Carolina Strong Hurricane Relief Benefit
03/29/2025 · Morganton, North Carolina
We made it out to the Carolina Strong Hurricane Relief Benefit at the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton, North Carolina, and it was exactly the kind of community turnout you hope to see for a cause like this. The event was put on by South Mountain Distilling Company and the Chesterfield Ruritan Club, with an auction and BBQ raising funds to help folks impacted by Hurricane Helene across Western North Carolina and Tennessee.
Everything stayed busy in a good way. People kept cycling through the auction area and the food line, and the day had that steady, purposeful feel you get when everyone’s showing up to support something bigger than a normal weekend event.
The BBQ was a major part of what kept people gathered up, and Moonshiner Benny “Tater” McClure handled the cooking alongside others working the line. The plates were moving fast, and the line stayed steady most of the time we were there.
Benny stayed locked in on the food side, keeping things moving while people came through. It’s hard to overstate how much good BBQ helps an event like this run smooth — it keeps folks fed, keeps them around, and gives everyone an easy reason to stick close and talk.
Big Beard grabbed a plate and took a minute to eat between everything happening around the grounds. It was one of those days where you’re constantly moving, stopping to say hey to somebody, then turning around and getting pulled into the next conversation.
Inside, the auction stayed packed. The bids kept coming, and it was clear the room was taking the mission seriously. Between the items on the tables and the crowd energy, it felt like the benefit was doing exactly what it set out to do.
Live music kept the day moving while the auction tables stayed full of things worth stopping for. It wasn’t just one or two standout pieces — there were plenty of items that pulled people in, sparked conversation, and kept the bidding competitive.
Some of the auction items leaned into the craft side of things in a way that fit the crowd perfectly. A polished copper still was one of the standout pieces on the tables, and it drew attention from just about everybody who passed by.
There were also tables with pieces tied to regional history and collector items that people recognized immediately. Those kinds of details give an auction personality, and they also bring out the stories — people don’t just bid, they start talking about where they’ve been and who they’ve met.
By the end of the day, it felt like a real win for the organizers and everyone who showed up. Events like this work when people actually turn out, pitch in, and stay involved — and Carolina Strong had that kind of support from start to finish.
Also in attendance
Big thanks to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who helped run food, manage the auction, and keep the day moving. The benefit stayed organized and welcoming, and it showed.
👕 Worn at This Event
"Malt Whiskey" Tee
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“Ballin’” Mason Jar Case
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Event took place March 29, 2025 at the Burke County Fairgrounds in Morganton, North Carolina. Original Facebook coverage for this trip was first posted on April 6, 2025. Extra photos and community comments are available on Facebook: View the original post.