RAFT for America Experience

Wed, May 28 2025

French Broad River

Reunion,
Recovery &
Rebuilding

Americans come together in a time of crisis to help each other, no matter our backgrounds, differences, or beliefs. In the wake of the devastation from Hurricane Helene in September of 2024, communities along the banks of the French Broad such as Hot Springs and Marshall have done just that as they work on rebuilding. This trip brings together diverse members of the region to focus on rebuilding relationships and communities after a very challenging year.
RAFT for America  (Reuniting America by Fostering Trust) will kick off the 2025 season in North Carolina on The French Broad River.  The French Broad is nestled within the Pisgah National Forest of Western North Carolina and includes warm waters, breathtaking scenery, wildlife and thrilling rapids.
Apply to join us on the river

Sponsorship

Nonprofits in the Asheville region have made great progress in their rebuilding efforts, and the community has reopened to tourism. We are excited that this trip will help share the message that the area is open for rafting, biking and other adventures, and that additional support is still needed to help the region fully recover from Hurricane Helene's devastation. Team Democracy has engaged award-winning filmmaker, Kristi Kendall, to produce a video from the event that will be shared widely across media and the community.

We are grateful to our sponsors whose donations make this event possible! If you or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to ryan.kleeman@teamdemocracy.org. Sponsors will be recognized on our website and in our video, and in our social media outreach. Additionally, any funds beyond what is necessary to run this event will be donated to organizations supporting the recovery of the region, such as Rebuild Hot Springs and MountainTrue.

Thank you for your support!

The RAFT event on the French Broad is made possible through collaboration with: