HELL OR HIGH WATER
Event
OFTB was proud to work with Connect Beyond Festival to present Hell or High Water: An Evening to Benefit WNC. This special fundraising event for WNC Tip it Forward supported Western North Carolina's culinary and creative communities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
In February 2025, guests gathered at the historic Bell Tower in downtown Nashville for an intimate evening that included dinner by James Beard Award-winning chefs, music, a silent auction with music and food-focused rare items and experiences, and community.
GRAMMY winner T Bone Burnett and Rolling Stone senior music editor Joseph Hudak hosted special guests, including GRAMMY winners I’m With Her, Daniel Tashian and Mike Elizondo, for musical performances as well as conversation around the inspiration behind their songs.
THE work:
OFTB handled creative & event coordination, public relations, digital advertising, sponsorship coordination, email, social media, and VIP experience design.
The evening included:
Dinner by James Beard Award-winning chefs & restaurateurs Sean Brock (Audrey, Joyland) and Brian Riggenbach (The Mockingbird)
Musical showcase with T Bone Burnett and Friends, with conversation led by Rolling Stone senior music editor, Joseph Hudak
Open bar with a selection of fine wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails
A silent auction offering exclusive items and experiences
VIP ticketholders received additional perks, including an Asheville gift box full of locally-made treats and artisan goods, access to a private whiskey tasting room presented by Chemist Spirits, and a limited edition signed poster from the event.
THE RESULTS:
100% of net proceeds benefitted WNC Tip It Forward, a relief fund program providing critical financial support to local artists and food service workers directly impacted by Hurricane Helene. The region’s food and beverage industry and arts economy were both fighting to recover after Helene upended Western North Carolina. WNC Tip It Forward had been raising funds since late October 2024 and quickly distributed over 1,600 grants to individuals. The Hell or High Water event was one of the capstone fundraising moments during WNCTIP’s programming.
Supporting the arts and hospitality communities of wnc
THE TEAM:
Role: Marketing & Partnerships Director/Agency
Team: Eric Pieper (branding & creative direction), Connect Beyond Festival (event production), Nicole Lund (auction), Infinity Hospitality Group (event production), Slay The Mic (media), The Bell Tower (venue)
Talent: T Bone Burnett, Mike Elizondo Jr., Daniel Tashian, I’m With Her, Joseph Hudak, Sean Brock, Brian Riggenbach
Sponsors: Biltmore Wines, Stream Realty, SMACKSongs, Big Loud, Chemist Spirits, Devil’s Foot Beverage Company
