Honoring 2025 donors and grantees

The Ashe County Community Foundation, a North Carolina Community Foundation affiliate, gathered at the Ashe County Arts Council on October 15, for a joyful Philanthropy Celebration honoring their 2025 donors and grantees.

The event brought together community leaders, nonprofit representatives and generous supporters to celebrate the spirit of giving and the lasting impact of philanthropy in Ashe County.

Linda Slade, President of the Ashe County Community Foundation, opened the celebration with a warm welcome to all attendees. Her remarks set the tone for an afternoon filled with gratitude and inspiration.

Shari Williamson, program officer for NCCF’s western region, brought incredible energy to the room as she recognized nonprofits that received grants recommended by the Ashe County Community Foundation.

The Ashe County Community Foundation awarded $22,980 to the following local organizations from its community grantmaking fund and other board-advised funds:

• Ashe County Arts Council
• Ashe Humane Society
• Ashe Services for Aging
• Carolina Cross Connection
• Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas for Ashe County
• High Country Performing Arts Academy (HCPAA) Foundation
• High Country Caregiver Foundation
• Legal Aid of North Carolina, Inc.
• North Carolina Symphony for Music Discovery for Ashe County Preschoolers
• Prevent Blindness North Carolina for Ashe County Vision Screening Program
• Quiet Givers
• Special Olympics North Carolina for Ashe County Special Olympics
• West Jefferson United Methodist Church
• Western Carolina University for Ashe County program
• Western Youth Network, Inc.

The grants are a portion of community support provided by ACCF this year. Earlier this year, ACCF granted $180,000 through the NCCF Disaster Relief Fund. The grants were awarded to local organizations to support long-term recovery, resiliency and unmet needs related to Hurricane Helene. Learn more about these grants.

• Ashe County Advantage Project
• Ashe County Habitat for Humanity
• Ashe County Recovery and Restoration
• CARE Network
• Greater Lansing Area Development (GLAD)
• Lansing’s Bridge to Recovery
• New River Conservancy

Attendees were inspired by an impact story shared by Andrew Downs, executive director of the New River Conservancy, who highlighted the positive difference community giving continues to make across the region. Christina Wagoner, local CPA and former ACCF president, delivered a heartfelt message about the resurgence of philanthropy and the importance of supporting local organizations in Ashe County.

Colby Martin, community leadership officer for NCCF’s western region, acknowledged the many NCCF fundholders and donors who are connected to Ashe County and offered thoughtful closing remarks celebrating the collaboration that drives community progress.

Guests enjoyed delicious desserts and beverages while connecting with fellow donors and nonprofit partners, sharing their common commitment to serving Ashe.

For more information about the North Carolina Community Foundation and its work in Ashe County, please visit www.nccommunityfoundation.org/Ashe.