The Leon Levine Foundation has pledged $5 million to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene has had a devastating impact, resulting in at least 143 fatalities across the Southeast, including 57 confirmed deaths in Buncombe County.

The storm caused extensive destruction, particularly erasing downtown Chimney Rock and leaving thousands of residents homeless.

As part of its commitment, the foundation has allocated an initial $1 million to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina to assist 18 counties affected by the hurricane.

Additionally, the David and Nicole Tepper Foundation, linked to the owners of the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, has pledged $3 million for relief efforts.

Spectrum, a wireless provider, has also contributed by pledging $1 million to relief efforts across North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, supporting various disaster relief funds.

In a show of solidarity, American Airlines announced that its AAdvantage members have collectively donated over $2 million to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Helene relief.

To further assist the recovery, the Leon Levine Foundation plans to expedite its scheduled grants for 2025 and enhance support for nonprofit partners in the affected mountain regions.

The Leon Levine Foundation, established in 1980 by Leon Levine, the founder of the first Family Dollar store in Charlotte, continues to play a significant role in community support during crises.