02 Dec Support the Folk School During Our Year End Appeal
The John C. Campbell Folk School has been a cornerstone of Appalachian culture for nearly a century. Our school is dedicated to furthering traditional crafts, music, nature studies, and storytelling, while fostering a unique learning environment among locals, students and instructors.
But preserving this history and culture is not easy. It requires dedication, hard work, and resources. That’s why we are asking for your help.
In this letter, you will hear from our Executive Director, Bethany Chaney about how your support is integral to helping us provide enlivening and enlightening experiences for all.
As news began to roll in the hours and days after Hurricane Helene’s path crossed over western North Carolina, our hearts sank.
Our first concern was for anyone in the storm’s path, including our Folk School family – instructors, students, donors, and peers. We began to support our region as fast as possible, dedicating 10% of our Fall Festival proceeds to relief efforts, delivering truckloads of supplies donated by students and community members, and purchasing inventory from affected artists to sell in the Craft Shop.
Helene’s chance turn to the east kept us from the worst of the storm, however, our campus still grappled with the immediate effects of her path. Our new stormwater management system along Studio Row held fast against the sustained, hard rains. We sheltered stranded students and instructors, quickly implemented backup Wi-Fi, swept up fallen debris, and welcomed a new class through our red door a few days later. But still, nothing feels quite normal yet. How could it?
Since September, I’ve lain awake many nights worried about preparing the Folk School for weather events like Helene.
While we have solid emergency plans in place, we lack some important resources, like adequate generators for Keith House, the Dining Hall, and Davidson Hall, chainsaws, tools, and ATVs for recovery, and more accessible housing options suitable for sheltering in place. We have plans to fill some of these gaps in 2025, including housing upfits and generators. With your help, we can address these gaps more quickly without compromising our day-to-day operating and scholarship resources.
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m asking for your support to protect the Folk School. Our collective experiences live in our historic and beautiful buildings and grounds bound through the past, present, and future. You can visit folkschool.org/giving to make your gift. Every gift makes a difference, and we’ll be sure to update you throughout the year on our progress.
When you give, be sure to share your experiences on campus with me. I always enjoy hearing your stories about how you have engaged with this space which means so much to so many.
Sincerely,
Bethany E. Chaney
Executive Director
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