As most of you know (but some may not), we raised over $100K in a little less than five days. Then, I, along with some of our executive team, went down to Western North Carolina to distribute those funds to organizations actively supporting people daily, as well as directly to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Here’s where that money went and what we were able to accomplish with all of the amazing support from those who donated. (Link to IG video)

First, we were able to donate $45,000 to Aerial Recovery Group, who have been boots on the ground every single day since the hurricane hit. This team has done everything from rescuing victims of the storm and floods to delivering essential supplies, clearing trees and debris, and even building land bridges in areas where floods completely destroyed infrastructure. The $45,000 specifically funded improved communications through Starlinks and I-comm radios. The remainder went towards purchasing ATVs and UTVs, enabling them to reach hard-to-access areas for rescue operations and delivering necessary supplies. (Photo)

Second, we donated $10,000 to Save Our Allies, which was used for a fully catered dinner for first responders, volunteers, and operators, who had been covering food costs out of pocket. This also helped provide cold-weather tents and additional supplies for families facing winter conditions in towns higher up in the mountains. (Link to IG video)

Third, we donated $15,000 to the Whitson family to help them rebuild their business, "O.C. Whitson General Store," in Green Mountain, NC. They lost everything, and by helping them rebuild, they can continue fueling the town’s overall recovery. We also donated an additional $2,500 to their GoFundMe, helping them support themselves during the rebuilding process. (Link to IG video)

Fourth, we donated $20,000 to Nita, Delayne, and Sheena to help them rebuild their 44-year-old family business, “Sheena’s,” a beloved restaurant in Barnardsville, NC, similar to the general store in Green Mountain. Additionally, we set up a GiveSendGo fundraiser, raising an additional $20,000+ toward their rebuild. (Link to IG video)

Fifth, we donated $5,000 to Kalyn Cogdill of Big Ivy, NC, who stepped up to lead her entire community through this tragedy. That $5,000 will go towards helping her pay rent on her home for herself and her three boys, allowing her to continue serving the community selflessly. (Link to IG video)

Sixth, we donated $5,000 to a local dairy farmer in Weaverville—the only one left—who lost everything. This money went toward a 37 KW diesel generator to help him get his farm back up and running. (Link to IG video)

Seventh, we donated $1,500 to local residents in Weaverville for groceries. (Link to IG video)

My main goals for this trip were, first, to ensure we showed donors the immediate, direct impact their generous contributions had and, second, to help these people in the most meaningful way possible. I believe we accomplished both. Every single penny (and then some) was accounted for before my plane took off from Asheville last Tuesday. While we can’t help everyone, I believe we helped those we could in ways that will significantly impact their ability to rebuild their lives.

It was truly an honor to be part of this mission, and it was a life-changing experience for me personally. I want to keep serving these people and doing all that I can to help, but I can’t do it without your support, and we can’t let them be forgotten in the "news cycle."

With that said, I also went back a week later and I’m hoping to raise enough for cold-weather tents for displaced families still in need and funds to help families who have lost their businesses entirely. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing on social media or with anyone who might be willing to help. The goal is another $50K.

I have faith that with the support of this incredible community of Patriots, we can reach this goal, and I promise to do as I did last time—account for every penny spent and show you the immediate and direct impact of your donations. You can use the link below to donate and share.

God bless you all, and thank you so much for your support. We could not do this without you. I could not do this without you.

– Ian Wendt

This campaign is unpublished.

GiveSendGo