The Biltmore Estate and its owners have pledged $2 million to help surrounding communities recover from Hurricane Helene.
Although the estate remains closed due to storm damage, family owners say Biltmore remains steadfast in its support of its employees and community as rebuilding begins.
Biltmore President and CEO Bill Cecil Jr. said in a written statement on October 7: “Western North Carolina has been our family's home for 125 years, and seeing Helen's influence on us We are devastated by the impact on the region. Now more than ever we must work together to stabilize and rebuild this community.
The $2 million commitment was announced through the newly established WNC Biltmore Relief Fund to aid Helen's relief efforts. The fund is focused on providing critical and immediate financial assistance to those in need, including supporting employees in crisis, supporting area nonprofits assisting the region, and investing in community recovery.
The Biltmore Estate is known as the largest residence in the United States and is Asheville's largest tourist attraction. Biltmore Village, a popular shopping area just outside the estate, was hit hard by Hurricane Helen's historic flooding.
On October 3, the estate provided an update on storm damage, saying the estate's main entrance and other low-lying areas had suffered significant flooding and building damage. The forested areas of the estate also sustained extensive wind damage to the ground and some buildings. However, owners said there was little or no damage to the Biltmore Estate, greenhouses, winery, gardens and the estate's guest house.
“We unfortunately lost a few animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated agricultural and equestrian teams,” an update posted on social media read in part.
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