Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston.
As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is.
Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.
(Charleston, SC) – New Tennis Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
ACEing Autism Charleston Program – Registration Full, Volunteers Needed!
ACEing Autism is thrilled to announce the launch of its newest program in Charleston, SC, offering affordable and impactful tennis programming to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This exciting initiative, designed for children aged 5 to 18, will help participants develop tennis skills, improve fitness, and foster meaningful social connections in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Thanks to the generosity of the Charleston community, this program has been offered free of charge, and registration is now closed due to overwhelming demand.
However, we are still in need of volunteers to provide on-court support during the sessions!
Program Details:
Location: Daniel Island Club Tennis Courts, 715 Island Park Dr., Charleston, SC 29492
Dates: Saturdays – October 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
To volunteer, join the waitlist for future sessions, or learn more about this free program, visit ACEing Autism’s Registration Page.
“We are excited to bring ACEing Autism’s tennis program to Charleston and provide a space where children with ASD can not only learn tennis but also benefit from the physical and social engagement that sports offer,” saidRichard Spurling, Co-Founder and CEO of ACEing Autism.
About ACEing Autism:
ACEing Autism is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) grow, develop, and connect socially through tennis. Our specialized curriculum, co-developed by tennis professional Richard Spurling and renowned autism researcher Dr. Shafali Jeste, focuses on motor skills, fitness, and meaningful social interactions. Since its founding, ACEing Autism has positively impacted thousands of families across the U.S.
An exceptional cast highlights this celebration of the African American Civil Right struggle in the South and path to a better life with thoughtfulness and compassion
Charleston, South Carolina known for exquisite homes, internationally inspired architecture and a banquet of exceptional Southern cuisine is also the central location where a quarter of a million enslaved African Americans came into the colonies forced to leave their homes and families and work for wealthy plantation owners under unforgivable conditions. This was not a period looked upon with pride, but a cultural norm inherited by a new nation. Yet in 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation declared freedom, it was only the beginning of a long road ahead and a journey that is not yet over.
Charleston Stage has used its platform to further the conversation, tackling critical issues with its bold theater. Purlie Victorious may be one of the boldest projects ever.
Purlie Victorious, is a two act play developed by the comedic vision of legendary actor Ossie Davis and interpreted for the Lowcountry by Charleston Stage with the passionate direction of Henry Clay Middleton. It tells the story of Purlie Victorious who returns to Georgia where he was raised to get reparations so he can buy the Big Bethel Church and offer an integrated sanctuary to celebrate community and love of God.
With exquisite costume and set design that immediately ushers you to a different period in American history; one filled with struggle and a guided torch leading from darkness to light, Purlie Victorious submerges you into a story of humor, deception, love, conviction and healing.
With the assistance of family and friends, Purlie defeats ignorance and centuries of repression with charm, wit and weapons of the educated.
Standing in his way is the captain, whose connections and corruption runs deep. He is fully aware slavery has ended but resists progress making the goals of Purlie even more difficult. This is a true test of good vs evil.
Family: The core of Civil Rights and Equality
With the onset of media and television, the country saw a different view of the Civil Rights Movement including extraordinary scenes of violence, rallies, marches and amplified speeches inspired by women and men of vision, but at the core, was the family unit. This is the heart of Purlie Victorious.
Sitting at the kitchen table with sweet potato pie, sharing stories and keeping legacies alive is where we understand the true bond. In their home was laughter, love, faith and aspirations for a better tomorrow. Purlie’s family like most were realists, but they found good even in the worst of times.
These scenes of family were so beautifully orchestrated and the subtle reminder of how generations of African Americans survived through togetherness and faith were touching.
Southland: The times are charging
For over a century after slavery was abolished, whites in the South took advantage of the African Americans exposing their lack of wealth, education and connections and restricting a journey toward equality. This manipulation led to African Americans continuing to work for white plantation owners in the South and being treated in much the same way with unlivable wages. This does not go unnoticed in the play.
What will the audience expect?
The acting is superb retaining the language of the time with passion and thoughtfulness. Costume design was flawless with careful consideration for style and material. The set design, creating 3 unique locations on one set was masterful. There is no doubt you will experience a quality performance, but as an audience member, you may have mixed feelings.
The language is raw and authentic to a challenging period in American history. Words we deem unacceptable today, were commonplace in the 1960’s and contextually important to the story. Feelings of mistreatment and deception, mockery and violence are critical to the storyline.
