Northwestern North Carolina individuals and organizations among those awared Attorney General’s Dogwood Award

Attorney General Josh Stein recently honored North Carolinians in western North Carolina with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. These awards are distributed to honor people who are working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of their fellow North Carolinians. The recipients were honored with a focus on people who have been helping their communities recover and rebuild following Hurricane Helene’s devastation.

Recipients in northwestern North Carolina are:

Ashley Galleher, ZRC Skate 

“When I met Ashley shortly after the Hurricane struck, I was blown away by her dedication and passion,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “She is an innovator who transformed her entire skatepark business into a donation center to help others.”

“Although the nomination for a Dogwood Award is a high honor, the real honor comes from being able to serve my community and state in our time of need,” said Ashley Galleher. “The sense of pride I have felt the last few months is difficult to describe. My deepest hope is that we never, ever forget how good it feels to work together.”

Ashley Galleher is founder and owner of the Zionville Ramp Company. 

FizzEd 

“FizzEd opened its doors and gave hot meals at no charge to first responders, linemen, and anyone else who was hungry,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “I thank them for taking care of those who were taking care of others.”

“We are truly humbled and honored by this recognition,” said Mike and Amy Forrester, FizzEd owners. “As many others did in our community, we simply used the resources we had available to us in the best way we could to help our neighbors and keep our staff employed following Hurricane Helene.”

FizzEd is a restaurant in Boone. 

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce

“After Helene, the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in helping Boone’s economy get back on its feet,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “They understand that when our businesses and families succeed, our towns and cities thrive.”

“We quickly activated our team around key elements of our mission — supporting local businesses and providing stability for our early childhood partners and their families,” said Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “Along with our fellow Chambers of Commerce throughout the region, we will continue to prioritize advocacy efforts directed toward community stability as we work through long-term recovery from the storm.”

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce represents the business community in the Boone area. 

Photos: Boone Chamber of Commerce

Tommy Burleson

“Tommy Burleson is a sports legend, but now he’s a legend for another reason,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “He’s been selling Christmas trees from an Avery County farm and donating all of his profits to organizations helping those in need. I’m grateful for his efforts and contributions.”

Tommy Burleson is a former N.C. state basketball star and is selling Christmas trees in Huntersville. 

Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts

“The Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts transformed the old high school in Lansing into a fully operational and impressive store,” said Attorney General Josh Stein. “The people in the community were able to get the supplies they needed without any questions or judgment.”

“Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts is incredibly grateful to Governor-Elect Josh Stein and the NC Attorney General’s office for including us in this year’s honors,” said Caroline Renfro, chair of the board. “In addition to our core mission of preserving and promoting the cultural arts and artisan trades of the Appalachian region, we are humbled to be able to serve as a hub for neighbors helping neighbors, empowering many North Carolinians who were impacted by Hurricane Helene to begin the long recovery process, supported by life-sustaining supplies and other resources.”

The Lost Province Center for Cultural Arts is a craft school focused on Appalachian culture.