City of Wilmington puts on a benefit concert for Western North Carolina Helene victims

"We need to raise as much awareness for money because those things are long hauls."

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY)–

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida more than a month ago, and rainfall in Western North Carolina caused widespread flooding and fast-moving landslides.
Tuesday night, the City of Wilmington put on “From Wilmington with Love,” a benefit concert featuring singer and songwriter “Ben Folds.”

“I’m excited to chip in as much as possible. We’re all horrified,” Folds said.

It’s a story about passion and meeting purpose.

“We need to raise as much awareness for money because those things are long hauls,” Folds exclaimed.

And for this Tar Heel state native, the purpose is to help rebuild Western North Carolina.

“We’re all North Carolina. We’re all family, but it’s distant family. It shows the Western side of the state how much everyone cares about what happened to them. They’re just picking up the pieces right now,” Folds said.

Pieces from something so devastating. It felt unbelievable for Ben Folds.

“My father and his wife live in Asheville. So, it was 48 hours before we got through to them. That’s pretty scary,” Folds said.

Tuesday night, he headlines a concert by The City of Wilmington to help flood victims. It’s called, ‘From Wilmington.. with love.’

“I thought the title was pretty cool. Tonight, I’m excited to share the stage with some Western North Carolina artists, and the spotlight is on them,” Folds said.

So, returning to his passion and purpose, he will forever have Carolina in his mind.

Other musical acts that performed Tuesday night included Jim Lauderdale, Moonshine State, and Josh Goforth. All proceeds will benefit local charities assisting with emergency food, housing, and home repairs through the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund.