FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Courage in Bloom 2026 Highlights the Impact of Our Voice in the Community
Annual Event to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking
Asheville, NC — Our Voice will host its 2nd annual Courage in Bloom event on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Highland Brewing Company. This year’s event will pay tribute to Our Voice’s Impact in the Community, highlighting the organization’s role in supporting survivors and strengthening community health and safety for the last 52 years.
Courage in Bloom brings together community members, business leaders, elected officials, and partners for an evening of connection and support for survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking.
“Saying ‘this event matters now more than ever’ sounds like a cliche,” said Rita Nugent, Executive Director of Our Voice. “but it’s true.”
Earlier this year, Our Voice lost approximately $180,000 in federal funding under shifting national priorities. These funds directly support counseling services and bilingual advocacy for survivors.
Nugent continued, “While the organization remains committed to providing all services at no cost, this loss has increased reliance on our incredible community investment to sustain and expand services.”
Courage in Bloom serves as both a fundraising and awareness building event, bringing visibility to the importance of survivor support while generating critical funding to ensure services remain accessible.
The event’s speaker lineup reflects this community commitment with planned words from County Commissioner Drew Ball, City Councilperson Maggie Ullman, Michael Horvath of Asheville Hotel Group, and a special VIP video message to be revealed at the event.
Attendees will enjoy a catered meal by Everyday Gourmet, music by DJ Big Wave, and access to a Zim Zoom photo booth. There will also be an exciting silent and live auction with items including a curated wheelbarrow of spirits from The Chemist, a home décor package with an 8×10 rug from Rug & Home, artisan furniture from Sassafras Hill Studios, and trips to Tuscany, Italy and Porto, Portugal.
Tickets are on sale now at ourvoicenc.org/courage-in-bloom.
Featured
Courage in Bloom reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that survivors are supported, and that communities remain informed, responsive, and engaged.
Sponsors
Our Voice extends gratitude to the businesses and organizations supporting Courage in Bloom 2026, including Advent Health Systems, Legacy Bookkeeping, Alfie Homes, First Bank, Rug and Home, Mission Hospital, Scorch Fitness, Sineath Construction, Givens Foundation, Legerton Architecture, iHeart, Leah Noel CPA, Asset Marketing Brokers, and Tops For Shoes.
For more information about the event or to get involved, please contact:
Kelly Golden
Director of Development and Communications
Our Voice
828.252.0562 ext. 102
About Our Voice
Our Voice is Buncombe County’s certified rape crisis center. For more than 50 years, the organization has provided free services to survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. These services include a 24-hour crisis line, hospital and court advocacy, case management, bilingual advocacy, individual and group counseling, and prevention education for youth and adults.
Our Voice serves survivors of sexual violence in Buncombe County and survivors of human trafficking in Buncombe, McDowell, and Transylvania Counties. Sexual violence impacts many individuals and families across the community, with one in three women and one in six men affected. While public attention to these issues may shift, the need for consistent, local, survivor-centered support remains constant.