RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – The Carolina Hurricanes scored a notable goal in its efforts to assist western North Carolina communities left destroyed by Hurricane Helene back in September.
The Hurricanes reached its $1 million fundraising goal for relief projects in Helene-affected areas, the team announced Friday.
Six additional recipients will receive these funds, amounting to $450,000 dedicated to the recovery and restoration of vital community parks in the region, according to Hurricanes President Doug Warf.
“We are thankful for our fans, partners, players and ownership for helping us reach the ambitious goal of raising $1 million to help western North Carolina recover from the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene,” Warf said. “We are fortunate to have fans throughout the Carolinas, including many in the western part of our home state. We’ve been proud to work closely with almost a dozen different groups across that region to assist with the long rebuilding process.”
In total, the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation has contributed $630,000 to 11 different organizations in western North Carolina since the start of the 2024-25 season, team officials said.
“As we work to support the recovery from Hurricane Helene, we are incredibly proud to make gifts that will help rebuild and revitalize the spaces that are at the heart of communities,” said Amy Daniels, executive director of the Carolina Hurricanes Foundation. “These gifts to parks and nonprofits dedicated to youth will ensure these vital areas will continue to serve as places of growth, healing, and connection for generations to come.”
The recipients of the latest round of funds include the following:
- Canton All Abilities Playground (Haywood County)
- Valle Crucis Community Park (Watauga County)
- Wade Tipton Field (Mitchell County)
- Shultz Circle Park (Avery County)
- Ray Cort Park (Yancey County)
- Only Hope WNC (Hendersonville, Henderson County)