A Message of Gratitude from ISC President Michael Carson
From the moment I joined the International Storytelling Center in April, I recognized that our organization, and even the resurgence of storytelling worldwide, owes its success to the thousands upon thousands of individuals who have supported this work.
At no time has this been more apparent than in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
While there was understandable disappointment when we announced the cancellation of this year’s National Storytelling Festival, the overall positive response from our supporters was overwhelming. In the wake of the cancellation, individuals and families who had already purchased tickets and secured lodging emailed, texted, and called with kind messages of support for ISC, our staff, and our mission.
You also supported us and our region through your actions, such as attending the benefit concert organized by Bil Lepp, Andy Offutt Irwin, Paul Strickland, and Sheila Arnold. It took place on what have been the weekend of the Festival, and filled the new Jackson Theatre in downtown Jonesborough.
And then you started donating through ticket refund donations and other generous contributions to help us out in the aftermath of Helene.
We are still counting, but we already know that the impact of the National Storytelling Festival’s cancellation has been greatly reduced by your support. Once again, at a time when we needed you most, you came through.
Perhaps the thing that has impressed me the most has been the number of supporters who took up the option we offered to donate the cost of their tickets to the United Way of East TN Highlands, which provided direct relief for thousands of people impacted by the hurricane in our region.
As I have gotten to know so many of you in these past months, I have come to believe that there is no more generous spirit to be found than among the individuals who attend our storytelling events. So many of you took your hard-earned money and, rather than pocketing a well-deserved refund, donated to us at ISC or forwarded it to help the people suffering in our region. Some of you even did both.
Thank you and thank you again. I know that we at ISC will continue to thrive in the future because of you. I also know that our region will survive and flourish, thanks in no small part to your help.
We are Appalachian Strong.