Dear Friend of Mountain Projects,
Patsy Davis will soon retire after 30 years as Executive Director of Mountain Projects, leaving an enduring legacy in our mountain communities.
In her honor, we are both proud and humbled to announce the creation of the Patsy Davis Legacy Fund, a tribute to an extraordinary woman whose leadership has shaped the heart of our organization for over 35 years – 30 of those as our Executive Director. We hope you’ll join us.
If you’ve had the privilege of knowing Patsy, you know that her work has never just been a job – it’s been a calling. Her compassion, courage, and relentless commitment to serving others have been a beacon of hope for so many. Recently, Patsy received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, one of North Carolina’s highest honors, in recognition of her lifelong service and impact. It’s a reflection of what so many of us already knew – her legacy is one of love in action.
The Patsy Davis Legacy Fund will carry forward that spirit by addressing one of the most urgent needs in our region: housing. At a time when safe, stable homes are out of reach for too many, this restricted fund will provide direct support for those at risk. From building new homes and self-help housing to urgent repairs, weatherization, safety improvements and other housing needs, this fund will be a lifeline—just as Patsy has been.
But we cannot do this alone. We need the partnership of compassionate people like you – people who understand that housing is more than shelter. It’s dignity. It’s stability. It’s the cornerstone of opportunity for families trying to build a better future.
Your gift – whatever the amount – will go directly to work, providing tangible, life-changing support to those who need it most. It’s also a way to honor a woman who has given so much of herself to others.
To donate, please visit MountainProjects.org/LegacyFund or use the enclosed card and send your gift to Legacy Fund, Mountain Projects, 2177 Asheville Road, Waynesville, NC 28786. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us or call Judy Dykes at 404-310-5772.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us celebrate Patsy’s incredible legacy. With your help, we can continue her life’s work—offering hope, stability, and a path forward for families across our beloved mountain communities.
With deep gratitude,
Judy & Bucky Dykes
Geri & Don McGowan
Haywood & Jackson Counties – Si Simmons, a coach and recognized community leader in Haywood and Jackson Counties, has been named the next Executive Director of Mountain Projects. Simmons, currently the organization’s Deputy Director, will assume his new role following the retirement of longtime Executive Director Patsy Davis.
Simmons brings to the role a steadfast belief in helping others and a high capacity for team-building. His professional background includes a 33-year career in public education with Jackson County Schools, where he served as an athletics director, coach, teacher, and dropout prevention coordinator. After his time in education, Simmons led Haywood Public Transit—a division of Mountain Projects—for five years before being promoted to Deputy Director.
Board President Dr. Carl Matthews said, “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with Si Simmons for more than five years, and it’s truly an honor. I’m proud to support the Board of Directors’ unanimous decision to ask Si to serve as the next Executive Director of Mountain Projects. Si embodies the mission of our organization and will carry forward the strong legacy built by Patsy Davis. His unwavering ‘can and will’ attitude, deep connection to our mountain culture, and steady compassion make him the right leader to guide Mountain Projects into the future.”
“I am deeply honored to follow in Patsy’s footsteps,” said Simmons. “Her work has laid a strong foundation. I look forward to building on that legacy—listening to our community, strengthening our programs, and ensuring Mountain Projects remains an organization that steps up to meet the needs of the most vulnerable and is ready to take action during emergencies.”
Simmons is known for his collaborative spirit and commitment to respecting the lived experiences of those navigating economic uncertainty. “I have no doubt or reservation that Si will continue to operate Mountain Projects in an honest, transparent, and compassionate manner,” said Davis. “Si is a great coach, and under his leadership, the Mountain Projects team will grow in their capacity to do good work in Haywood and Jackson Counties.”
Davis, a Jackson County native who has worked for Mountain Projects since 1998, leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for the elderly, disabled, and low-income members of our community. “Under her guidance, Mountain Projects expanded its reach, and her leadership has shaped the heart of our mission,” said Matthews.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2024
Contact: Angeline Schwab, 828-550-9336 / [email protected]
Press Release: Maggie Valley Club & Resort pitches in for Flood Relief
MAGGIE VALLEY, NC – In a heartfelt community effort, Maggie Valley Club & Resort has donated nearly $7,000 to Mountain Projects’ Emergency Relief Fund to support local flood relief efforts.
“We had members reaching out, eager to help flood survivors,” said Linda Flahardy, Facilitator of the Maggie Valley Club & Resort Member Advisory Group. “Together, we chose to partner with Mountain Projects because of their long-standing history in the community and their direct connection to those in need of support.”
The funds will assist local residents affected by Hurricane Helene with essential needs such as housing repairs, furniture, clothing, and other basic necessities. T
he donation was raised during a Christmas party featuring a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle, attended by 100 members and community guests.
“We are thrilled to partner with Mountain Projects,” said Tom Olliff, President of the Maggie Valley Men’s Golf Association. “We hope, in some small way, this contribution will make a difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors impacted by the hurricane.”
Community members who have experienced damage or displacement due to Hurricane Helene can call 828-452-1447 to connect with a Mountain Projects intake counselor for assistance.
Pictured(left to right): Si Simmons, Deputy Director; Tracie McMillan, Restaurant Manager; Steve Wright, General Manager of the Club & Resort; Linda Flahardy, Facilitator of the Member Advisory Group; and Tom Olliff, President of Maggie Valley Men’s Golf Association.
