KINDNESS IN ACTION - AUGUST 2024

We are at the height of summer – hot weather, stormy afternoons, and for those of us at Eblen Charities, lots of preparations for the start of the new school year. Once again, we are partnering with our friends at Ingles Markets, iHeartMedia and WLOS to collect new school supplies, backpacks, and funds at the annual Tools for Schools Collection – followed shortly by our annual school supply giveaway! Read on for more details about ensuring that kids in our community have what they need to be successful at school. You’ll also learn a bit about our inaugural Football in July party celebrating Brad Johnson’s 21 years of supporting Eblen, a profile of one of our wonderful board members and more…

There are many ways you can contribute to our annual

School Supply Give Away!

Make a $5 donation when checking out at your favorite local Ingles-Market
Come by Ingles on Smokey Park Highway on Tuesday, August 6 and drop off your supplies (be sure to enter to win $2600 in groceries from Ingles!) and meet our friends from iHeart and WLOS.
Use the Eblen wish list/registry at Walmart, Target or Amazon to shop in person or have your items sent directly to our office at 23 Hamilton Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

This year's give away is on Wednesday, August 14 and is first come, first serve beginning at 9 AM at Eblen Charities on 23 Hamilton Street. We distribute supplies until 4:00 PM or until we run out!

NO appointment necessary.

We are excited to share with you that our annual Brad Johnson/Wicked Weed Golf Classic and our inaugural Football in July Tailgate Party and Auction raised over $90,000 for Eblen Charities! These funds will enable us to continue to provide basic needs for families and individuals in our area. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Check out the photo gallery here!

Listen Here

Allan Tenney is the Athletic Director, soccer coach and a teacher at Valley Springs Middle School spoke at our Football in July dinner. We had the pleasure of hearing how Eblen helped him and his wife when they were faced with a crisis a few years ago. He shares his story with his students each fall when the Eblen Pumpkin Campaign kicks off in our local schools.

Meet Susan Ableidinger, Eblen Board Member and Football in July Chairperson

Susan sporting her Brad Johnson jersey at the

Football in July dinner with her are husband, Bob (left) and sister-in-law and brother, JoAnne and JP Silk.

Susan is a native New Yorker and lived and worked in Advertising and Marketing in Manhattan. She married Bob and moved to Chicago. They started splitting their time between Chicago and Tampa until they saw a marketing piece on the Cliffs. They fell in love with Asheville, the people, the mountains and the Walnut Cove community. That was 20 years ago.

After meeting Joe Eblen through a wonderful neighbor, Joe Ward, Susan soon found her place on the Eblen Board. The Football in July Tailgate party has been working in her mind for a couple of years and she was able to see it come to fruition last month.

Eblen is grateful for Susan and her joyful spirit as she helps to promote our mission within the community. Thank you, Susan!

Join us on Thursday, August 15 for

The City of Asheville Charity Golf Tournament.

Sponsored by the Water Resources Department, proceeds will provide funding for Eblen to assist families and individuals in our community needing help to keep the water connected.

You can help us serve our neighbors. Your help is appreciated!

We hope you will consider supporting Eblen by making a monthly or one time gift, giving your time and skills as a volunteer, or having your company sponsor one of our events.

Click here to learn more.

View Eblen's 2023 Impact Report