Boone, NC – The Retreat at Boone, a new luxury student housing community, has made a $10,000 donation to Casting Bread, a local nonprofit operating out of Blowing Rock. Casting Bread provides free food and runs a community kitchen for individuals and families facing food insecurity in Western North Carolina. The donation was announced during the groundbreaking ceremony for The Retreat’s new location.
Casting Bread, situated at 194 Aho Rd, Blowing Rock, suffered severe damage during Hurricane Helene in 2024. After making urgent repairs, the organization recently underwent significant renovations, resuming its operations in late August. Clara Coffey, Executive Director of Casting Bread, confirmed that the $10,000 will be allocated to the nonprofit’s general operations, ensuring its continued service to the community.
Chase Powell, Senior Director of Development for Landmark Properties, the company behind The Retreat at Boone, stated via email that the company has pledged to support organizations actively working for the well-being of the Boone community, highlighting Casting Bread’s critical role in combating food insecurity in Western North Carolina.
According to its website, Casting Bread's primary goal is to "share food, compassion and community," with a vision to provide food security to all. Coffey emphasized the impact of donations, explaining that the organization's nonprofit status and ability to procure food at a discount allows them to convert "twenty dollars of food into one hundred dollars of food" for the community. This multiplier effect means the $10,000 donation will significantly boost their capacity to provide meals.
This donation marks a notable contribution, as Casting Bread typically operates through community sponsorships rather than corporate donations, especially from entities without prior connections. Both the donor and recipient expressed hopes for an ongoing relationship. Powell conveyed an anticipation for "the continuation of relationships with local organizations and the identification of meaningful ways for The Retreat to be a good neighbor." Coffey echoed this sentiment, expressing her hope that the donation would not only serve as positive news but evolve into "an empathetic investment and relationship for the community where they are working."
The Retreat at Boone is preparing for its initial move-in date on July 31, 2027, with leasing opportunities expected to commence soon. The community plans to release updates on its Instagram channel. Meanwhile, Casting Bread is actively seeking more Appalachian State University interns, with detailed information about internships, food access, and volunteer opportunities available on its website.
