Asheville’s Grove Park Inn hosted this year’s North Carolina Awards, celebrating the state’s top civilian honorees and supporting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts. Governor Josh Stein and the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources raised nearly $200,000 for the North Carolina Community Foundation, according to the North Carolina Office of the Governor press release.
The ceremony, held outside Raleigh for the first time in its 61-year history, honored recipients in music, literature, public service, and science. Awardees included Woody Platt and Buddy Melton for music, Wiley Cash for literature, James Ferguson II and Roy Williams for public service, and Dr. Kathie Dello for science. Eight Helene Heroes were also recognized for their roles in Hurricane Helene recovery.
Governor Stein has led initiatives such as the Hurricane Helene Dislocated Worker Grant and other programs supporting small businesses and infrastructure. The North Carolina Awards, established in 1961, have recognized over 300 individuals for contributions across various fields.
