We are thrilled to share some exciting news with our FernLeaf Community! After the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, FernLeaf Community Charter School has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Carolina Panthers Charities to help rebuild and restore our athletic facilities and equipment.
A Ray of Hope in a Time of Adversity
As many of you know, Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to our Creek Campus, including our athletic fields and facilities. On September 26, 2024, the storm’s unprecedented rainfall caused floodwaters to exceed ten feet, completely submerging our fields and storage facilities. In addition, three of our main buildings were knocked off their foundations, and all instructional materials, furniture, and technology were destroyed. The damage was heart-wrenching, and it left us facing a long road to recovery.
But thanks to the generous support of the Carolina Panthers Charities, our journey toward rebuilding and recovery has received a significant boost. The $20,000 grant will go directly toward replacing and repairing the athletic equipment and infrastructure that was damaged in the storm. This grant is part of a broader initiative by the Panthers to assist schools in North and South Carolina that were impacted by Hurricane Helene, with funding ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for athletic programs in need.
A Lifeline for Our Students and Athletes
This grant comes at a crucial time for FernLeaf, as we are preparing for the spring athletic season. Our middle and high school ultimate frisbee teams, middle school soccer teams, and disc golf program—all of which rely on our athletic fields—were particularly affected by the damage. Vic Wiesel, FernLeaf’s Assistant Director and Athletic Director, expressed his gratitude for the support, saying,
“This grant could not have come at a better time. We are gearing up for our spring athletic season, and this funding will help us get back on track and ensure our students have the opportunities they deserve to thrive in sports and outdoor activities.”
Resilience and Community Spirit
While the damage was severe, FernLeaf Community Charter School has shown immense resilience. Despite the devastation, we quickly adapted by relocating our K-12 students to our Wilderness Campus, just a mile away from the Creek Campus. Rebuilding is already underway, and we’re excited to announce that students will be able to return to the Creek Campus in Fall 2025.
Our recovery efforts are powered by the strength and determination of our students, staff, and community. The support from the Carolina Panthers Charities is a game-changer for our athletic programs, and we are so grateful to be a part of a community that truly cares.
Hurricane Helene Recovery: A Bright Future Ahead
The path forward is full of promise. With the support of our partners, including Carolina Panthers Charities, FernLeaf will continue to rebuild, recover, and thrive. Our students will once again have the opportunity to run, play, and compete on fields that are a cornerstone of their physical education and extracurricular activities.
Stay tuned for updates on our recovery and rebuilding efforts, and be sure to follow us on our journey as we work toward getting our Creek Campus back up and running better than ever!
To donate to the continued restoration efforts of FernLeaf's Creek Campus visit: https://givebutter.com/fernleafccs
Let’s go FernLeaf! 💚
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