In The News

RHI Legacy Foundation Announces Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund Awards

For Immediate Release

January 10, 2025

Contact Jill Miracle 828-202-4630

RHI Legacy Foundation established the Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Fund for Rutherford County immediately after the storm in response to many calls the organization received from individuals, churches, and organizations seeking advice on how to contribute to the vast personal and infrastructural need created by the hurricane. 

Since that time, the Foundation received more than 240 gifts from across the United States, totaling just under $220,000. 

Board Chair Kerry Giles stated, “Our mission at RHI Legacy Foundation is to improve the health and wellness of our community, and we are deeply moved by the generosity that allowed us to raise funds to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Rutherford County. This incredible result is a testament to the power of neighbors helping neighbors and communities coming together to support one another. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our board members for their unwavering commitment to match funds, which allowed us to leverage additional resources to address critical needs. These combined efforts will make a lasting impact as we continue to support our neighbors during this critical time.”

Organizations receiving funds from the Disaster Fund are:

• Rutherford County Schools Education Foundation – For students and families added to the homeless outreach program following the storm
  • Habitat for Humanity – For operational funds for organizing supplies and donations entering the county and for purchasing building supplies
  • Lake Lure Classical Academy – To meet the needs of students, families, and staff impacted by the storm
  • Green River Baptist Association – For home rebuilds and individual housing assistance
  • Rutherford Outdoor Coalition – To repair, reroute, and rebuild trails
  • Rutherford County Tourism and Development – Back to Beautiful Fund – To restore the county’s vital tourism economy

RHI Legacy Foundation matched $100,000 of donated funds and made contributions to Chimney Rock Village and the Town of Lake Lure for unrestricted use for future repairs and critical needs that are not covered by other funding sources.

Jill Miracle, Community Impact Director for the Foundation described the generosity of donors.  “Our Foundation has never embarked on a fundraising campaign since we began. It was gratifying to see that people from across the country were concerned about our county and trusted us to assist those in need.  We received some local gifts, but the vast majority came from out of state. It was interesting to speak to donors and learn about their connection to our county. We talked with people who had honeymooned or vacationed in our area, some who had attended camps here as teens, and others who had grown up here and moved away but still felt that this was “home”.  Several churches held fundraising events and donated the proceeds through our fund. Families decided to give money instead of buying Christmas presents this year.  A vintage car rally group called on their members from across the country to hold memorabilia auctions for our benefit.  It was amazing to see how much Rutherford County meant to people we may never meet. 

RHI Legacy Foundation began in 2014 to support Rutherford County organizations that serve the health and wellness needs of residents of our county.  Since that time, they have contributed over $16,000,000 to improve the quality of life for people in Rutherford County.  Follow RHI Legacy Foundation on Facebook or email Jill.Miracle@RHILegacy.com to learn more about the organization and future grants.