When a tree in the forest is struggling- drought-stressed, storm-damaged, cut off from light, the mycelial network beneath the soil does something remarkable: it redirects water, carbon, and nutrients from thriving trees to the one in need. No tree survives alone. Neither do we.

This year, we're writing to you as part of our network.

We'll be honest: this has been the hardest financial year in SeekHealing's history. Federal funding cuts have hit community-based organizations across Western North Carolina, and ours is no exception. We're not writing to alarm you — we're writing because we know how networks respond in hard seasons. They gather. They share. They flow toward what needs tending.

So we're gathering.

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Join us for dinner.

You're invited to an evening of connection and celebration on December 13th, 2026 from 5pm-8pm at Blank Space in Asheville. Featuring a feast of locally foraged and grown mushrooms (with slow-smoked brisket joining the table this year), a raffle with gifts from local businesses and artisans, and an honest, hopeful conversation about the year behind us and the one ahead.

Over the course of the evening, you'll hear about what SeekHealing accomplished this year, what we're up against, and where we're headed — and you'll have the chance to experience an example of the Connection Practices at the heart of our programming for yourself.

For those moved to help sustain this work, there will be opportunities during the evening to support SeekHealing's end-of-year campaigns, whether that's a larger sustaining gift or joining our community of monthly donors. But first and foremost: come eat with us, connect with your neighbors, and be part of the network.

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All proceeds benefit SeekHealing, a local Asheville-based nonprofit addressing the loneliness epidemic through programs that facilitate intentional human connection. All programming is offered 100% free to participants, serving community members who have been most marginalized and disconnected by prevailing systems.

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The evening will feature:

• A locally sourced dinner starring foraged and cultivated mushrooms — plus brisket for our carnivorous friends by Chef AJ Gregson
• A raffle with gifts from local businesses and artisans 
• An organizational presentation
• Facilitated connection-based activities — a taste of what SeekHealing offers our communities every week

Parking: Free Parking on the street and paid parking across the street 

Our gathering will once again feature a purple and green color theme (our organizational colors), so feel free to add your own fashionable flair if it strikes your fancy — never required.

Questions? Reach out to the event coordinator, Caitie at caitie@seekhealing.org 

Warmly and with gratitude,

SeekHealing Team