Companies and organizations are mobilizing to support communities in North Carolina as they recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, described by Governor Roy Cooper as having “wiped out whole communities.” The storm left over 200,000 residents without power and caused extensive damage even deep inland from the coast.
The response from the sports community in North Carolina has been particularly noteworthy. David Tepper, owner of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, has pledged $3 million through his charitable foundation to aid relief efforts. The David and Nicole Tepper Foundation will focus on supplying food and essential items via local food banks and service agencies throughout the Carolinas. “We stand alongside all those affected by Hurricane Helene and are committed to supporting relief efforts,” the Teppers stated, emphasizing their dedication to providing critical resources and assisting first responders. They expressed confidence in the resilience of Carolinians, stating, “Together, we will rebuild and recover.”
The NFL has also joined the effort, with various teams and ownership groups, including those from the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, contributing an additional $5 million. NFL Vice President of Philanthropy Alexia Gallagher remarked, “Our hearts go out to all impacted by Hurricane Helene,” reaffirming the league’s commitment to aiding recovery.
In addition to sports organizations, NASCAR teams, including driver Greg Biffle and Joe Gibbs Racing, are using helicopters to deliver supplies to remote areas severely affected by the storm. Biffle has been transporting pallets of donated Starlink hubs to restore telecommunications in regions where connectivity has been lost due to flooding. The rural town of Banner Elk publicly thanked Joe Gibbs Racing for its assistance in delivering supplies after a key bridge was destroyed.
Support has also come from major retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, each donating $2 million through various initiatives. This week, Lowe’s stores will host relief events to distribute cleanup supplies across more than 25 communities in affected areas. The company is collaborating with first responders to provide essential items such as water and generators. Home Depot’s contributions will support organizations like the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon, which are actively assisting impacted communities.
Looking around, there are so many situations begging for kind interventions. How about you and I rising up to act kindly?