Biltmore Estate is committing $2 million to local recovery efforts in Helene

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Biltmore Estate and its owners have pledged $2 million to help the surrounding community recover from Helene.

Although the property remains closed due to storm damage, the family owners said Biltmore will continue to provide unwavering support to its employees and the community as the rebuilding effort begins.

“Western North Carolina has been our family home for more than 125 years, and we are devastated to see the impact Helene has had on our region,” said Bill Cecil, Jr., President and CEO of Biltmore, in a written statement on October 7. “ We remain committed to supporting our employees and neighbors following this unprecedented storm and long-term recovery efforts. Now more than ever, we must work together to stabilize and rebuild this community.

BILTMORE ESTATE WILL FOCUS ON QUICK RESTORATION, WELCOMES SUPPORT FROM STORM-HAZLED COMMUNITY

The $2 million commitment was announced through the newly established BiltmoreRelief Fund for WNC to support Helene's relief efforts. The Fund's focus is to provide urgent and immediate financial assistance to those in need, including supporting employees in crisis, supporting regional nonprofits that serve our region, and investing in our community's recovery.

Biltmore Estate is considered America's largest home and is Asheville's biggest tourist attraction. Biltmore Village, a popular shopping area just outside the property, was hit hard by the historic Helene flood.

On October 3, the property provided an update on storm damage, saying the main entrance and other low-lying areas of the property were experiencing significant flooding and building damage. There was also significant wind damage to the property and some structures in the wooded areas of the property. However, the owners said the property's Biltmore House, conservatory, winery, gardens and hotels suffered minimal or no damage.

IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING: BILTMORE VILLAGE BEGINS A BOLD RETURN AFTER HELENE

“Unfortunately, we lost some of our animals during the storm, but the vast majority are safe and accounted for thanks to our dedicated farming and equestrian teams,” the update posted on social media said in part.