ATLANTA — January 30, 2025 — The Arthritis Foundation has announced a $10,000 donation to the Always Asheville Fund, a local initiative established by Explore Asheville to support small, independent travel and hospitality businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County, North Carolina as they recover from the devastating impact of 2024's Hurricane Helene.
Prior to the hurricane, organizers at the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience planned to include Asheville and surrounding areas in its inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour, a new fundraising event benefitting the Arthritis Foundation that is scheduled for June 12 - 15, 2025.
"We have fallen in love with Asheville, so we felt compelled to find ways to help this amazing community," said Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience. "We're proud to work with the Always Asheville Fund to support the local businesses that make Asheville such a unique and welcoming place, and we believe that by coming together, we can help Asheville rebuild and thrive again."
"Local, independent travel and hospitality businesses are vital to our community," said Vic Isley, President and CEO of Explore Asheville. "The Always Asheville Fund was created to support these businesses in their recovery after Hurricane Helene. We appreciate the Arthritis Foundation's generous donation as these funds will help revive Asheville's creative spirit, and we look forward to the return of the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour in 2026."
The Always Asheville Fund provides emergency microgrants to Asheville's small businesses to help cover operational and reopening expenses, so they can resume services and contribute to the area's vibrant, creative economy.
"We fully intend to have the Carolina Hills Classic return to Asheville in 2026," added Marang Cox. "In 2025, we'll offer a beautiful and scenic alternative itinerary with overnights in Greenville and Clemson, South Carolina and Brevard, North Carolina."
Building on the legacy of its California Coast Classic Bike Tour, which commemorates its 25th Anniversary this year, the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience announced its second national destination fundraiser in 2024. The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour features the majestic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, an area that has been named one of America's "5 Best Road Cycling Getaways" by Velo Magazine.
Arthritis, the nation's leading cause of disability, affects 1 in 4 people in the United States. There's a significant gap in understanding the need for increased funding for research, treatments, and support for those affected. The Arthritis Foundation is working to shift public perception to reflect the serious, multifaceted nature of the condition and its far-reaching impact on individuals, families, and communities.
The inaugural Carolina Hills Classic is a four-day, fully supported and self-paced bike tour in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that includes bespoke experiences and hotel lodging for all participants who meet or exceed a $4,000 fundraising goal. All funds support the Arthritis Foundation's scientific research, advocacy, and programs to help people with arthritis live their best lives. More information and registration are available at www.carolinahillsclassic.org.
# # #
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation's mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.
About the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour
The Arthritis Foundation's Carolina Hills Classic is a four-day, fully-supported and self-paced road biking adventure that traverses the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North and South Carolina. With a goal of raising $250,000 in its inaugural year, funds from CHC support the fight to conquer arthritis, the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States, while raising awareness and support for the nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related condition. For more information and to register, please visit CarolinaHillsClassic.org.
About Explore Asheville
Explore Asheville is the tourism promotion agency for the Asheville area, supporting small businesses, cultural attractions, and the local economy. The Always Asheville Fund is an initiative of Explore Asheville designed to help small businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County recover from the economic impacts of natural disasters and continue to contribute to the region's vibrant tourism industry.
