On May 14th, All Souls staff, donors, sponsors, and friends gathered to celebrate our 4th annual springtime fundraiser, Hope is in Bloom. Held at the Crest Center with a beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the luncheon brought guests together for an afternoon of connection, a delicious meal, and a shared desire to make mental health care more accessible in Western North Carolina. A huge thank you to our presenting sponsor, First Bank, is in order, as their generous support and dedication to our mission made this event possible.

One highlight of the afternoon came when Mayor Esther Manheimer announced a City of Asheville Proclamation officially designating May 14th, 2026, as “All Souls Counseling Center Day“. All Souls was named as a leading nonprofit provider and community partner for affordable, accessible, high-quality mental health care. We are so thankful to the City of Asheville for recognizing the invaluable work that All Souls gives to the community, and for believing in the importance of mental health care that is available for any individual, regardless of insurance status.

Guests left the event feeling inspired after listening to a moving speech from our speaker sponsor, Dr. Kevin C. Snyder. Dr. Snyder shared his personal journey about navigating his own mental health battles from the early age of 12. Having faced depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder from childhood into adulthood, Dr. Snyder shared how a strong support system changed the projection of his life. His support system not only recognized his troubles, but also advocated for him to receive treatment early. His experiences have now shaped him to be a strong advocate for breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking help. Through powerful personal storytelling and his resilience framework, he connects his lived experience to the life-changing, community-wide work of All Souls Counseling Center, reminding us that mental health is essential to recovery, resilience, and hope—and that when barriers are removed, and conversations are opened, hope can bloom for anyone.

A massive thank you to Whole Foods on Merrimon for supplying gorgeous flowers for Hope is in Bloom! From the moment guests walked in, the arrangements set the tone. When hope is in bloom, the flowers should be too! We’re so grateful for your generosity and the beauty you brought to the space!

We are so thankful to our staff, board, therapists, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees for throwing such a lovely event. Your presence makes an impact and is a great reminder of why our work matters. Thank you for helping Hope bloom in the community and advocating for the All Souls mission.

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