And an Anniversary Party
To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we’ve chosen 25 charities, and will be donating to one per day for 25 days leading up to our Anniversary Party.
Our Anniversary Party will be an opportunity for us to honor our past and current clients, and our trade partners.
Each of our 23 Living Stone employees have chosen a charity or non-profit. The two other organizations are the Black Mountain Fire Department, and the Black Mountain Police department because they have served us while the Living Stone Office has been in their jurisdiction over the past 25 years.
1: Oceana, May 2nd
Oceana is dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans on a global scale.
Aundrea Hutchinson, Administrative Assistant
“I chose this charity because of my passion for marine life and the restoration of the world’s oceans. In restoring the world’s fish populations and protecting their habitat, sustainable meals can be provided to one billion people each day.”
2: The Children’s Center of Transylvania County, May 3rd
We believe every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and healthy home environment.
Austin Fox, Superintendent
“Nothing upsets me more than an innocent child being raised by an abusive parent. A child’s home and their parents are the world to that child. It should be a safe haven of life not a prison of torture and hate. That is one of the most evil things that exists in our communities.”
3: St. Jude’s Research Hospital, May 4th
The mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of our founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family’s ability to pay.
Chris Hamlin, Field Operator
“I like that children get the help they need and families don’t have to worry about the cost.”
4: Organization for Autism Research, May 5th
OAR’s mission is to apply research to the challenges of autism.
Corey Tyree, Carpenter
“I like that children get the help they need and families don’t have to worry about the cost.”
5: Micah Cornerstone Ministries, May 6th
The mission is to be a Christ-centered, gospel-oriented ministry, acting on the commandments of God in accordance with the core of Micah 6:8; “…do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God.”
Coy Davis, Superintendent
“This ministry has a heart for breaking the chains of generational poverty, by raising up and equipping men with a talent to serve their communities and provide for their families. They share our core values in many aspects in the way they humbly serve. I partnered with them for many years in Honduras.”
6: Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Families, May 9th
In 2008, Black Mountain Home began offering youth who have earned a high school diploma or GED the option of remaining in care while furthering their education or working toward a career goal. Youth in the program are expected to pursue some form of continuing education such as college, vocational training, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or other approved educational program. Housing is provided in the Ray Campbell Independent Living Village on the main campus.
Jim Crust, Superintendent
“I believe that people that work in the trades are a dying breed and we need to start encouraging kids to get back into the trades and learn a skill.”
7: Trout Unlimited, May 10th
Trout Unlimited’s mission is to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon.
Johnny Rummel, Carpenter
“Riparian ecosystems are very important. It’s for the trout man”
8: The Mountaineers, May 11th
The Mountaineers’ mission is to enrich lives and communities by helping people explore, conserve, learn about, and enjoy the lands and waters of the Pacific Northwest and Beyond
John Rijhoff
“They give back to the local community. They get people outdoors and I volunteered with them for 10 years.”
9: 106.9 WMIT the Light (Radio Station), May 12th
Blue Ridge Broadcasting exists to lead as many people as possible into a personal and dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and encourages our listeners in spiritual maturity and active service for Christ.
Judy Berkley, Controller
“I listen every work morning, and it helps to keep my mind in the right place spiritually throughout the day. Occasionally I am traveling between business locations and get to hear some preaching in the morning. It seems, without fail, that the message is something relevant to my life.”
10: Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe Co, May 13th
Our mission is to conserve Asheville and Buncombe County’s heritage and sense of place through preservation and promotion of the region’s historic resources.
Justin Nicholas, Estimator and Warranty Manager
“Living Stone strongly believes in giving back to the communities we call home, and the Preservation Society of Asheville and Buncombe County is no different. I chose PSABC because they strive to eliminate wasteful construction through adaptive reuse, which aligns with our commitment to green building in new construction.”
11: National Association to Protect Children, May 16th
Volunteers building a better tomorrow for our youth in need
Michael Blackstone, Warranty Specialist
“Children are our future and unfortunately some children go through things they shouldn’t have to. This organization helps protect children in many ways including getting involved in the judicial system and with the department of homeland security to get personnel in the field.”
12: Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Families, May 17th
When children are in need of out-of-home placement, BMH can meet those needs through all the stages and phases of their growing up years. From infants born prematurely or with addictions to young adults working toward an educational or career goal, the ministry provides a safe, supportive home for youth of all ages and stages.
Mike Bates, VP of Construction
“I like the impact they have on disadvantaged children.”
13: Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth and Families, May 18th
The Child Welfare League of America reports that each year an estimated 20,000 young adults “age out” of the U.S. foster care system. Youth in the Independent Living program at BMCH are expected to pursue some form of continuing education such as college, vocational training, an apprenticeship, a certificate program, or other approved educational program. Housing is provided in the Ray Campbell Independent Living Village on the main campus. Currently, the village provides housing for up to 32 young adults and three staff members.
Oliver Short, Carpenter
“I would like to donate to the children’s home because I really believe in their cause to help kids. Also the program allows the young adults to have a place to stay which I think is a wonderful structure to have. Also all the employees have a wonderful attitude and seem to really want to help.”
14: Mission 22, May 19th
Mission 22 is dedicated to healing America’s veterans when they need it most — right now. We offer treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury and all of the issues veterans are facing today.
