UNC Asheville officially launched the public phase of its first-ever comprehensive fundraising effort – the $100 million Centennial Campaign – at a campus celebration on April 24. More than $72 million has already been raised to support scholarships, academic innovation, Bulldog Athletics, and major facility upgrades. The campaign will culminate in 2027 as the university celebrates its 100th anniversary. Learn more.
The City of Asheville will debut its new Flowbird parking app on June 2. Flowbird will offer expanded payment options, a real-time meter map, and app-free transactions. The current Passport app will remain active through June 30 during the transition. Learn more.
Two longstanding aging service nonprofits, MountainCare and the Council on Aging for Henderson County, have merged to form Mountain Aging Partners. The new organization is expanding services across Henderson and Buncombe counties, including Meals on Wheels, respite care, adult day programs, and senior support navigation. Learn more.
Award:
Mercy Urgent Care has been honored with the Urgent Care Association’s 2025 Humanitarian Award for its continued service during and after Hurricane Helene. When other clinics closed, Mercy remained open, providing vital access to healthcare under challenging conditions. Learn more.
Collaboration:
The latest sweet collaboration between Mast General Store and Cheerwine launches May 17 with the debut of the Cheerwine Float Chocolate Bar. The bar will be available at all Mast locations and at the Cheerwine Festival in Salisbury, alongside an exclusive co-branded T-shirt. Learn more.
Happenings:
Strive Not to Drive Week begins May 19 with free rides on all Asheville Rides Transit (ART) buses. Local employers can also learn about fare-free commuter programs during a May 21 webinar spotlighting the ART Passport Program. Learn more.
Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer will join other local leaders for “Asheville and Beyond: Recovery and Resilience,” a public forum presented by AARP North Carolina at Pack Memorial Library on May 23. The event will cover disaster relief progress and ways to support local recovery. Learn more and register.
Small business owners can learn more about the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program during a brief info session on May 30 at 9:30 a.m. on Zoom. The program is free and designed to help businesses scale with education, capital, and support. Learn more.
Reopening:
After months of repairs due to flood damage from Hurricane Helene, New Morning Gallery in Biltmore Village is now open to visitors. The official reopening celebration will take place on June 20 and feature local art, refreshments, and music – marking a joyful return to one of Asheville’s most iconic craft galleries. Learn more.