One of the brilliant things Ossie Davis brought to the original script was humor and authenticity. To be able to capture a time of transition; a time of uncertainty; a time when culture had to change for the better, with sensibility, poise and humor is truly what makes this play continue to be relevant today.
We applaud the courage of the cast, director, producers, set design, costume designers and the entire crew at Charleston Stage. This is an important play and so beautifully done. We feel it is a must see if only to continue and deepen the conversation.
Timothy McKevlin proudly stands at the helm of a true Lowcountry family legacy that has pioneered a passion for the spiritual artistry of surfing and its celebration of the unconditional love for the ocean. Yes, his family’s commitment to continuing the traditions of the coastal lifestyle and sending good vibes over the last 60 years goes much deeper. This is a family that fought for surfer rights, stood strong for integrating Folly Beach and opened the doors to the visionary world of surfing that thrives today.
Through hard work, family values, spiritual connections to the water and a compassion for promoting a good live, McKevlin’s has and continues to be an honorable ambassador to our Lowcountry lifestyle.
We had a chance to catch up with Timothy and learn a lot more about his family journey from the first shop in the Fall of 1965 to today.
1950’s Bowling Center: Complete with “McKevlin” misspelled, a shot of the Folly Bowling Center on Center Street. Now it’s Rita’s Seaside Grill.
Our Interview with Timothy McKevlin
Describe the early years occupying space at the Folly Bowling Center and what the public sentiment was toward the surfing community in the Lowountry?
My father, Dennis McKevlin, and uncle, Jack McLain, were co-managers of the Folly Bowling Center in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Our very first location was a dark, damp, and pretty dreary rear storage room belonging to that building. My dad and brother, Ted, moved the pins and balls into a corner and set up shop in the fall of 1965. At first the only products were bars of surfboard wax they cut from large blocks of paraffin from the local Rodenburg’s grocery store as well as cheese sandwiches that dad would have on hand for hungry surfers. If anyone wanted to buy a surfboard, he’d take their order and have it shipped from California. As he became more confident in the business, he began stocking boards and t-shirts.
Both the business and the surfers were pretty much looked upon as if they were crazy radicals or misguided misfits. Everyone told my dad that he was nuts to think he could make a decent living at this. Surfing was fully expected to be nothing more than a passing trend. The surfers themselves were ridiculed for not being “real” athletes. They were encouraged to stop pretending, go back to football practice, and do something worthwhile. Surfers in general became stereotyped as drug-taking, lazy, drop-outs because they were taking an “alternate” path.
1968 Boardwalk: Surf contest scene at the end of Center Street where the Tides Hotel now sits.
You opened during a period of desegregation on Folly Island / Folly Beach. What was the social and political climate during this period and how did you adjust as a business owner?
This period was definitely a little tense at times. I remember one particular day when word spread over the island that a crowd of “unruly” black people were determined to swim in the ocean. Outrageous! It had everyone in the community whispering to their neighbors, locking their doors, and some hiding. The police gathered in force at the end of Center Street. Some black folks walked toward the beach, dipped into the ocean, turned around, and nothing happened. The whole thing was silly. I do recall hearing about some fights breaking out from time to time when a black person would attempt to enter one of the local bars where a not-so-sober white guy with prejudicial leanings would take it upon himself to express his displeasure. Overall though, I think the beach was a bit more open, tolerant, and just a “happier” place than other spots. People don’t tend to come here to be grumpy and mean-spirited. When my dad and uncle ran the Bowling Center, and there were no automatic pin setters then, the local Folly white kids worked alongside the local James and Johns Island black kids at the end of each alley dodging the balls and re-setting the pins. My dad would take care of the kids picking them up and taking them home. And many of them became his life-long friends – black and white.
Spreading the joy and love of surfing has always been a passion in your family. How did Dennis McKevlin gaining a seat on the city council how to pioneer acceptance for the surfing lifestyle?
