When Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina in late September 2024, no one could have imagined the devastation it would leave in its wake. While the eastern portion of the state has an active tropical storm and hurricane season, bringing torrential downpours, forceful winds, and storm surges, the western portion of the state has rarely had to face a hurricane head-on, let alone a category 4. When Helene hit, it destroyed homes, businesses, towns, and lives.
The recovery effort has been slow, tedious, and overwhelming for residents and the agencies' tasks with helping. Paddy’s Irish Pub, located at 2606 Raeford Road, is stepping up and helping to fill the gaps in relief by raising money for the small town of Marshall, NC, with Comedy for a Cause on Saturday, March 1st.
Doors open at 4:45 p.m. followed by a silent auction from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy a cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a wide selection straight from the Paddy’s bar. The first comedian hits the stage at 7 p.m., followed by the headliner at 7:30 p.m. Silent Auction winners will be announced at the end of the night. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the silent auction will go to Marshall Relief Alliance. Grab a ticket and come laugh, drink, commune, and shop, all while supporting a cause. Tickets are $48 and can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/4aWDW2g
The Marshall Relief Alliance is a “Grassroots disaster response supporting the recovery of Marshall, NC, and our neighbors through the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.”
The organization was founded and run by local community members, funded by donations, and is powered by volunteers from all over the country. Born from the idea of neighborly love and community effort, The Marshall Relief Alliance is one of the driving grassroots forces in mud removal, heat and generator distribution, meals, and volunteer training and dispatching for the smaller towns hit by Hurricane Helene that have been slower to receive funds and manpower over larger cities like Asheville and Boone.
The organization continuously has boots on the ground and with local leadership, it has a pulse on items and resources needed in Marshall and the whole of Madison County. An extensive list of items needed by families and businesses in the area can be located on the website.
For those looking to make a monetary donation, the organization has 4 campaigns that donors can contribute to, General Donation, Community Kitchen Support, Community Heat and Propane Fund, and Donate to local GoFundMe’s (these have been vetted for validity through the organization and are legitimate sources to donate to). The Marshall Relief is always looking for ways to partner with individuals and businesses to help fundraise and bring awareness to the ongoing disaster relief in the western part of the state. Visit the website at https://www.marshallrelief.org/ to donate, volunteer time, or connect with the organization.