, October 16, 2020
8th Annual (Virtual) Root Ball
Oct 16 all-day
Online
Alternate text
Alternate text

Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!

Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.

Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).

Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.

Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!

If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].

BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 16 all-day
Businesses throughout Buncombe County

The BOOsters are happy little friendly ghosts sold throughout the month of October in area banks, restaurants, cleaners, convenience stores, and many other businesses. For only $1.00, anyone can purchase a BOOster, place his or her name or business card on it and have it displayed. This is a great way to decorate area businesses for the holiday while providing fun, friendly competition, and funds to help continue the outreach of the Eblen Charities.

Eblen Charitable Group Pumpkin Sales: Much like the BOOster sales, these bright paper pumpkins are sold for $1.00 during the month of October in area schools and Ingles Markets. This program sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Ingle’s Markets, Pepsi, and Clear Channel radio stations benefits the programs of the Eblen Charities  and helps provide a community program to the area schools with the premise of children helping children. Schools also have the opportunity to win prizes and equipment for their school. The school with the most over all sales is awarded the Frank Lewis Memorial Award, named in memory of our long time friend and Buncombe County educator, Frank Lewis.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 16 all-day
Buncombe County

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics

Do you need a cup of ambition before you start the day (or a few throughout the day)? During the month of October, popular coffee shops and cafés throughout Buncombe County donate up to five cents of each cup of coffee purchased to support local sports programs for community members with intellectual disabilities.

Coffee for Champions is the largest annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Buncombe County, a completely donation-funded, volunteer-driven program that provides year-round training and competitive programs in 11 sports for more than 480 youth and adults. Funds raised help build equitable opportunities for everyone who lives here, create a connection between athletes and the greater community, and celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities.

“We started Coffee for Champions five years ago,” says Karla Furnari, Local Coordinator for Special Olympics Buncombe County. “Each year, it continues to grow and helps expand programs and fund critical needs such as equipment, uniforms, and transporting athletes. Even though in-person training was put on hold because of COVID-19, volunteer coaches continued to engage with athletes on a regular basis to keep them mentally and physically healthy during a time that has been particularly taxing on individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have safely resumed some programs in which social distancing is possible and face coverings can be worn such as tennis and bocce.”

Donating Five Cents Per Cup

  • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
  • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company at the YMI (39 South Market Street in Downtown Asheville)
  • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)
  • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)

Donating One Cent Per Cup

  • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company Haw Creek (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Buncombe County provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for adults and children above the age of seven. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis, as well as a young athletes program. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Dine 2 Donate Fundraiser Opportunities
Oct 16 all-day
Various Asheville Restaurants

Local restaurants like Five Guys are offering 20% of sales to fundraising groups who partner with them this November, December and January. With various public safety restrictions in place, restaurants are offering different types of fundraisers including:

  • Takeout
  • Curbside
  • Delivery
  • In-house

To set up a restaurant fundraiser for Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods just view Asheville restaurants giving back, select a location, a date and confirm online.

Find participating restaurants: https://www.groupraise.com/restaurants/search?lat=35.5950581&lng=-82.5514869&filters[tod]=true&grid_atype=email&grid_asource=hatch&grid_avalue=aW5mb0Bhc2hldmlsbGUuY29t&utm_source=hatch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GM%3A%20CH_N1_V1&utm_content=a

Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 16 all-day
Grace Episcopal Church

Beginning Sunday, September 27, and continuing throughout the month of October, the front lawn of Grace Church will once again be filled with pumpkins! And as in years past, proceeds from pumpkin sales will benefit our friends with Consider Haiti.

Annually, the Pumpkin Patch is Consider Haiti’s biggest fundraiser. A year ago, we netted $10,000 that supported programs in community health, sustainable nutrition, clean water and medical care. Consider Haiti’s single most urgent goal is promoting the health and welfare of Haitian children. This year, they will impact the lives of more than 2,000 children and their families. Through the Pumpkin Patch, Grace Church has an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for the work Consider Haiti is doing, even in the midst of a pandemic. We hope we have made participating as safe and risk-free as possible for you. And we thank you in advance for your on-going support.

