In December 2024, the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival took place in Old Fort, North Carolina, bringing together 200 runners and 200 mountain bikers to raise funds for the local community devastated by Hurricane Helene in September. The event aimed to support the residents of the small town of Old Fort, where many individuals lost their homes due to the unprecedented flooding caused by the hurricane. With limited financial assistance available from FEMA and other disaster relief funds, the town was in dire need of additional support.
The fundraising event, organized by Tanawha Adventures and Pisgah Productions, attracted a significant number of participants who were eager to contribute to the recovery efforts. Through a combination of registration fees, social media campaigns, and raffles, the event managed to raise over $960,000 towards its goal of $2 million. The funds raised were directed towards assisting residents who had suffered extensive property damage and financial losses as a result of the hurricane.
Brandon Thrower, the founder of Tanawha Adventures, emphasized the importance of continuing support for small towns like Old Fort, which serve as essential gateways to the mountainous regions of North Carolina. He highlighted the vital role these towns play in facilitating outdoor activities and attracting visitors to the area. The event aimed to ensure that the residents of Old Fort were not forgotten amidst the ongoing recovery efforts.
The festival featured a range of activities, including trail running and mountain biking races, as well as panel discussions with prominent athletes in the outdoor community. Participants were encouraged to fundraise beyond their entry fees, with a target of $1,500 per racer. The event also offered a virtual run option for those unable to attend in person, allowing individuals to contribute to the cause remotely.
The funds raised at the festival were distributed directly to Old Fort residents in need of assistance. Residents could submit requests for support, such as home repairs, which were reviewed by a fund manager. To date, the fund has provided financial aid to 11 families in Old Fort, with one individual receiving the full $50,000 allocation due to the complete loss of their home during the hurricane.
With nearly half of the fundraising goal achieved, organizers are hopeful that businesses and additional donors will help bridge the remaining gap. The outpouring of support from participants and local residents, such as Collin Ihlenfeldt, who donated a bike for a fundraising raffle, exemplifies the community’s dedication to supporting their neighbors in need. The event served as a testament to the resilience and unity of the Western North Carolina community in the face of adversity.
As the fundraising campaign continues through the end of December, the organizers urge individuals to contribute to the cause and help the Old Fort Fund reach its $2 million target. The success of the event underscores the power of collective action and the impact that a united community can have in supporting those affected by natural disasters.
In conclusion, the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival exemplified the spirit of solidarity and compassion within the outdoor community, showcasing the generosity and determination of individuals coming together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Through their collective efforts, participants and supporters of the event demonstrated the profound impact that a community united in purpose can achieve in times of need. Entonces traduce al español B1 y obtén solo el texto en español. Mantén las etiquetas HTML. No devuelvas la versión en inglés, no me la devuelvas a mí. No devuelvas el texto enviado. Solo proporciona el texto en español.