Hurricane Helene took a devastating toll on western North Carolina and other states of the American South. Hurricanes have recently seen a spike in severity, frequency, and duration. Hurricane Helene, alone, broke several records. This includes rainfall, which graduated to record-breaking flooding across five Southeastern states. The French Broad River in Asheville, North Carolina saw a crest of 24.67 feet, which broke the previous record of 23.1 feet set in 1916.
On Saturday December 7, from 4 p.m.- 7 p.m., The Springfield Kiwanis Club is partnering with Mother Stewart’s Brewing to host a night of live music and needful philanthropy to inspire an atmosphere of giving during the holiday season.
Musical acts for “From Springfield With Love” are local audiofile favorites The Champion City Trio and This Day. You may recall that This Day was the band which helped produce the musical, ACtS, a year ago at John Legend Theatre.
The Kiwanis Club of Springfield will be stationed at the front door of Mother Stewart’s to accept donations on behalf of the American Red Cross via cash, check, or credit card from 3:15 p.m.- 7 p.m. Funds raised at the event will be used for vital relief services to Hurricane Helene affected areas provided by the American Red Cross.
Kiwanis Sprinfield’s Judge Richard Carey spearheaded the initiative. He has a deeply personal connection. Judge Carey created “From Springfield With Love,” after being called into action by the devestating loss of a beloved family member in North Carolina.
“My brother lived in a small mountain town 20 minutes out of Asheville. His wife had brought him a cup of coffee at 8:30 on Friday morning during the hurricane. She went back into the kitchen when a landslide destroyed the house. There was no warning. Miraculously, my brother was pushed through the front window 20 feet to the ground but to safety. He was still holding the cup of coffee when he landed. Tragically, his wife did not survive. They are but one of thousands who have lost everything.”
The ability to flip such a tragic event in one’s personal life into something unique and benevolent is inspiring and highlights the better parts of our human nature.
As Judge Carrey says in summation, “We are hoping that a broad segment of our community might be able to stop in, even for a brief moment, enjoy a great, beer at Mother Stewart’s, some great music, and the opportunity to give.”
“From Springfield With Love”
Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. Saturday, December 7.
Donations accepted from 3:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
The Champion City Trio @ 4:00-5:00 p.m.
This Day @ 5:30-7p.m.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.
Read more articles by Wil Hoffman.
Wil Hoffman is a Springfield Native and recent graduate of Ohio University. Having
achieved a degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in the Performing Arts, it wasn’t until a screenwriting class that he became aware of his interest in writing. Upon his return hewas eager to get involved in the community that Springfield has to offer, and found the Springfield Hub to be a great opportunity to do just that while sharpening his typographic abilities. In his spare time he enjoys golf and exploring the nature trails of the area when it's warm enough, and enjoying the numerous live music acts from the region when it's cooler.