Opening Night with the Asheville Tourists set the stage for something just as special off the field—a celebration of the people who show up for our community all year long.
On the opening night of the 2026 season, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe brought together nearly 100 dedicated volunteers, nonprofit partners, and community members for an evening that felt equal parts ballgame and big “thank you.” From chatting in the stands to connecting over upcoming opportunities to serve, it was a joyful reminder of what happens when people come together with a shared purpose.
“It just fills my heart to be able to host a fun event like this for our volunteers,” Ginny Allison, Volunteer Engagement Manager of Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, said, “The volunteers here tonight give back to our community so much and have alway shown up for us, so it’s really nice to be able to celebrate all they do.”
For over 50 years, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe—United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County's community volunteer center—has connected people who want to help with the organizations that rely on them. What began as a small, in-person resource has grown into a dynamic, easy-to-use online platform where individuals, families, businesses, and groups can find meaningful ways to give back, and nonprofits can connect with the volunteers they need.
The evening was also a celebration of National Volunteer Appreciation Month—a fitting backdrop for recognizing a community that continues to show up. Everyone in attendance plays a role in advancing UWABC’s focus on Youth Opportunity and Community Resiliency, whether by volunteering directly or supporting the work in other ways.
All in all, it was a night full of connection, appreciation, and community spirit—proof that even beyond the ballpark, this is a team worth cheering for.
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