[October 1, 2024]
Dear Friend of Kanuga,
Our heartfelt prayers go out to the many communities and thousands of people impacted by hurricane Helene.
With gratitude, I can report that the guests and staff who weathered the storm at Kanuga are safe. Kanuga’s resourceful and dedicated team rose to the challenge to embody the love of God in their hard work during the storm. There is much more work ahead.
This tropical storm has been the most devastating weather event to impact Kanuga since the great flood of 1916.
Power is out and roads in and out of Kanuga are closed. Kanuga Lake Road is unstable. Kanuga sustained substantial damage from high winds, flooding, and downed trees.
While the damage is great, it is not catastrophic. We will recover. That said, we have significant damage to at least two cottages as well as the lakefront pavilion. Trees are down on several other buildings and some roofs sustained wind damage. The lake level was so high that the lower portion of the pavilion flooded with several feet of water.
We are closed for at least two weeks, although I believe it may be longer before we can reopen.
Now is a time for assessing damage and planning for the required repairs.
Many of you, along with groups and parishes, have reached out to offer help with what will be a massive clean-up effort. This is deeply meaningful and the time for it will come, once campus is more secure.
More immediately, your philanthropic support is critical. During the coming months as we await the settlement of insurance claims, cash flow will be low while the need to make repairs will be high.
Your gift during this difficult time will help accelerate our recovery and resume operations. I ask you to please consider visiting Kanuga.org/Giving to make a gift.
Thank you for your prayers and concern. I will continue to provide updates as recovery efforts continue. This is a challenging time for Kanuga, our staff, and our community. Together, we will persevere as the Holy Spirit guides us.
Grace and peace,
 |
The Rev. Michael Sullivan
President & CEO
