In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s impact on western North Carolina, the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra (NCJRO) held a benefit concert Sunday night to support recovery efforts for affected schools and communities. Hosted at Westminster Presbyterian Church, the event aimed to raise funds for the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, which provides resources for teachers and students in the rebuilding process.
The concert was organized by NCJRO music director Jim Ketch, who was inspired by the relief efforts following the hurricane. When fellow musicians suggested a benefit concert, Ketch collaborated with Pastor Chris Tuttle of Westminster Presbyterian Church to make it a reality. Tuttle, originally from Black Mountain—a town heavily impacted by the hurricane—expressed deep personal motivation to support the cause.
“Black Mountain is my home,” Tuttle shared. “It felt really important as Christians, as people of faith, to respond by caring for our neighbors.”
The funds raised from the concert will go directly to the Buncombe County Schools Foundation, with the specific goal of helping teachers replenish classroom materials and support the restoration of damaged schools. The initiative has resonated strongly with the community, drawing support from attendees with personal ties to the affected areas.
Concertgoer Guy Crabtree, who has family in western North Carolina, emphasized the importance of statewide solidarity. “It’s our state, and we need to reach out and help other North Carolinians,” he said.
Westminster Presbyterian Church will continue to accept donations for the Hurricane Relief Fund following the concert. Donations can be made online or via text by sending “WPCDURHAM HELENE” and the donation amount to 73256. Checks should be addressed to Westminster Presbyterian Church with “Hurricane Relief Fund” in the memo.
