Last Updated on October 4, 2025 by adminahb
Mill Spring, NC – October 3, 2025 – One year after Hurricane Helene, we at Tryon International reflect on one of the most devastating events to affect the Carolinas, especially our beautiful home of Western North Carolina. This past Saturday, Tryon International’s Saturday Night Lights paid tribute to North Carolina’s first responders and our local community, both of whom played vital roles in the recovery of our home state. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein joined us for the evening to recognize those who made a difference when all seemed lost.
“I’ve been traveling all over Western North Carolina these last couple days, and it’s incredibly inspiring the way that neighbor helped neighbor in the days that followed the storm, and the way that these folks and their colleagues across Western North Carolina came to the rescue of those in need.” – Governor Josh Stein
Although Tryon International’s venue was not affected to the degree of other areas, we felt the suffering of our fellow neighboring communities. As soon as we were able, our team at Tryon International jumped into action with the assistance of FEMA’s Search and Rescue Team out of NYC, the National Forest Service, The US Border Service, Rutherford Electric and Co-Op Groups from the Southeast, Polk County, and a NC Emergency Management hospital.
“What we have to do is to approach this recovery with the exact same commitment and passion as these [first responders], the same urgency and focus as the small business owners, the homeowners and everybody else in western North Carolina who’s working so hard. Because when we do that, we will come back. The people of Western North Carolina will come back.” – Governor Josh Stein
Tryon International quickly turned from horse show venue and resort to a hub of supplying basic necessities to those most in need. Tryon International provided a location to charge phones and join free Wi-Fi for local neighbors who needed to connect with loved ones. On site restaurants supplied sandwiches and all-you-can-eat buffets with free hot meals. Showers and laundry facilities were opened to the general public. On October 3rd, a supply and distribution center opened on-site with the help of county officials.
Staffed with volunteers and Tryon International team members, the donation and distribution center operated as part of the Polk County network of disaster relief locations. Free supplies for humans, pets, and livestock were distributed daily from 10am to 6pm. On October 5th, only two days after opening, the supply and distribution center paused accepting any non-livestock items due to the sheer volume of donations. With more than 200 horses being stabled on property, horse show competitors overwhelmed our team with donations, volunteer efforts, and inquiries to help, alongside the response from our local and regional community. October 9th concluded Tryon International’s drive-through emergency supply center operations, with more than 9,876 people served by our best estimates. The response from the community, with both donations and helping hands, was absolutely incredible for our team to witness.
Post October 9th, the relief work did not stop. In collaboration with Red Bell Run Sanctuary and Fleet of Angels, donations for animal feed and other livestock supplies were accepted daily from 10am-4pm. Staff and volunteers sent remaining supplies to other nonprofits, shelters, and supply distribution points throughout the Western North Carolina region so they could be utilized in the best possible way. The Tryon International Foothills Village Chapel was open 24/7 for prayer and meditation, all communication lines were filled with reliable, up-to-date information for community members, and thank you luncheons were held. Lastly, the fall of 2024 ushered in the opening of WNC Main Street – a location for Western North Carolina businesses from Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, Hendersonville, Asheville, and more to work from while recovery and rebuilding efforts were carried out.
Governor Josh Stein concluded that “the people and places of this region are truly unforgettable. And what I want you all to know is that we will not forget you.” We couldn’t say it better ourselves. We are truly amazed and grateful to be a part of the Western North Carolina community!
Learn more at www.Tryon.com.