The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is launching its first-ever fundraising campaign with AIR Friends.

For the past 18 years, AIR has been supporting the city’s culinary community through advocacy, education, and, most
recently, has been a connection to crucial resources during COVID-19.

With the difficult decision to cancel two of their biggest events, the 2021 AIR Passport and the 2020 Taste of Asheville event, there creates a need to turn to those who love our independent restaurants here in Asheville for some support.

The press release goes on to explain:

“Because AIR cares deeply about the safety of Asheville diners and the well-being of its member
restaurants, it saw no other options. But the loss of revenue from these efforts has seriously
jeopardized the organization’s financial stability at a time when its nonstop work advocating and
linking to information and resources for the industry is more vital than ever, says AIR co-founder
and Bouchon and RendezVous owner Michel Baudouin.
“It’s one of those organizations that flies under the radar but does so much,” says Baudouin.
“What restaurants are trying to do right now is just stay in business, and this winter especially is
a very scary period for us. AIR has never been as important as it is right now, because our
members desperately need the help.”
Contributing to AIRfriends is an easy way to help ensure the well-being of Asheville’s vibrant,
dynamic food scene during a time when restaurants across the nation are struggling to survive.
Donations of any amount will help support AIR’s pivotal work to keep Asheville’s beloved
independent restaurants open and thriving.
For more details about AIR and the AIRfriends initiative, visit airasheville.org or contact Jane
Anderson at execdir@airasheville.org.”

For more information about the Asheville Restaurant Association click here.

The Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR) is a 501(3)(6) organization committed to supporting the independent restaurant community in Asheville through education and training, advocacy, and member collaboration.