Graham Sharp, left, and Darren Nicholson perform at the 2025 Blue Star Gala
On Saturday, October 10, the Path Forward Foundation presents the first annual Blue Ridge Ball from 6–10 p.m. at Blue Star Gallery in West Asheville. The event will feature the Darren Nicholson Band, food from chef Michelle Bailey, local beer and wine and a silent auction of work by WNC artists. Tickets are $75 and include dinner, two drinks and live music, with attendance limited to 200 people.
The public event grows out of a private fundraiser held last fall by Blue Star Gallery owners Babette Reynolds and David Newton. The couple held the fundraiser the day after their Halloween wedding at The Radical Hotel.
David Newton and Babette Reynolds at the 2025 Gala. Photo by Stephan Pruitt
“The community has embraced us so much that we felt the need to share our mission with everyone in the area that wanted to be a part of it,” says Newton. “We also believe it will help shine more light on West Asheville, which has become so dear to us so fast.”
Funds raised last year were directed toward artists and musicians affected by Helene. The foundation sponsored 12 emerging WNC artists to participate in the Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville during its July and October events.
“They were grateful beyond description on how it helped allow them to participate in the event and get their work seen by thousands,” says Newton. “We decided helping them be a part of a show like this would benefit them more than just giving them money because the exposure is invaluable.”
The foundation also donated $5,000 to ReString Appalachia, which works to reconnect musicians with instruments and equipment lost during Helene. The funding helped establish instrument and gear access for WNC musicians at the organization’s first physical location in Marshall.
The Path Forward Foundation’s work is rooted in sustaining the creative people and small businesses that contribute to the character of the region. The foundation’s board will meet after the event to determine how to use the funds raised.
“The strength and resolve we saw in the area by those impacted hasn’t been forgotten and we know, despite the amazing recovery so far, there is so much more to be done,” says Newton. “Our mission remains to help artists of all kinds and musicians and small businesses still impacted by Helene.”
Blue Star Gallery is located at 867 Haywood Road, Asheville. Learn more and buy tickets at BlueStarGallery.com.