At first when my dad became a councilman for Folly Beach, he was pretty much a loner. Quite a few issues (not only surfing related) came down to his one vote versus the rest of council and the mayor. Because his one vote didn’t sway the others, he began taking what he learned from the meetings to television, radio, and newspapers. Back then of course, none of the meetings were captured on camera, and the public was pretty much in the dark on what was really going on. Also, my dad and my brother, Ted, were instrumental in organizing local surfers and their families to help expose how unfairly surfers were being treated – how they were being forced into a dangerously small, crowded area. There were several gatherings on the beach that were covered by the local media showing how large of a group the surfers were and how they didn’t all resemble aliens from another planet! The surfers also organized fund raising events in order to hire an attorney to eventually take Folly Beach to court. Finally, under the advice of their own attorney, Folly settled out of court and returned the best surfing spots to the surfers. And, gradually, a few of the older council members were voted out and new, more broad-minded citizens ran and won those seats. In a 180-degree reversal of their previous stand, Folly Beach actually hired the same attorney, Ben Peeples, who defended the surfers and had taken Folly Beach to court. Then in 1994, the City of Folly Beach, which had once rejected Dennis McKevlin and labeled him a troublemaker, named him Citizen of the Year. Today it seems that the Council and Mayor are very supportive of surfing. In fact, they often even help sponsor some of the events.
1968 McK Team: McKevlin’s Surf Team on the road competing in a surf contest. Left, back is Ted McKevlin.
The Washout has become a beloved spot for surfers, but there was a period when it was prohibited. Tell us more about that period and how you helped bust down that legislation?
In the 60’s and very early 70’s the area known as the Washout was NOT a particularly great surfing area. The preferred surf spot was located around the 12th block east. However, erosion, storms, and a gradual change in Folly’s topography eventually did turn the Washout into the very best surfing spot in South Carolina. In the mid-nineties some of the residents (annoyed by the crowds of surfers) who lived across the street from the Washout discovered that this area “technically” was illegal for surfing and pressured for enforcement. As part of the 1976 ruling much of the area now known as the Washout was then restricted and was considered more of a tourist, swimming destination. Over the years the “touristy” part had faded, and the “surfing” part had taken over, so the law was not enforced. But the law was still on the books. Angie Youngblood, then local district director of the Eastern Surfing Association organized surfers and local businesspeople to present Folly Beach Council with an argument stating that the law should be revised making the Washout a legal surfing area. After several council meetings and pleas from the group, the motion was passed.
The surfing lifestyle, surf/beach therapy and organizations promoting the wellness ad therapeutic aspects of surfing (Warrior Surf, Surfer’s Healing) have laid the groundwork for a new revolution. What role will the McKevlin family play in furthering the social, health and recreational value of surfing?
We support those organizations and others with donations as well as being involved in their events. Also, every year McKevlin’s sponsors one of the largest 18 and under surfing competitions on the east coast – the D.J. McKevlin Gromfest. Over 200 of the youngest surfers travel (some from as far as Hawaii) to compete for awards, prizes, and bragging rights. We’ve always felt that younger surfers deserve an encouraging and positive start. In addition, we sponsor a group of local surfers ranging in ages from 12 to 67. Our surf “team” is the longest established one in South Carolina dating back to the late 60’s. Then, in 2019 we began “The Beach Project”. For this program, we create “The Beach Project” branded merchandise and donate 25% of its sales to a local environmental group like Charleston Waterkeeper, Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network, and the Charleston Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation.
But, I believe our greatest contribution is made by our staff who tirelessly promotes and educates our customers on the physical and mental benefits of surfing. Every one of them can speak to the sheer fun that surfing brings to them, and they share that joy every single day.
1965 Shop Ted: Ted McKevlin standing in the doorway of the first McKevlin’s Surf Shop.
1967 Shop: Earliest photo of the second location converted from a liquor store and a driveway. Morgan’s Red Barn (nightclub) on the left is the location of the current McKevlin’s.
1979 IOP Gang: A group of customers and friends of the Isle of Palms shop.
1974 Center St: Just a nostalgic look at Center Street – no crowds, no traffic.
1992 Team Hiway: McKevlin’s Surf Team taking part in the State’s Adopt-A-Highway clean-up program. I’m on the far left.
1980 Shop: The newly-built shop prior to its extension.
1971 Andy IOP: Sixteen-year-old Andy Benke (former Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator) manned the counter at our Isle of Palms shop for several years.
