ASHEVILLE, N.C. — One year after the remnants of Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, dozens of celebrated musicians are stepping up to help mountain communities as they continue to rebuild. Tyler Childers and Billy Strings are among the nationally known artists donating signed guitars, rare vinyl and other one-of-a-kind memorabilia to the Year of Revival Auction.
The online auction, organized by Asheville Media Group, opens for bidding Sept. 18 and runs through Sept. 25 at 5 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Marshall Relief Alliance, a nonprofit formed in the days after Helene to provide emergency aid and long-term recovery support for families and businesses in Madison County.
They’re joined by artists including Rob Thomas, Joan Jett, Shawn Mendes, Bruno Mars and MJ Lenderman, who also donated items to raise funds for the cause.
“When Helene swept through our mountains, radio became a lifeline,” said Tom Davis, Market President of Asheville Media Group. “Our listeners, our team and the artists who reached out showed us what community really means. The Year of Revival Auction is our way of honoring that spirit and continuing to stand with our mountain communities.”
Marshall Relief Alliance Executive Director, Tasha Pumphrey, said the support comes at a critical time. “Helene’s impact didn’t end when the waters receded. Families are still displaced, businesses are still working to reopen and the need is still great. Every bid in the Year of Revival Auction helps rebuild and recover.”
As presenting sponsor, John McClung, owner of John McClung Roofing, said his company wanted to give back. “We’re honored to support the Year of Revival Auction. This is about more than memorabilia — it’s about neighbors helping neighbors and investing in the future of Western North Carolina.”
Auction items can be previewed now at YearofRevivalAuction.com. Winning bidders will pick up their items at Asheville Media Group in Asheville, with items held for up to a year for out-of-town winners.