Two friends raised $70,000 to rebuild a washed-away bridge in Avery County, finally ending the Browns’ 200-day struggle.
AVERY COUNTY, N.C. — We got a great update today on a Hurricane Helene story we’ve been following.
You might remember us telling you about a private bridge in Avery County that washed away, leaving an elderly couple stranded.
Well, now — that bridge is rebuilt.
For more than 200 days, Penny and Jerry brown relied on a dangerous off-road trail just to get food and water.
Two friends raised $70,000 to rebuild that bridge, and they just completed it.
The Browns couldn’t be more excited.
“One of the happiest feelings that I have ever had in my life,” said Jerry Brown.
“We were just very blessed that the church took us and built our bridge,” said Penny Brown.
The duo that raised the money to build the bridge are childhood friends from Davidson County.
They said the moment they met the elderly couple, they had to help.
“When we met Penny and Jerry and saw their need, I couldn’t sleep at night without doing something,” said Henry Watterson.
“I just don’t understand how someone could see someone in need and not help, I don’t know. I don’t know that I could have carried on in life if I didn’t try or do something. It’s hard to see someone in need and not try to do what you can,” said Jeremy Haynes.
He said their efforts are proof of what can happen when people come together for a good cause.
