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.

Monday, October 19, 2020
Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 19 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

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 19 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 19 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.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 20 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.

Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Oct 20 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 20 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.

Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 20 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

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 20 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 20 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.
Annual Chamber Golf Classic
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am
Hendersonville Country Club
Tee Times Beginning at 10 am |
Presented by Horizon Heating & Air and Edward Jones-Ken Adams, the Annual Chamber Golf Classic supports education and workforce development programs in Henderson County such as the New Teachers event, NC Scholars Luncheon, and Junior Leadership Program.

TEAMS: https://files.constantcontact.com/d5f5d424201/7a1a9194-550b-46a9-bc54-e153635d18d0.pdf

SOLO: https://files.constantcontact.com/d5f5d424201/edd92695-798d-4269-af06-3a0ca530d6bc.pdf

Make a Dogs Day and Subaru Donates Money!!
Oct 20 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society

During the month of October, the Subaru Loves Pets initiative showcases their commitment to pets by donating $100 for every pet adopted this month to local partner shelters across the country (up to 31 adoptions per shelter). Blue Ridge Humane Society has partnered with Hunter Subaru this year for the program. Hunter Subaru is additionally highlighting animals available for adoption at Blue Ridge Humane through their social media channels to raise awareness for local animals looking for their next home.

As part of Subaru Loves Pets month, Subaru is celebrating the 2nd annual National Make A Dog’s Day and inviting all dog lovers to do something extra special for their favorite canine on October 22nd. Locally, you can consider adopting! Mr. Baggins, Kody, and Eve are all currently waiting to find their new home at Blue Ridge Humane Society. If you can’t adopt, share adaptable pet info with your friends or social groups. You can also donate supplies, make enrichment toys, and of course, volunteer! To learn more about opportunities with BRHS visit https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/. So mark the calendar, treat your dog, treat an adoptable dog, and share #MakeADogsDay!

Subaru believes in being More Than a Car Company and one way that they demonstrate this is through their commitment to the health and welfare of pets, as shown by our amazing partnership with Hunter Subaru at the local level!

Wednesday, October 21, 2020
BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 21 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.

Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Oct 21 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 21 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.

Grace Episcopal Church Pumpkin Patch – Consider Haiti
Oct 21 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

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 21 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 21 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.
Make a Dogs Day and Subaru Donates Money!!
Oct 21 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society

During the month of October, the Subaru Loves Pets initiative showcases their commitment to pets by donating $100 for every pet adopted this month to local partner shelters across the country (up to 31 adoptions per shelter). Blue Ridge Humane Society has partnered with Hunter Subaru this year for the program. Hunter Subaru is additionally highlighting animals available for adoption at Blue Ridge Humane through their social media channels to raise awareness for local animals looking for their next home.

As part of Subaru Loves Pets month, Subaru is celebrating the 2nd annual National Make A Dog’s Day and inviting all dog lovers to do something extra special for their favorite canine on October 22nd. Locally, you can consider adopting! Mr. Baggins, Kody, and Eve are all currently waiting to find their new home at Blue Ridge Humane Society. If you can’t adopt, share adaptable pet info with your friends or social groups. You can also donate supplies, make enrichment toys, and of course, volunteer! To learn more about opportunities with BRHS visit https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/. So mark the calendar, treat your dog, treat an adoptable dog, and share #MakeADogsDay!

Subaru believes in being More Than a Car Company and one way that they demonstrate this is through their commitment to the health and welfare of pets, as shown by our amazing partnership with Hunter Subaru at the local level!

Stay Home and Write(rs) Group
Oct 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Firestorm Books & Coffee

No photo description available.

A weekly space for writing in community while practicing social distancing. Join online every Wednesday night in April to increase accountability as it relates to your writing practice, whatever that may be.

We’ll come together once a week to connect and engage in the active writing process. Each session will start by sharing intentions, followed by an agreed upon period of time for silent writing, and wrap with reflections about process and plan for the following week. Casual and seasoned writers alike welcome!

If you are interested in registering, send an email to [email protected] with the subject line “Writers Group.” We will send you a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Thursday, October 22, 2020
BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 22 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.

Calling Artists: slam poetry competition 15yrs +
Oct 22 all-day
Online

Calling all spoken word artists 15 years or older

ABOUT WORDplay©

WORDplay© is a twelve month slam poetry competition featuring Spoken Word Poets from all over Western North Carolina. Each month ten to twelve Poets will be selected via video submissions, for the chance to compete for Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective’s WORDplay© championship and a $1,000.00 cash prize. The monthly online competition, hosted by local Poets Barbie Angell and Shanita Jackson, is open to regional Poets who are at least 15 years of age. One Poet from each month’s competition will be selected to compete in front of a live audience in the October and November 2021 Semi-Finals. Two remaining Poets will vie for the WORDplay© championship in December 2021. The second place Poet will receive $500.00. Each Semi-Finalist will receive $100.00.

We are accepting submissions for January and February rounds now through November 23, 2020. Selected Poets will be notified by December 23, 2020.

Coffee for Champions Supports Special Olympics
Oct 22 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 22 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 22 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

Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre’s Fall Silent Auction Fundraiser
Oct 22 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 22 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.
Make a Dogs Day and Subaru Donates Money!!
Oct 22 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Blue Ridge Humane Society

During the month of October, the Subaru Loves Pets initiative showcases their commitment to pets by donating $100 for every pet adopted this month to local partner shelters across the country (up to 31 adoptions per shelter). Blue Ridge Humane Society has partnered with Hunter Subaru this year for the program. Hunter Subaru is additionally highlighting animals available for adoption at Blue Ridge Humane through their social media channels to raise awareness for local animals looking for their next home.

As part of Subaru Loves Pets month, Subaru is celebrating the 2nd annual National Make A Dog’s Day and inviting all dog lovers to do something extra special for their favorite canine on October 22nd. Locally, you can consider adopting! Mr. Baggins, Kody, and Eve are all currently waiting to find their new home at Blue Ridge Humane Society. If you can’t adopt, share adaptable pet info with your friends or social groups. You can also donate supplies, make enrichment toys, and of course, volunteer! To learn more about opportunities with BRHS visit https://www.blueridgehumane.org/get-involved/. So mark the calendar, treat your dog, treat an adoptable dog, and share #MakeADogsDay!

Subaru believes in being More Than a Car Company and one way that they demonstrate this is through their commitment to the health and welfare of pets, as shown by our amazing partnership with Hunter Subaru at the local level!

Portrait Sessions Give Back To The Flat Rock Playhouse
Oct 22 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Porch Portraits by Suzanne

 

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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.

Coconut Cake at The Grey Eagle – A Virtual Benefit Concert for Just Economics
Oct 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Online

Coconut Cake ​plays rumba music – inspired by post-war radio broadcasts of imported son cubano recordings, and rearranged and performed by legendary Congolese musicians in the 50s and 60s.

Led by guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Michael Libramento, this Asheville, NC based ensemble pays enthusiastic tribute to Congo’s great dance bands and pioneers of African rumba: Franco & OK Jazz, Rock-A-Mambo, Grand Kallé, Bantous de la Capitale, Tabu Ley, and more.

To watch the live streamed show, purchase a Just Economics individual membership or $10 non-membership ticket by 5:00pm on Oct 22. Donate at: https://www.justeconomicswnc.org/donate.

Friday, October 23, 2020
BOOsters and Pumpkins
Oct 23 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.