2007 Shop: The extended shop.
2024 Gromfest: Some of the crowd at this year’s D.J. McKevlin Gromfest surf competition.
ASHEVILLE, NC (Oct. 4, 2024) – A week has passed since Hurricane Helene devastated Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s shelter and destroyed all of their physical assets. Thankfully, all 150 animals were evacuated to foster homes before the deadly flood waters hit, and all 34 staff members have been accounted for, though some have lost everything.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, a small, dedicated team has been working around the clock to ensure the safety of animals. Operating from a makeshift office in one of the few areas with internet access, the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue team is navigating impassable roads, no power, fuel shortages, and extreme communication difficulties. As of October 4th, 100 animals have either been transported to the safety of partner shelters from Charlotte to Massachusetts, or adopted by the families who fostered them during the hurricane.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue plays a vital role in saving more than 5,400 animals annually, with over 60% of these animals coming from rural shelters across the Western North Carolina region. These small shelters often lack resources and adopters and depend on Brother Wolf Animal Rescue for life-saving support to get their animals the resources they need and to find them adoptive homes. The sudden halt in operations threatens not only Asheville but also the surrounding communities that rely on Brother Wolf Animal Rescue’s services for their most vulnerable animals.
In response to this devastating loss, Brother Wolf is launching a $500,000 donation match campaign. Thanks to a compassionate donor, all contributions will be matched—dollar for dollar—up to $500,000. This means that every donation made will have double the impact to help Brother Wolf establish temporary headquarters now, and eventually build a new facility in Asheville, to continue its vital mission of providing critical care to animals in need.
“We are incredibly moved by the community’s response so far,” says Executive Director Leah Craig Chumbley. “But our fight is far from over. We urgently need financial support to rebuild and to continue serving the communities and thousands of animals each year who depend on us.”To help Brother Wolf Animal Rescue provide emergency shelter, supplies, and care for homeless pets as we work to rebuild, please visit www.bwar.org to donate. Every dollar will be matched up to $500,000, doubling the impact of your support.
First Continental Previously Financed Phases 1-3 of the Auberon Woods Community, Bringing NewHousing Opportunities to Conway
HOUSTON, TX (September 18, 2024) – First Continental, a Houston-based lending company that specializes in residential lot acquisition and development financing, announces the closing of a $9.41 million loan for HIC Land, a premier land investment company and master-planned community developer in the Southeastern United States, to develop Phases 4-6 of its Auberon Woods project in Conway, South Carolina, a suburb of Myrtle Beach. Auberon Woods is being built on a 758-acre tract; Phases 4-6 of the project, slated for completion in summer 2025, will transform 127.6 acres near Old State Highway 90.
These new phases, which will consist of 194 single-family home sites, will build on the development’s first threephases, which First Continental financed in August 2022 with a $10.4 million loan that includes 206 homesites, providing Conway residents access to new-build housing opportunities and access to amenities.
In coordination with D.R. Horton, “America’s Builder,” the entire Auberon Woods community will include over 1,100 houses and two amenity areas, one of which will begin construction this year and a second, larger clubhouse planned for a future stage of development. Auberon Woods is slated for full completion by the end of 2027.
“We are very excited to continue our long-term partnership with HIC Land,” said John Bonner, president of First Continental. “We have seen the quality of projects that they are capable of delivering throughout the years since our first collaboration and are sure that they will bring that same level of attention to detail and dedication to Auberon Woods in Conway.”
Auberon Woods marks the 14th project loan financed by First Continental for HIC Land since the two companies began collaborating six years ago, totaling over $100 million in loan transactions.
HIC Land has built an impressive reputation for buying large tracts of land, installing infrastructure and selling to some of the top publicly traded homebuilders in the United States. The company currently has 33 projects in development throughout the Southeast region.
“HIC Land prides itself on developing large housing communities to meet the needs of the area we are developing in,” said HIC Land founder and CEO Stefan Hoyer. “Auberon Woods will provide homes for an
underserved segment in the market while providing a large amenity in a region where having both is hard to find and even harder to afford.”
HIC Land anticipates the total projected loan needed for all phases to be over $50 million. For more information, visit firstcontinental.com.
About First Continental
First Continental is a Houston-based private lending company founded in 1994 with a specialized focus on providing non-recourse lot acquisition and development financing. With an impressive track record, First Continental has financed over 1,200 residential communities across major metropolitan areas nationwide, including Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Charlotte, Raleigh, Austin, San Antonio, Phoenix and Orlando, totaling over 95,000 lots and over $4.7 billion in transactional volume. In 2024, the company celebrates its 30th anniversary, commemorating the unwavering commitment to its clients and expertise. For more information, visit firstcontinental.com.
About HIC Land
Hoyer Investment Company Land, LLC (“HIC Land”) is a Charleston, South Carolina-based real estate investment company and land developer that acquires, rezones and develops land throughout the Southeastern United States. It specializes in land acquisition and lot development for the largest publicly traded homebuilders in the U.S. Through its competent and experienced team of land development professionals, strong balance sheet, and established partnerships with the nation’s largest homebuilders, HIC currently develops over 2,200 lots annually and controls over 41,000 lots. For more information, visit hicland.com.
