The Mountain Ways group helping people after the flooding from Helene has another half-million reasons to help even more.
The governments of Sevier County on Wednesday donated $500,000 to the Mountain Ways Fund.
Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters said the money comes from the three cities and the county, each contributing $125,000 each.
He said the donation came from taxpayer money and is the county’s way to give back after the help they got in the 2016 wildfires.
They were kind enough to do that,” Waters said. “They all supported it from the first time we mentioned it; there was never a hesitation on behalf of anybody because all of them wanted to support these communities.”
The executive director of Mountain Ways, Lori Moore, said the money will go to help meet peoples most basic needs. She said the need is still great for those who have lost everything.
Another way you can help will come on Friday, when Knoxville artist Mark English and Photographer Bruce McKamis host a fundraiser in the Old City starting at 5:30 p.m.
That money will go straight to Mountain Ways as well.
More than 15 million lights illuminate the tri-city’s parkway and holiday shows. Decorated attractions, shopping and special events will be ongoing through Feb. 17, 2025.
Smoky Mountain Winterfest is now in its 35th year, turning what used to be a sleepy time for the mountain towns into a robust tourist draw. Years before, the region would slow down after summer and fall foliage, with attractions forced to lay off workers. Now, the region enjoys a burst of activity in the winter and maintains tourism throughout the year.