For the safety of our volunteer sellers, we have developed a method of no-touch electronic payment that will hopefully eliminate a lot of cash transactions that involved handling money. Wheelbarrows will be on hand for shoppers to load their own pumpkin selections. The idea is to handle money and pumpkins as little as possible. Wipes, masks and disinfectant will be available for use as needed within the Patch

Help Greenworks Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry
Oct 16 all-day
Online

Help us Win $100,000 for Urban Forestry

Alternate text

Give during A Community Thrives’ fundraising window through October 16th and GreenWorks could receive a grant of up to $100,000! Your $10 donation will make an incredible difference!

Asheville GreenWorks will continue to adapt and grow with the challenges of 2020, and beyond. We hope to give away and plant more trees to the community, collect more litter and recyclables, and engage and educate more volunteers. Your support encourages us to work harder for a better Buncombe County.

If you are unable to give at this time, follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share this information with your family and friends.

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 16 all-day
Online

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre is a professional theatre company in residence at the historic Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill University. Since its founding in 1975 by visionary director and theatre educator Jim Thomas, SART has produced scores of plays, musicals, and original works, many portraying the rich culture and heritage of Southern Appalachia. After operating for many years as a program of MHU, SART became an independent nonprofit organization in 2003 and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. In recognition of its artistic excellence and cultural importance to the community, SART has received major funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, North Carolina Arts Council, Madison County Arts Council, and the Shubert Foundation. SART also receives major support from Mars Hill University, along with donations and sponsorships from many generous individuals and business owners.

All payments for the silent auction will be made upon the conclusion of item bidding. We will reach out to our top bidders to arrange individual payments. Pick-up of all items will be held at the SART box office, by appointment only. Bidders will be responsible for shipping costs, if needed. Once we conclude the silent auction we will then schedule pickups with the winning bidders.

THANK YOU for your participation!

Support Pisgah Legal: Dollar to Dollar Match Donations
Oct 16 all-day
Online

 A Wave of Evictions Expected This Winter
photo credit: Rob Schumacker/The Republic
A federal moratorium (temporary halt) on evictions due to non-payment of rent went into effect on September 4th and will last until December 31, 2020. While this moratorium is a welcome step forward, it does not solve the ongoing eviction crisis.  Jim Barrett, Pisgah Legal’s Executive Director, said in a recent article that he “hopes this so-called moratorium buys some time, but if you think about it, it expires the end of December. When would you rather not be evicted?”

Learn more:

Pisgah Legal is receiving an average of 1,000 calls a week, with over half relating to housing and fears of eviction.  Your support will help provide the vital free legal services to help stem the eviction crisis for thousands of our WNC neighbors. Gifts made to support this important work are being matched dollar-for-dollar. To learn more, contact Ally Wilson at [email protected] or call 828-210-3444.
The 2021 Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive
Oct 16 all-day
Online

Preserve our Parks

America’s national parks belong to all of us. They connect us to the natural world and root us to our nation’s rich and fascinating history.

National parks exist because people had the foresight to protect the wonder of these unique places for future generations. The parks are a legacy that has been handed down to us; it is up to us to prove that we are worthy of that legacy by continuing to protect and preserve these iconic locations for the generations that come after us.

That’s the idea behind our annual Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive. In order to provide the resources for the crucial work that’s needed in our parks in 2021, we must raise $1,332,000 before December 31.

As an added incentive, when you donate to the Preserve Our Parks Fund Drive, you are able to send a beautiful eCard featuring our national parks to whomever you want. Let your friends, colleagues, and loved ones know how important our national parks are to you.

Portrait Sessions Give Back To The Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 16 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Porch Portraits by Suzanne

 

Porch-Portraits-Cover.jpg

Best of all, Porch Portraits by Suzanne will donate $15 of every session to our great friends at Flat Rock Playhouse. My goal is to raise $15,000 for the Playhouse by the end of the year so any money over and above the price of $65 will go straight to them.

Perhaps most exciting, an extremely generous Playhouse donor has agreed to a MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN up to $36,000.18! This incredibly generous donation draws on the magic of Chai, the Jewish belief that multiples of 18 bring good luck. Meaning that every session booked will result in at least $30 for the wonderful folks at Flat Rock Playhouse.