One-day event, ‘Rock for Relief’ raises over $34K for Mountain Projects and Musicians Fund
In an impressive feat of camaraderie, compassion and creativity, the recent “Rock for Relief: A WNC Flood Benefit Festival” was able to garner more than $34,000 in its one-day musical extravaganza.
Held on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Waynesville and surrounding communities, the gathering consisted of over 60 artists performing on 16 stages around Haywood County. All efforts involved were donated: from musicians to production, volunteers to venues.
“It’s just incredible to see how our community came together for a great cause,” said Patrick Schneider, president of Adamas Entertainment, a Waynesville-based production company who helped organize the event. “This is what live music is all about.”
Proceeds will be distributed between Mountain Projects, a beloved longtime nonprofit organization helping those in need in Haywood and Jackson counties, and also be given directly into the hands of local artists heavily affected by the floods through the Rock for Relief Musicians Fund.
“There will always be a call for aid to help our family, friends and neighbors here in Western North Carolina,” Schneider said. “And we want to continue to be part of the process to assist those in need.”
This past week, a check for $24,615 was handed to Mountain Projects. The remaining $10,000 will be put towards the Rock for Relief Musicians Fund.
Schneider noted that plans are already in the works for another similar event this coming spring, with “Rock for Relief” expected to return for its second installment next fall.
The Smoky Mountain News was the official media sponsor of “Rock for Relief.” For more information, click on rockforreliefwnc.com.
Beth Lewis has worked with Mountain Projects Head Start since 2002, and her husband, Hugh, is a retired long-haul trucker. As they enjoyed a fall evening on the porch of their Bow-legged Valley home recently, Beth thought about how to help households affected by the flood. What could they do to help someone who had lost it all, she wondered?
The couple had already donated to Sarge’s Animal Rescue Foundation to support care for displaced pets, but didn’t quite know how they could make a difference for people who faced the monumental task of replacing everything they had.
Hugh turned to her at that moment and asked, “What do you think about donating our camper to a flood survivor?”
“It was weighing heavy on my heart that we needed to do something – and then Hugh was thinking the very same thing – It was a God thing,” says Beth.
Meanwhile, Michelle and Jeff Parker, of Clyde, had lost everything they owned. They needed a safe, dry and healthy place to stay while they sorted out details with insurance, FEMA and finding a new place to live.
Now, a short while later, the Parkers have a place to call home and the two families share what they consider a blessing.
“The Lewises are the sweetest people,” says Parker from the camper in its location on a hill in Jonathan Valley.
Beth Lewis says they’ve visited with Michelle several times to help hook up everything and stabilize the RV. “We will not only stay in touch with the Parkers, they are family now,” Lewis said. “Michelle has been a blessing to us,” she added.
After Beth and Hugh Lewis had struck the same note on their porch that evening a few weeks ago, Beth reached out to Mountain Projects Executive Director Patsy Davis to ask if she knew anyone who needed an RV. She did – she and community volunteer Lorelei Garnes had been working to help the Parkers.
“It popped into my head one day that we’re just gonna have to buy a camper,” said Michelle. “That’s all we could afford to live in. So I put it on Facebook, ‘does anybody have a camper?’”
Garnes saw the post, got in touch, and soon the connection was made.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Michelle, who works at a doctor’s office in Sylva, had just helped Jeff home from rehab for a broken leg he suffered before the flood came. Until a short while ago he had no place to call home, but now the spacious camper is in place, and volunteers from St. Paul Methodist of Tabor City have installed steps and a small porch so he can get in and out easily.
Michelle described their experience. The Parkers’ home had been damaged by Tropical Storm Fred in 2021, and repairs had taken two years to complete. Helene was much worse.
The Parkers left before Helene arrived, mainly because of Jeff’s leg, but also because of their three dogs. A neighbor stayed longer and kept them up to date.
“We just took what we needed, because I was assuming it would be like the last time where it just came a little ways up,” said Michelle. “We figured the stuff that was high in the house we’d be able to save, but no, not this time.”
“Our house was just destroyed,” she said. “The water line was inches from the ceiling, and it had tossed around our appliances like they were nothing.”
“This time it took out our whole neighborhood,” she said, describing only hit-and-miss damages from previous floods. “This time it went to the ceiling on every house. It took out the whole middle of Clyde.”
“When I heard from our neighbor that our house flooded that bad again, I lost it,” said Michelle. “I was like, I’m ready to give up. I’m a strong person, but I was hopeless. I knew how hard it was going through Fred, and I thought ‘I can’t do this again’.”
She described the efforts they’d gone to to recover from Fred, the equity they’d built in their home, and the despair at having lost it all.
But since Helene, volunteers from Calvary Road Baptist Church in Maggie Valley, God’s Pit Crew from Danville,Virginia, and Eight Days of Hope from Tupelo, Mississippi have tackled mold removal and taken the house down to its studs.
The Parkers don’t know what’s next, exactly. Perhaps more house repairs and the risk of another flood. “We have insurance, but it isn’t enough,” says Parker, “FEMA regulations wouldn’t allow homeowners to up the insurance after the last flood.”
Perhaps after major repairs they’ll attempt to sell, but that’s unlikely. And taking the loss and buying another house is out of the question.
They do know they have a reprieve while they search for answers, thanks to the Lewises and people from this community and others.
“Without Lorelei and Mountain Projects and all of these churches that are coming in, none of us would have help,” said Parker. “We aren’t getting help from anywhere else yet. They’re the ones that got this going.”