After weathering the devastation of Hurricane Helene and ongoing cuts to arts funding, LEAF Global Arts is launching a $300,000 “Keep LEAF Alive” fundraising campaign as it celebrates its 30th anniversary year. The beloved organization calls on its community to help sustain its mission of connecting cultures and creating community through music, arts education, and cultural preservation.

“Hurricane Helene is part of LEAF’s story,” says Jennifer Pickering, LEAF’s Visionary, Founder & Connector. “The storm hit just three weeks before LEAF’s October Festival. Instead of preparing for celebration, we opened the houses and cabins around Lake Eden to families who had lost their homes.”

In response, LEAF staff created the Artist ReLEAF Fund to support local musicians impacted by the disaster. With the help of the Dan Lucas Memorial Fund, which matched $50,000 in donations, the initiative has already raised over $173,000 to help Asheville artists recover and stay rooted in the cultural community. “Dan Lucas’ family is an example of how the generosity of people who love LEAF can keep culture and music alive,” adds Pickering.

A Community in Crisis

“Right after Helene, basic needs came first. Now it’s time to consider the arts,” says Festival Director Leigh Maher. “For a healthy society and community, arts and culture are not luxuries—they are essential.”

With the loss of 2024’s fall festival revenue and federal and state funding cuts, LEAF faces major challenges in sustaining LEAF Schools & Streets in Asheville and LEAF International programs across 10 countries. “Our festivals are the largest source of funding to continue this work,” notes Executive Director Erinn Hartley.

30 Years of LEAF — and a Call to Action

“Celebrating 30 years of LEAF, our reality is that we need to raise $300,000 to keep LEAF alive,” says Pickering. While many loyal LEAFers are returning to the October Festival with ticket credits, the nonprofit urgently needs new revenue from ticket sales, memberships, sponsorships, and donors.

“The October festival lineup is incredible,” adds Hartley. “From superstars like Arrested Development and Valerie June to a diverse array of local and international legends.”

Pickering emphasizes: “If you want LEAF to continue, please donate, become a LEAF member, and bring all your friends to LEAF Festival this October! Our festival is core to LEAF being able to rebuild and go forward after the storm.”

Special Ways to Support LEAF

• Helene Guitar Raffle – Enter to win a one-of-a-kind guitar crafted by Jayne Henderson, Kyle Landers, and Judson Riviere from wood salvaged after Hurricane Helene. This white oak, red spruce, and flamed maple masterpiece will be raffled live on the LEAF Main Stage during the October Festival. Proceeds benefit the Artist ReLEAF Fund.

• The LEAF Book – Live Life Like a Festival, co-written by Pickering and poet James Navé, celebrates 30 years of LEAF with stories, art, and reflections. Published by GracePoint Publishing, the book serves as both a coffee table art collection and interactive journal.

Keep LEAF Alive

“We’ve been here before, but my heart still flutters at how much we need to raise,” reflects Pickering. “LEAF has always been about community, creativity, and connection. With your help, we’ll continue to inspire and uplift through global arts for the next 30 years.”

About LEAF Global Arts

Based in Asheville, NC, LEAF Global Arts is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting cultures and creating community through world music, arts education, and cultural preservation. Its programs—LEAF Schools & Streets and LEAF International—empower young people locally and globally through mentorship with Teaching Artists and Culture Keepers. Funding comes from its signature festivals, grants, donations, and LEAF memberships.

LEAF 30th Year Celebration, Fundraiser & Helene Milestone
October 16–19, 2025 | Lake Eden Retreat, Black Mountain/Swannanoa

Tickets: theLEAF.org/tickets