Sowing Hope - Cultivating Strength

The Spring Welcome Party is a time for our community to come together, shake off the hardships of winter, and step into a season of renewal. 

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, our land—and our way of life—was devastated.  Our mountain communities have faced incredible challenges, from rebuilding homes to restoring access to basic needs. With the nearest grocery store now an hour away after the storm destroyed closer infrastructure, we are reclaiming what has always sustained us—our land, our traditions, and our community. Now, as the earth begins to warm, we take this opportunity to reclaim our traditions, restore our food security, and reconnect with one another.

This free event is a space for neighbors to support neighbors. Families will enjoy a cookout and kids will receive toys and take part in fun activities. Adults can connect with resources to help in the rebuilding process and take home seeds to start their summer gardens—reclaiming the self-sufficiency that has sustained these mountains for generations. From heirloom beans to sturdy tomato plants, every seed planted is a step toward food security and a brighter future.

This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a commitment to each other, to our land, and to the future we are building together.

 After Helene, our community didn’t just lose homes—we lost fertile gardens, stocked pantries, and the security of knowing that, no matter what, we could feed our families. With the nearest grocery store an hour away, we can’t rely on outside resources alone. We must restore what we’ve always had: the ability to grow, preserve, and sustain ourselves.

The Spring event  is about hope and action. By gathering together, sharing food, and gifting seeds and tools to plant again, we aren’t just celebrating the new season—we’re taking the first steps in rebuilding our way of life. Every garden planted, every jar canned, and every connection strengthened is a piece of the foundation we are laying for the future. This is our land, our community, and our means to rise again.

The Spring Renewal Event - Sowing Hope, Cultivating Strength is an initiate of Rising Light Relief for which we have partnered with a variety of organizations in order to bring back food security and hope to our service communities. 

Partners Include:

Soul to Sole Disaster Relief

Team 222 Disaster Relief

Operation Freedom's Reach

Rice & Bean Ministry

NC Outdoor Adventures

Divine Disaster Relief

Bonnie & Clyde's Drive-In

People Helping People of Yadkin County

Jason & Kim Hunt