For decades, Flat Rock Playhouse has been opening their collective hearts and sharing their fabulous talents to bring joy and entertainment to western North Carolina. This is an opportunity to show our gratitude at a time when they really need our support.

Together, let’s make magic happen! Help us kick off this campaign by contributing today.

Saturday, October 17, 2020
8th Annual (Virtual) Root Ball
Oct 17 all-day
Online
Alternate text
Alternate text

Covid-19 hasn’t stopped us from making an impact on local rivers and communities throughout WNC — so we’re adapting our 8th Annual Root Ball End of Season Party to celebrate quarantine-style… Save the dates for three awesome ways to participate!

Online silent auction (Oct 2nd-18th). We’ll have an incredible collection of items and experiences focused on outdoor recreation, arts + culture, food + beverage, and other offerings that are uniquely Asheville.

Online native tree and plant sale (Oct 2nd-18th). Individuals will be able to purchase from a wide variety of plants and trees provided by participating partner nurseries (with all proceeds going to GreenWorks programs).

Virtual Dance Party on October 16th: Gather up your pod and safely dance the evening away in your own living room. The event will be kid-friendly and have lots of opportunities for audience participation.

Stay tuned for more information on how to join in these exciting events!

If you’d like to offer support by donating an item or service to our silent auction, please contact [email protected].

BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 17 all-day
Businesses throughout Buncombe County

The BOOsters are happy little friendly ghosts sold throughout the month of October in area banks, restaurants, cleaners, convenience stores, and many other businesses. For only $1.00, anyone can purchase a BOOster, place his or her name or business card on it and have it displayed. This is a great way to decorate area businesses for the holiday while providing fun, friendly competition, and funds to help continue the outreach of the Eblen Charities.

Eblen Charitable Group Pumpkin Sales: Much like the BOOster sales, these bright paper pumpkins are sold for $1.00 during the month of October in area schools and Ingles Markets. This program sponsored by Outback Steakhouse, Ingle’s Markets, Pepsi, and Clear Channel radio stations benefits the programs of the Eblen Charities  and helps provide a community program to the area schools with the premise of children helping children. Schools also have the opportunity to win prizes and equipment for their school. The school with the most over all sales is awarded the Frank Lewis Memorial Award, named in memory of our long time friend and Buncombe County educator, Frank Lewis.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 17 all-day
Buncombe County

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics

Do you need a cup of ambition before you start the day (or a few throughout the day)? During the month of October, popular coffee shops and cafés throughout Buncombe County donate up to five cents of each cup of coffee purchased to support local sports programs for community members with intellectual disabilities.

Coffee for Champions is the largest annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Buncombe County, a completely donation-funded, volunteer-driven program that provides year-round training and competitive programs in 11 sports for more than 480 youth and adults. Funds raised help build equitable opportunities for everyone who lives here, create a connection between athletes and the greater community, and celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities.

“We started Coffee for Champions five years ago,” says Karla Furnari, Local Coordinator for Special Olympics Buncombe County. “Each year, it continues to grow and helps expand programs and fund critical needs such as equipment, uniforms, and transporting athletes. Even though in-person training was put on hold because of COVID-19, volunteer coaches continued to engage with athletes on a regular basis to keep them mentally and physically healthy during a time that has been particularly taxing on individuals with intellectual disabilities. We have safely resumed some programs in which social distancing is possible and face coverings can be worn such as tennis and bocce.”

Donating Five Cents Per Cup

  • Ivory Road Café & Kitchen (1854 Brevard Road in Arden)
  • Mosaic Café & Coffee House (1 Town Square Boulevard in Biltmore Park)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company at the YMI (39 South Market Street in Downtown Asheville)
  • Round Earth Roasters (518 Hendersonville Road in Asheville)
  • Trout Lily Market (1297 Charlotte Highway in Fairview)

Donating One Cent Per Cup

  • PennyCup Coffee Company West (362 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company Haw Creek (6 Beverly Road in Asheville’s Haw Creek)
  • PennyCup Coffee Company North (857 Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville)

Buncombe County Special Olympics is made possible through funding from donors and support from Buncombe County Government. To donate or volunteer, visit the organization’s website.

Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968 to celebrate changing attitudes about the talents of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Buncombe County provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for adults and children above the age of seven. Sports include alpine skiing and snowboarding, aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, and tennis, as well as a young athletes program. The organization also offers the Adaptive Athlete Program in a partnership with Buncombe County Recreation Services.

Dine 2 Donate Fundraiser Opportunities
Oct 17 all-day
Various Asheville Restaurants

Local restaurants like Five Guys are offering 20% of sales to fundraising groups who partner with them this November, December and January. With various public safety restrictions in place, restaurants are offering different types of fundraisers including:

  • Takeout
  • Curbside
  • Delivery
  • In-house

To set up a restaurant fundraiser for Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods just view Asheville restaurants giving back, select a location, a date and confirm online.

Find participating restaurants: https://www.groupraise.com/restaurants/search?lat=35.5950581&lng=-82.5514869&filters[tod]=true&grid_atype=email&grid_asource=hatch&grid_avalue=aW5mb0Bhc2hldmlsbGUuY29t&utm_source=hatch&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GM%3A%20CH_N1_V1&utm_content=a

Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 17 all-day
Grace Episcopal Church

Beginning Sunday, September 27, and continuing throughout the month of October, the front lawn of Grace Church will once again be filled with pumpkins! And as in years past, proceeds from pumpkin sales will benefit our friends with Consider Haiti.

Annually, the Pumpkin Patch is Consider Haiti’s biggest fundraiser. A year ago, we netted $10,000 that supported programs in community health, sustainable nutrition, clean water and medical care. Consider Haiti’s single most urgent goal is promoting the health and welfare of Haitian children. This year, they will impact the lives of more than 2,000 children and their families. Through the Pumpkin Patch, Grace Church has an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for the work Consider Haiti is doing, even in the midst of a pandemic. We hope we have made participating as safe and risk-free as possible for you. And we thank you in advance for your on-going support.

For the safety of our volunteer sellers, we have developed a method of no-touch electronic payment that will hopefully eliminate a lot of cash transactions that involved handling money. Wheelbarrows will be on hand for shoppers to load their own pumpkin selections. The idea is to handle money and pumpkins as little as possible. Wipes, masks and disinfectant will be available for use as needed within the Patch

Keep LEAF Alive!
Oct 17 all-day
Online

Think back to one of your first magical LEAF moments…

Who was there? What music were you listening to? How did you feel?

Together, and over the past 25 years, our global community has created thousands of moments and experiences of joy, freedom, connection, and love.  Together, we’ve learned about ourselves, our communities, other people and different cultures. We’ve shared a lot.

That is what LEAF does and we, as a community, create together. And it is what we are at risk of losing.

What we’ve created is not the product of big money, it’s the product of hope, love, creativity and community. For 25 years we have created huge moments that ignite passion and inspiration in people across the globe, all the while being fiscally responsible and operating on a tight budget. As for so many, the COVID-19 pandemic has been financially devastating, but we have not lost hope. Often, we tell our kids that there is no shame in need. That to truly grow, you must admit when you need help. LEAF needs your help.

Today we are asking for your support so we may continue to bring those magical moments to life in our community and the world. Due to Member’s support along side the resilience and creativity of our Teaching Artists and Culture Keeper’s, we have provided 7+ classes a week and a few Learning Journeys to people isolated at home since the onset of the pandemic, reaching over 30,000 people a month. Your gift today will keep LEAF’s global connections thriving as we continue to pivot virtually, bring connections to life at LEAF Global Arts Center, maintain our dedication to providing free music and arts education for youth at home and abroad, support Cultural Preservation and and find new ways to celebrate our 25th year through events that honor our new safety realities.

Between now and the end of the year, we aim to raise the $100,000 that is vital in seeing LEAF through this pandemic. The arts are integral to reimagining and reopening public gathering places and workspaces, with your support we will not only revitalize LEAF but will catalyze economic activity for the health of the local community and economy.