It is easy to get lost in the carefree lifestyle of Charleston, South Carolina. Every time I pass those glass windows on the west side, seeing the reflection of the sun, I think about the children inside and the families that are hoping and praying for a miracle. I’m always appreciative of the bravery of the doctors, nurses, administrators and volunteers that not only treat the patients, but empathize with the struggles the families are facing. When a story of triumph comes out, relief and celebration rise to the top and here is one truly worth celebrating, Cami’s Courage!
Take a moment to get follow the beautiful story of Cami and journey she took withMUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Health. It will rekindle your faith in humanity.
About Cami and her visit to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Health
When an x-ray revealed Ewing’s sarcoma in her leg, Cami was treated at a children’s hospital. Chemotherapy helped, but radiation caused her heart to fail. Doctors implanted a ventricular assist device, but she later suffered a stroke, and needed a heart transplant. A day after being placed on the donor list, Cami received a heart! Now, she’s back in school and enjoying teenage life.
Charleston, S.C. – Haven’s Furniture & Home Decor is excited to announce the grand opening of The Outlet at Haven’s Furniture, now relocated from Long Point Road in Mount Pleasant to its new home at 420 Azalea Square Blvd, Unit C, in Summerville’s Azalea Square Shopping Center.
Following the closure of their previous outlet in 2023, the reopening of The Outlet highlights Haven’s Furniture’s commitment to providing stylish, budget-friendly furniture and decor to the community. All three Haven’s Furniture locations will offer a storewide discount of 20-50%, with a portion of sales donated to Hurricane Helene relief efforts across the Carolinas, which are especially dear to Founder Angie Balderson, a native of North Carolina and now resident of South Carolina.
Coinciding with the 8th anniversary of their flagship store in The Market at Oakland Shopping Center in North Mount Pleasant, Haven’s Furniture is staying true to their motto, “always high end, never high priced.” Shoppers can expect to see exclusive deals and a wide selection of items that meet diverse tastes and budgets.
With over two decades of interior design, home staging and decorating experience, Angie Balderson named the business after her daughter, Haven, reflecting her deep connection to family and community values. Angie has built Haven’s Furniture from the ground up, creating a beloved Lowcountry brand.
“We are thrilled to bring back our outlet offerings to the Lowcountry community that has supported us so loyally over the past eight years,” says Balderson. “This third store reflects our growth and commitment to providing quality, affordable furniture. We’re excited to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new customers, offering an even greater variety and value, while doing as much as we can to support the Carolina community that is so special to us all.”
Founded in 2016, Haven’s Furniture & Home Decor is a women-owned home boutique specializing in furniture and decor. With 15,000 square feet of showroom space across three Charleston-area locations, Haven’s Furniture offers a wide selection of lighting, seating, and home accents. You can find Haven’s Furniture and The Retreat at Haven’s Furniture in Mount Pleasant in the Market at Oakland Shopping Center and The Outlet at Haven’s Furniture in Summerville in the Azalea Square Shopping Center. Haven’s makes it easy to bring home your dream pieces straight from the showroom, all while enjoying savings of 20-50% compared to competitors. Make your home your haven with Haven’s Furniture & Home Decor.
For more information, visit www.havensfurniture.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram @havensfurniturechs.
For purchasing fresh seafood in Charleston, South Carolina, consider these top markets:
Crosby’s Fish & Shrimp Company (2223 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412): A family-owned market known for fresh local seafood and prepared dishes. Located at 2223 Folly Road, it also features a food truck offering seafood tacos and platters. Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM Daily.
CudaCo Seafood House (765 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412): This newer market focuses on sustainably sourced seafood, offering fresh options and housemade items like ceviche. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Closed on Monday.
Cherry Point Seafood Company(2789 Cherry Point Rd, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487): Located on Wadmalaw Island, this family owned and operated market offers fresh seafood right off the boat. Bring a cooler for the best selection. Open Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Mt. Pleasant Seafood(1402 Shrimp Boat Ln, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464): Celebrating over 75 years, this market is famous for scallops, shrimp, and crab. It’s located at 1402 Shrimp Boat Lane in Mount Pleasant. Hours: Monday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Charleston Seafood – Charleston Seafood is America’s #1 online seafood store! We deliver fresh fish and seafood to all 50 states. We offer weekly specials, fish and shellfish recipes, seafood preparation and cooking tips, gourmet gift baskets, gift certificates, and so much more.