Patrick Backes, Superintendent
“Being hungry or homeless is one thing and often has a vast support network. Asking someone for a meal or finding a place to sleep is one thing, taking your own life out of despair and trauma is completely different. You’re alone, it’s final, your world has given up on you or worse didn’t even know you existed. This is an unacceptable reality for those that have served so that I may sleep peaceably. Taking your own life is the ultimate act of despair. I don’t want our veterans, regardless of why, to accept this final step as a feasible reality or option.”
15: Save Our Allies, May 29th
Our mission is to rescue American Citizens, Permanent Residents, SIV Holders, and other special populations from conflict zones and contested areas. For those brought to the United States, we help them navigate the many challenges of being a Refugee in order to form a successful and productive life here at home.
Patrick Rhyne, Marketing Director
“Save our Allies does what others won’t do. This group goes into harm’s way to assure our allies that America will do what it said it would do. And they always send their best.”
16: Tim Tebow Foundation, May 23rd
The mission and vision of the Tim Tebow Foundation is “TO BRING FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE TO THOSE NEEDING A BRIGHTER DAY IN THEIR DARKEST HOUR OF NEED”.
Patrick Sullivan, Production Assistant
“I believe their mission and vision aligns with Living Stone’s core values of servant leadership, stewardship, and community. We are blessed to bless others, we are called to be good stewards of what God has given us, and building a community where we can support and encourage each other is what life is all about.”
17: Eliada , May 24th
Eliada’s mission is Helping Children Succeed. We provide a cradle to career continuum of services for over 600 children and youth annually. In partnership with families, we meet basic needs and provide positive child and youth development programming to all ages. We also have high level intervention and prevention services for children and adolescents that focus on social and emotional well being, life skills development, career readiness, and trauma informed treatment. Eliada maintains a 5-Star Child Development Center (child care, prek, afterschool, and summer camp), Residential and Day Treatment mental health programs, Foster Care services, and Workforce Development programming.
Randy McDevitt, Field Operator
“I would like to help children”.
18: Samaritan’s Purse: U.S. Disaster Relief
Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Sarah Caldwell, Production Manager
“I chose this charity because when disaster strikes they swoop in to help. They are efficient, effective and compassionate. They help people in their greatest hour of need.”
19: Mountain Area Pregnancy Services, May 26th
To be a relevant Christ-centered outreach ministry partnering with the churches of WNC by caring for, counseling and educating women and men regarding, or impacted by, an at-risk pregnancy.
Sean Sullivan, President
“We believe in helping our community and its children and we can think of no greater joy than to provide love and support to a pregnant woman and her unborn baby!”
20: North Buncombe Elementary School, May 27th
North Buncombe Elementary is located in the mountains of western North Carolina. Our school serves approximately 600 students in grades kindergarten through fourth. Growing, Learning and Succeeding. Our dedicated staff seeks to provide safe and engaging learning environments that prepare students for their tomorrow.
Sherry Riddle, Account Manager
“My oldest granddaughter is a student at NBES and all my children attended school there as well. My children spent countless days enjoying school activities, basketball and baseball, as well as learning from many great teachers. This is why I pay it forward by investing in the next generation and donate to NBES.”
21: Conscious Alliance- Art that Feeds, May 30th
The Conscious Alliance – Art that Feeds – is a movement of artists, musicians, food makers, and music lovers on a mission to end hunger in underserved communities nationwide.
Toby Jernigan, Operations Manager
“I have chosen this charity because it brings together the 2 things that are near and dear to me, music and feeding the less fortunate. Having live music be such a part of my free time, I have been fortunate enough to see the great things the Conscience Alliance has done for communities around the U.S. Whether I have donated through the food drives held at concerts or monetary donations, I get a sense of well being knowing my donation will make a difference in someone’s life.”
22: Toys for Tots, May 31
Toys for Tots helps to bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America’s less fortunate children.
Wes Russell, Superintendent
“I have worked with Toys for Tots WNC for over 15 years. It is an all volunteer organization with all monies being collected going directly out to the local community. Any funding that is required is provided by the United States Marine Corps Reserve. It is a wonderful organization that helps underprivileged children at Christmas time.”
23: Project 1.27, June 1st
Inspire, recruit and resource churches and families to foster and adopt the kids in their own backyard.
Will Hewitt, Assistant Superintendent
“I chose Project 1.27, because I have met the organization and attended fundraising events. I have heard the families and children who are blessed through this Christian organization. Children deserve a family who will love and support them. To donate to this organization will help facilitate the families who want to foster. It will help God’s children find a loving home and introduce God into their lives.”
24: Black Mountain Volunteer Firefighters Association, June 2nd
Black Mountain Volunteer Firefighters are an integral part of the Black Mountain Fire Department. While we serve as volunteer firefighters and EMTs with the Fire Department, we are also a non-profit organization that exists to support the Fire Department and enable them to better fulfill their mission!
Living Stone Team
“The Black Mountain Fire Department has been serving us in the community we’ve called home for the last 25 years.”
25: The Black Mountain Police Department, June 3rd
The Black Mountain Police Department, in partnership with OUR community, are committed to providing impartial, ethical and professional law enforcement service and protection.
Living Stone Team
“The Black Mountain Police Department has been serving us and the general public in the community we’ve called home for the last 25 years.”
Anniversary Party, June 4th
Join us for our anniversary party at Atelier Maison & Co. on Saturday from 5-7 PM.