Eblen was formed in 1991 by Joe Eblen who owned Biltmore Oil at the time. His mission was to keep our neighbors warm in the wintertime with heating assistance. Eblen has grown over the last 35 years, but the core of our mission hasn't changed. We keep our neighbors housed, warm, safe and healthy.

Joe Eblen called me back in 2004 to help him with a project and through my 30 plus years with iHeart Radio, we always loved supporting Eblen. I joined the board of directors in 2021 and when we had an opening for the executive director position in the fall of 2024, the timing was right for me to make the move and join Eblen on a full-time basis.

We would love for Biltmore Park neighbors to join us in our mission. We have many ways to donate to us throughout the year. Whether it's financially, through volunteering or donating the supplies that we gather over the course of the year. We also have the Wicked Weed Brad Johnson Golf Classic at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove in July. We would love for some Biltmore Park neighbors to play or volunteer.

Eblen has long-standing programs that help with rental and utility assistance, vouchers for eyeglasses, gas and clothing amongst others. Eblen also has yearly events that supply coats and winter gear, prom dresses, school supplies, Thanksgiving meals and toys at Christmas. We supported Helene recovery projects in Buncombe, McDowell, Henderson, Madison and Yancey counties. Since Helene hit WNC we have given out over $5.1 million in assistance to our neighbors in need.

As we move through 2026, we have so many clients that are still in need after Helene. With each passing day, the national spotlight fades away after a disaster while the recovery still goes on. We're here for the long term and would love to grow our support in the Biltmore Park community. Go to eblencharities.org. to learn more.