Great Smoky Mountains National Park Needs Your Help!

If you haven’t already heard, a major wildfire has swept through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding towns. Park Rangers and residents have already lost their homes.

We have reached out to our friends in the area (some of whom work in the Park) to find out how we can help. We found several organizations where you can donate and offer some relief to the area and those who now have to rebuild their lives. Here’s a few ways you can help.

Smokies Strong Virtual Race

We’re holding a benefit virtual race over the next week to help raise money for those affected by the wildfire. When you register, you’ll be given the choice of four fundraising efforts we’ve identified that are helping those in the area. 100% of your money will go to the option you choose, and all proceeds will go towards helping the area recover from the fire. You can learn more about each below.

You will also have the option to register with a Charity Bib. You can learn more about those on the race registration form.

SIGN UP FOR THE RACE HERE

We want to be clear. We as a company will not be making any money off of this virtual race. We have set it up purely to offer relief to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and anyone else affected by the fire.

*Please note, because we are not a non-profit ourselves, if you choose to run the virtual race any money you donate through us won’t be tax deductible. If you want the tax deduction, please donate directly though the non-profit.

Donate Independently

If the virtual race doesn’t interest you, you can donate directly yourself. Here are a few places to donate:

Great Smoky Mountains Association: This relief fund was established specifically for National Park Service & GSMA wildfire victims. Through this account, 100% of donated funds will be divided among NPS and park partner fire victims to help them rebuild their lives.

Dollywood Foundation: To aid in their recovery effort, the Dollywood Foundation will provide $1,000 a month to all of those families who lost their homes in the fires for six months so that they can get back on their feet.

Gatlinburg Relief Fund: This fund was set up to offer relief to those in Gatlinburg, TN who have lost homes and businesses to the fire. They are also accepting mailed in donations here:

Gatlinburg Relief Fund
SmartBank
P.O. Box 1910
Pigeon Forge, TN 37868

You can call for more information at 865-453-2650.

American Red Cross: As always, you can also donate to the American Red Cross. Donate online, or make a $10 donation by texting “REDCROSS” TO 90999.