Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village announce a Party Rock Fire thank you celebration and fundraiser for Hickory Nut Gorge Fire Departments, hosted by Rumbling Bald Resort on Saturday, Jan. 21, to honor local fire departments for their role in battling the recent Party Rock Fire.

The event will also recognize several businesses, volunteers and others who went above and beyond in responding to the challenges of the 25+ day wildfire. Following a chili cook-off by Lake Lure Classical Academy earlier in the day, the thank you celebration and fundraiser will begin at 5 p.m. Although space is limited, all are welcome to attend this free event, which will include a cocktail reception, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a time for special recognitions, and some entertainment.

Rumbling Bald Resort, its homeowners’ association, the Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, the municipalities of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock Village, Lake Lure Classical Academy, and the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge will combine forces to raise funds for local fire departments. The Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation will serve as the lead organization in managing all of the financial contributions raised, ensuring that all contributions go to the “Party Rock Fire Thank You Fund” for local fire departments.

Donations are tax-deductible and should be made to the Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization.

There are three ways to give:

1) Directly at the Party Rock Fire Recovery Celebration at Rumbling Bald Resort on Jan. 21.

2) Online, anytime the Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation’s website, www.hngfoundation.org/party-rock-firefighters-fund.html

3) By mail to The Hickory Nut Gorge Foundation, PO Box 783, Lake Lure, NC 28746.

For specific questions related to financial contributions, contact Jack Barton at 704-578-5507 or by email to jkbarton@me.com.

To RSVP for the Jan. 21 event, please call 828-694-3016 by Jan. 16.

– from staff reports