In the wake of Hurricane Helene, countless North Carolinians stepped up to help their neighbors rebuild, recover, and find hope again. This page highlights just a few of these extraordinary individuals—our Helene Heroes.

Helene Heroes are people who gave selflessly of their time, skills, and compassion to support communities across western North Carolina. From restoring power and distributing food to offering shelter and medical care, each hero embodies the spirit of service that defines our state.

Their dedication reminds us all of the strength, resilience, and generosity that unite North Carolinians—especially when it matters most.

Duke Energy proudly supports the Helene Heroes recognition.

Claire Neal

Director, MANNA Food Bank
Nominated by Harris Teeter

MANNA Food Bank operations were completely devastated by Hurricane Helene. In the face of that loss, Director Claire Neal and her team worked quickly to establish emergency distribution hubs at the Western North Carolina Farmers Market so they could continue getting food to the people who needed it most. In the first five months after the storm, MANNA distributed 9.2 million pounds of food to those in need.

Matt Martinka and Nathan Curlee

Duke Energy
Nominated by Duke Energy

Journeyman lineman Matt Martinka and line apprentice Nathan Curlee hiked nearly two miles through storm-damaged terrain to restore power to the Asheville VA Medical Center, ensuring continued care for veterans in western North Carolina.

Amanda Watts

Burnsville Field Hospital
Nominated by AdventHealth

Yancey County nurse Amanda Watts joined local colleagues to set up a field hospital at the Burnsville Fire Department, providing medical care to residents affected by the storm.

Pastor David Lewkowicz and DeLaina Lewkowicz

The Bridge Church
Nominated by AdventHealth

In Hendersonville, The Bridge Church partnered with Mercy Chefs to serve thousands of hot meals to families whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Helene.

Katherine and Eric Church

Co-founders, Chief Cares
Nominated by Wells Fargo

Award-winning singer-songwriter Eric Church and his wife Katherine, raised millions of dollars through their nonprofit, Chief Cares, to build homes for people in western North Carolina who lost theirs to the storm.

Eric Church is also a 2022 North Carolina Awards winner.