During Visit North Carolina’s annual Tourism Conference on April 7, Visit NC’s executive director Wit Tuttell and NC Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley presented the Spirit of North Carolina awards, honoring seven individuals, organizations and communities for their work with Hurricane Helene relief.

“So many in Cabarrus County contributed and this award belongs to everyone in our community who supported relief efforts,” said Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Donna Carpenter.

In the hurricane’s wake, real estate broker Leigh Brown heard a call to action and created a group called Patriot Relief to mobilize support for those affected by Helene. This true community effort within Cabarrus County included the Cabarrus County CVB collecting goods, the JM Robinson High School football team helping load a truck donated by Shoe Show, and a retired police officer repeatedly volunteering to drive it.

“As a native of North Carolina and specifically of Cabarrus County, it was the most fulfilling experience to have all of us pitching in together to take care of our neighbors in every possible way,” said Brown. “No one of us can do what all of us can do together!”

Also in Cabarrus, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hendrick Motorsports, Speedway Children’s Charities and other entities organized collection drives with supplies delivered to affected regions by way of the North Wilkesboro Speedway.

“Communities came together and people from all across the state stepped up to help,” Tuttell explained, in introducing the award. “But some people and places went beyond just helping and really made a difference with their sacrifice of time, effort and money.”

Additional recipients included Franklin & Nantahala TDC's Eric Haggart, the community of Hickory, Nick Breedlove and the Jackson County TDA, Wilkes County Tourism's Thomas Salley, Tepper Sports & Entertainment, and Tryon International Equestrian Center.