This fundraiser is for 1500 tons of gravel for Avery Farms in Avery County, NC. Avery Farms was aggressively hit by Hurricane Helene. Read about their farm and their hurricane story below.

Avery Farms Hurricane Story

On September 27, 2024, dumping as much as 36 inches of rain with registered wind speeds as high as 175 MPH in certain parts of our county, Hurricane Helene was upon us. Every member of our county and neighboring counties suffered her wrath. She aggressively hit our farm, wiping out Dawn and Waightstill's home, the barn, our office space, farm equipment, hauling trailers, dump trucks, and all of our farm vehicles. The aftermath of Helene is something we cannot even describe. Communication was lost for days, commutes that used to take minutes took hours, bridges were completely impassable, and families were displaced. Once we knew our family members were okay, we quickly realized our beloved multi-generational farm was not. We suffered a great loss, and our hearts were heavy as we surveyed the damage, but then you came along. People started calling, showing up, sending messages, asking what we needed and how they could help. Now, we are here. You have given us hope. We lived through the storm, but you carried us through the devastation. And for that, we are eternally grateful. If we don't get to hug your neck on this side of Heaven, we hope we will on the other side.

Meet the Avery's

Avery Farms is the oldest working farm in Avery County. In the early 1700s, the Queen of England gifted the land to Colonel Waightstill Avery. The Avery family has owned, worked, and loved the land for generations since. We have faced many hardships throughout the years, but the Lord has always made a way for us, just as He will do this time. In March of 2023, we lost our beloved Waightstill Avery Jr., “Big Waightstill”. It is impossible to put into words who he was and all he did. He was larger than life. He strengthened our roots and helped build and shape us. Our farm is now run by his son and daughter-in-law, Waightstill Avery III and Dawn, along with the help of their three children, Lauren, Graham, and Sawyer.

Tragically, Waightstill and Dawn lost their home during Hurricane Helene, and are currently residing with their daughter Lauren. Lauren is a physical therapist and loves the farm dearly. Graham, who works on the farm, is married to Logan. They share a 7-month-old baby girl, Asa. Waightstill and Dawn’s youngest son, Sawyer, also works on the family farm. He and his wife, Hailey, welcomed their first child, Kollyns in October 2024.

Avery Farms is not just a special location to the family but is a treasured local landmark. It is a place of precious memories for many, having hosted multiple weddings and birthday parties, and as a popular location for photo sessions in every season.

https://www.averychristmastrees.com/