Fairview Strong in Action: Walk With SFN at “Still Strong: Fairview United”
Honoring Community Resilience After Helene
One year ago, our community was tested by the storm, Helene. We faced the loss of homes, of comfort, of what we thought would always be there. But more than that, we discovered something powerful: the strength of our neighbors, the courage that we carry together, and the hope that grows when we are united, when YOU are part of this movement.
On Saturday September 27, 2025 a year after the hurricane, the Fairview Strong NC community comes together for the Still Strong: Fairview United Walk, a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come since the storm and how strong we are when we stand side by side.
Specialized Fitness & Nutrition couldn’t miss this opportunity to support our community. We will be walking as a group, and we invite you, your family, and your neighbors to join us.
What “Fairview Strong” really means
FairviewStrong.org was born in the days after Hurricane Helene (September 27, 2024). Fairview-just south of Asheville, was cut off by washed-out roads and bridges and battered by landslides. With limited emergency resources and no outside communication, churches and community centers became relief hubs. Neighbors became first responders.
Community leaders stepped up, and under Joanne Winkler’s leadership, FairviewStrong.org became a nonprofit organization focused on long-term recovery.
The mission is clear and urgent: help families return to safe, stable homes, with power and heat restored.
Since then, Fairview Strong has teamed up with national and local partners (Samaritan’s Purse, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Appalachian Landslide Consultants, and local businesses) to restore heat, remove debris, stabilize land, repair plumbing, and replace essential furniture.
And the work isn’t done. Many neighbors still face total home loss, unstable ground, damaged foundations, mold, and no heat. Big organizations move slowly. Fairview Strong moves now, and 100% of donations go directly to Fairview residents in need.
Why your participation matters: When you show up, you don’t just walk, you fund repairs, fuel hope, and help a family move from crisis to stability. That’s Fairview Strong in action.
Event Details: When & Where
Walk Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
Walk & Memorial: 9:27 AM – 10:45 AM
Location: Fairview Community Center, 1357 Charlotte Highway, Fairview. Location details
Specialized Fitness & Nutrition will be participating in this walk to support Fairview Strong NC. We believe that fitness is more than physical; it’s emotional, it’s relational, it’s communal.
If you are a member here, or someone who felt the impact of the storm, or simply someone who values unity, we want you with us. Wear your SFN shirt, bring your friends or family, and let’s walk side by side.
Schedule of the Fairview Event Day
The day begins with the Remembrance Walk & Memorial at 9:27 AM, followed by family-friendly activities, live music, local sellers, and a final memorial tree planting ceremony in the afternoon. It’s more than an event, it’s a testament to resilience, unity, and hope.
Here’s the itinerary, so you can plan ahead:
- 9:27 AM – 10:45 AM: Remembrance Walk & Memorial
- 10:15 AM – 12:00 PM: Kids’ Field Day — relay races, bounce houses, face painting
- Food trucks open (11–2pm) — Pelican Snoballs, Daymoon Coffeebar, Faithful Flames BBQ + another local food truck
- Vendors, art activities, rock painting, community banner handprints reflecting words related to strength, storm, recovery
- 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Main Program — opening remarks, live performances (songs, poems), community champions recognition, group photo at ~1:30 PM
- 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Vendors remain, T-shirt sales and a Memorial Tree Planting Ceremony in the final 15-20 minutes of the event
How to Join the Fairview Strong Walk with SFN
- Walk & Remember Together
Meet us at the Fairview Community Center at 9:27 AM to begin the remembrance walk and memorial. Wear your SFN shirt if you have one, and let’s walk side by side to honor our community’s strength. - Invite Someone You Care About
Bring a friend, a neighbor, or someone who may wish to feel part of something bigger. This walk is about unity, and the more voices we have, the louder our hope will sound. - Celebrate After the Walk
Stay for the festivities: Kids’ Field Day with bounce houses and races, food trucks like Pelican Snoballs and Faithful Flames BBQ, and live performances including Zoe & Cloyd. - Support Fairview Strong
Consider purchasing a t-shirt—the proceeds benefit the Garren Creek Foundation & FairviewStrong.org, ensuring that the spirit of recovery continues.
Celebrate Unity & Support Fairview Strong with SFN. A note from Crystal.
“Fairview’s story of resilience is not written by one person, it’s written by all of us, one act at a time. This Saturday, I invite you to add your step, your presence, your grain of sand to this chapter. Together, let’s walk in remembrance, in strength, and in hope for what’s ahead”. Coach Crystal
Why this matters (and how you can help today)
Showing up keeps momentum high, builds awareness, and funds real repairs for real families. Share this post, invite your circle, and if you’re able donate or buy a T-shirt. Every step and every dollar brings a neighbor one step closer to home.
This is Fairview Strong.
Walk with us. Spread the word. Let’s rebuild, together.
Interested in join SFN or learning more?
Connect with Fairview Strong: Give, volunteer, or learn more about current needs. Your support goes directly to local families.
→ Connect with FairviewStrong.orgGet SFN updates for the next event: Want to know when the next community gathering is announced?
→ Subscribe to the SFN newsletter to get notified first.
FAQs about Fairview Strong (and how you can help)
Fairview Strong is a community-powered 501(c)(3) that formed after Hurricane Helene to help Fairview families return to safe, stable homes with power and heat restored. It connects local needs with funding, volunteers, and trusted partners—quickly and transparently.
Specialized Fitness & Nutrition (SFN) proudly sponsored the event and rallied members to walk, volunteer, and spread the word. We continue to support the Fairview Strong mission by raising awareness, sharing updates, and inviting our community to give and get involved.
Go straight to the source: donate directly at FairviewStrong.org. Your gift goes to Fairview residents in need and helps fund home repairs, debris removal, heating restoration, and more.
→ Donate: https://fairviewstrong.org/
Reach out to the organizers—Jenny Brunet or Cory Wall—and let them know you’d like to sponsor. You can get in touch via the contact options on the Fairview Strong website.
→ Express interest: https://fairviewstrong.org/ (use the Contact page)
Submit an assistance request so the team can assess needs and coordinate support.
→ Request help: https://fairviewstrong.org/assistance-request/
Yes. Fairview Strong is a registered 501(c)(3), so donations are generally tax-deductible (consult your tax advisor).
Funds support Fairview residents directly, prioritizing safe housing, utilities restoration, land stabilization, mold remediation, and essential repairs in partnership with vetted local and national organizations.
Yes. Visit the website to see current needs or offer skilled labor, materials, or services (e.g., electrical, plumbing, grading, debris removal).
→ Get involved: https://fairviewstrong.org/
Absolutely. Community-led fundraisers make a real impact. Contact Fairview Strong via the website to coordinate, or reach out to SFN if you want us to share your effort with our members.
