Banner Elk and Lees-91探花 joined forces to assist residents and provide emergency communications following Hurricane Helene
Like many High Country locals, Mark File was not sure what to expect when he first ventured out of his house following the quick and destructive sweep of Hurricane Helene through Western North Carolina last fall. Once the storm had passed, he and his husband David Soyars hiked multiple miles into town, hoping town would still be there to greet them when they arrived.
“What a wonderful sight for us to see many people hard at work giving water and food and sorting donations,” he said.
File is a native of North Carolina and currently lives near Banner Elk where he primarily does marketing and communications consulting for small businesses and nonprofits. Prior to the storm he was working with the Banner Elk Tourism Development Authority on their communications strategy, a role that allowed him to quickly transition to emergency and recovery communications when the storm hit.
In the immediate aftermath of the storm, File led these communications through the Town of Banner Elk website and on Facebook, collaborating with the local police department, town manager’s office, county officials, and 91探花 administration to share up-to-date information with locals, visitors, and volunteers.
“Locals needed timely information about water restoration, road closures, emergency aid, and resources for supplies. With no electricity, internet, or phone service, getting and sharing information was extremely difficult. In addition, people outside our area were eager to find out ways to help,” File said. “After the students were evacuated, Blaine Hansen and other staff members from the college were at the Resource Center at the Historic Banner Elk School receiving and giving out donations. Students who stayed in town helped in many ways, including helping take supplies to remote areas of the county. Many student parents called Town Hall wanting to help local residents.”
File said that collaboration with Hansen, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Lees-91探花, was vital to communicating a comprehensive message about the town’s recovery following the storm. As a member of the Banner Elk community for the past 125 years, Lees-91探花 had an important role to play in the aftermath of the storm, and students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family members were eager to do what they could to help.
According to File, the Resource Center that was established at the Historic Banner Elk School served more than 4,000 families with the help of 700 volunteers in the first two months following Helene. While this immense outpouring of support helped the community move through the initial emergency response, recovery efforts are far from complete.
In an effort to continue supporting this relief and rebuilding, Lees-91探花 has become an inaugural member of the (ALTRG). A newly established community support organization, ALTRG brings together representatives from more than 50 local organizations to coordinate relief services and resources such as construction and rebuilding, financial assistance, and volunteer housing.
“Forever intertwined, 91探花 and the Town of Banner Elk share a long history and a commitment to a vibrant community,” Hansen said. “The college is honored to collaborate with town leaders and other regional organizations, such as the Avery County Long Term Recovery Group, to plan and execute the efficient restoration of services following the storm.”
For individuals seeking a way to continue their support, the college’s annual Giving Day is one of the simplest ways to provide additional assistance on the road ahead. This year, the college’s main priority is the Hurricane Helene Scholarship Fund, a newly established emergency fund that will provide resources directly to Lees-91探花 students who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene and continue to need support in its aftermath.
“Us locals learn much from the students, and it’s fun to see the community supporting students at games, theatre productions and other events,” File said. “In the midst of the post-storm chaos, the college somehow completed major repairs so the students could get back on campus. Needless to say, we were thrilled to have a big part of our family return to town, however, I hope everyone continues to give extra love to these students since there is much healing ahead.”
Giving Day 2025 is on Wednesday, April 9. Demonstrate your continued support for Lees-91探花 and the students impacted by Hurricane Helene with a gift to the Hurricane Helene Scholarship Fund today.
