The Glickman Popkin Bassoon Camp

Dear Bassoon Campers,  

We are all very concerned for our beloved Wildacres and the people in the surrounding towns of Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine and beyond.

The following information was put out by our colleagues from the John Mack Oboe Camp and we at the Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp will be joining in contributing to the relief efforts listed below. Please read:

 Hurricane Helene has devastated the western part of North Carolina. According to reports from rescue groups, the situation is as bad or worse than what was seen in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina because the rain flowed downhill with such force that homes and entire towns were completely wiped out. 

“The infrastructure to Mitchell and McDowell Counties is gone!” says Hoyt Johnson, from the Big Lynn Lodge. Three hundred people are stranded at his lodge with no generator to create the power needed to prepare meals.

 At Wildacres, 60 people at the retreat for a seminar were evacuated by helicopter. I talked with Wildacres’ owner Phillip Blumenthal and am happy to report that all of the staff members are accounted for and safe, though they no power or cellular service. The auditorium and dining hall suffered tree damage, water tanks were destroyed and need to be replaced, the fate of the well and septic system is uncertain and may have been washed down the mountain; and parts of on and leading to the property have been washed out.

We have been reaching out to our friends in Little Switzerland and have a list of suggestions for donations. Please indicate that you are friends of the John Mack Oboe Camp and the Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp.

1. Wildacres

You can specify where your donation should go; for example, to help staff.

2. Big Lynn Lodge Community Relief Fund

The lodge’s owners, Kelly and Hoyt, were in tears when I called and offered to help. They are beyond desperate.

3. The United Cajun Navy

The organization was first on the scene with donkeys and helicopters to carry supplies to those in need. The United Cajun Navy believes that strength lies not only in the words we stand by but, most importantly, the actions of our initiatives. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focuses on helping make the world a better place. With the help of its “tireless staff and volunteers,” the United Cajun Navy organizes search-and-rescue teams during natural disasters.

4. Operation Airdrop (based at Concord Regional Airport)

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing rapid relief to communities impacted by natural disasters. Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the organization mobilizes volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes.

5. American Red Cross

For other donation options other than online, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text HELENE to 90999. 

6. Samaritan’s Purse

Samaritan’s Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods and other natural disasters in the United States. Learn more about the organization and donate to donate to the organization’s hurricane Helene relief efforts at 

Thank you!