FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Community-Driven Senior Night Football Game Aiming to Provide Essential Support and Resources to Swannanoa Valley Families Affected by the Devastation Left by Hurricane Helene
Swannanoa Valley, NC., (October 2024) — On November 5, 2024, the Owen Warhorses will host the Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) Lions in a joint Senior Night football game, designed to support families affected by Hurricane Helene. Recently deemed by AVL Watchdog as “ground zero” for the storm, the Swannanoa Valley has faced devastating impacts, with multiple families and community members struggling to rebuild. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. and promises to be more than just a contest; it will symbolize community strength in the face of adversity.
Photo from 828Strong
Owen High School, as the local public school system in the Valley, has been significantly impacted, while ACA, located in the heart of the Valley, sustained the most extensive damage of any school in the area. As both teams prepare to take the field, they will stand as a testament to unity and resilience, coming together to support their neighbors in the rebuilding process.
Adam Smith, founder of Savage Freedoms, will deliver the game ball, symbolizing the community’s commitment to support one another during this challenging time. Savage Freedoms is a humanitarian organization focused on providing immediate relief and long-term recovery for disaster-affected communities. Through essential supplies, medical care, and grassroots action, the organization mobilizes volunteers and partners with others to transform tragedy into hope and empower individuals to rebuild stronger.
Photo courtesy of Owen Warhorses
Owen Middle School head coach, Matthew Owenby shares his sentiments about the event stating “We were out here talking about how tough it would be for our seniors to not have a last home game, and Brook said this was something our kids and community needed as part of the healing process. Then he mentioned how tough the situation was for ACA athletes and casually suggested we host them for a senior night for the whole Swannanoa Valley.”
ACA coach Rusty Bradley noted, “This isn’t just a game; it’s about doing something for this community. Bringing these two schools, both of which have been dramatically impacted by this situation, together like this is bigger than football.”
Owenby further added, “We want everybody to come out and show the world how resilient this community is. These kids, coaches, teachers, families, and everyone deserve a night to come together and do something that this place has been doing for a long time.”
As floodwaters recede and the reality of rebuilding sets in, both schools recognize the significance of this matchup. Senior players from both teams, who have faced their own personal challenges in the aftermath of the storm, are ready to step onto the field for a greater cause.
The event has partnered with 828 Strong, a local foundation established by the Biltmore Church that allocates 100% of its profits to relief efforts in the Swannanoa Valley. Attendees are encouraged to participate by purchasing t-shirts from the 828 Strong website or making direct contributions to support local families impacted by the hurricane.
Community support is essential to the ongoing recovery in Swannanoa Valley, and every contribution helps provide immediate aid to those most affected by Hurricane Helene. All proceeds from t-shirt sales and donations through the 828Strong website are channeled directly into relief efforts, funding vital resources like supplies, logistics, and rebuilding projects that sustain families through this challenging time. For those unable to attend the game, donating to 828Strong through https://www.828strong.com/#donate or purchasing a t-shirt from https://store.828strong.com/ are simple ways to make a meaningful impact, helping to ensure no family is left behind in the Valley’s path to recovery.
About 828Strong
828Strong was launched in 2020 by Biltmore Church as a community initiative aimed at supporting Western North Carolina. Since Hurricane Helene, the organization has provided critical aid to local families in need. With every donation going directly to the recovery efforts, 828Strong invites individuals and organizations to join the cause and demonstrate the power of collective action. To learn more, visit the 828Strong official website.
About Savage Freedoms
Savage Freedoms, founded by special operations veteran Adam Smith, is a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing immediate relief and long-term recovery support to communities affected by disasters. Committed to delivering essential supplies, medical care, and direct aid, the organization operates with boots on the ground to address urgent needs while emphasizing the power of grassroots action and collective support. By partnering with like-minded organizations and mobilizing volunteers, Savage Freedoms aims to inspire global participation in its mission to transform tragedy into hope and empower affected individuals to rebuild stronger. To learn more about Savage Freedoms, visit https://www.savagefreedoms.com/
Press Contact:
Heather Holmes
heather@publicityforgood.com
1+(828)332-5307
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