You can choose from over 30 fresh fish varieties. These include: salmon, grouper, halibut, sea bass, mahi mahi, swordfish, red snapper, tilapia, monkfish, sashimi tuna, trout, catfish, wahoo, flounder, and many more. We offer wild caught fresh shrimp, rock shrimp, and our convenient peeled and deveined shrimp. Our shellfish include: live Maine lobster, lobster tails, king crab legs, crab meat, crab cakes, oysters, mussels, clams, caviar, calamari, conch, and several others. We also carry hard to find specialty gourmet seafood items. Welcome to our online fish and seafood store!
Charleston County offers several excellent dog parks for your furry friends. Here are 5 that will keep your dogs frolicking, playing and swimming:
James Island County Park (871 Riverland Dr, Charleston, SC 29412): Features large grassy areas, sandy beaches, and a lake for swimming. Separate sections for small and large dogs are available. Admission to the park is $2.00 per person or Free with an annual Gold Pass members and children two & under (FYI: You can reserve a free weekly Charleston County Parks Gold Pass from the Charleston County Library System for free).
Hampton Park Dog Park (83-147 Grove St, Charleston, SC 29403): A shaded, fenced area ideal for summer play, though it can be smaller than others. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset.
Hazel Parker Playground (70 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401): Located in Downtown Charleston, SC, this park has a gravel area and opens to a grassy field for off-leash play after 5:00 PM.
Palmetto Islands County Park: Offers a spacious grassy field and picnic areas, perfect for energetic dogs.
The Splash Paw at Wannamaker County Park (8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, SC 29406): A unique water park for dogs with both wet and dry play areas. There are also separate fenced in areas for larger and smaller dogs.
Palmetto Islands County Park Dog Park(444 Needlerush Parkway Mount Pleasant, SC 29464): Located in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, this long fenced in grassy field is where your dogs can run like crazy! There’s a small-dog area at this park and a few picnic tables for the people to take a break at, too. This dog park lacks shade, but it’s perfect for your pup to get some energy and socializing. Park Admission: $2 per person / Free: Gold Pass members and children two & under / $1.50 per person: Educational group fee, Monday-Friday. Call Park & Program Services at 843-795-4386 for details.
ASHEVILLE, NC (Oct. 1, 2024) – Less than 24 hours before Hurricane Helene decimated Asheville, NC, the small staff at Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (Brother Wolf) made a desperate plea to the Asheville community for help. Approximately 100 animals needed to be relocated into temporary foster homes to ride out the storm, “just for the weekend”, joining the 50 animals already in foster homes (for a total of 150). The community stepped up in a big way and remarkably, every kennel was emptied within two hours. The homeless pets were all scheduled to return to the shelter on Tuesday (Oct. 1), but less than 24 hours later, the entire community, including Brother Wolf, was in crisis.
After the storm moved out, Brother Wolf’s Executive Director, Leah Craig Chumbley, made the heartbreaking discovery that there was no longer any shelter for the animals to return to. All three buildings, along with all three of the shelter’s animal transport vehicles, and their mobile medical unit, were completely destroyed. Now four days later, the shelters are nearly unreachable. There is still knee-high mud and suspected sewage covering the areas where the flood waters once flowed. The buildings are all expected to be condemned, and there is nowhere for the 150 animals in Brother Wolf foster homes to return to.
Many of Brother Wolf’s 34 staff members had to either flee their homes or be rescued, some are still unable to return home. Only three staff members were able to return to work immediately, working from a make-shift office in one of the city’s few areas with any internet service. Cell service is spotty, roads are impassable, there is no power, no water, and fuel is hard to find, so they now walk miles every day, working round the clock.
Brother Wolf Animal Rescue impacts more than 5,400 animals each year, and more than 60% of them come from small, rural shelters in Western North Carolina who depend on Brother Wolf to provide a second chance for their animals. Many animals come from rural shelters that have neither the resources nor the adopters to be able to provide a lifesaving outcome. This immediate, unexpected halt to Brother Wolf’s sheltering operation will have a ripple effect far beyond their Asheville location, impacting the communities and animals who depend on them most. Brother Wolf has an urgent need for financial support at this time in order to resume operations at a temporary headquarters so that they can continue to support animals in need.
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