A Message From NCADA Chairman Randy Hunter on Disaster Relief in Western North Carolina
On behalf of the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA), I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming response to our call for support of the NCADA Charitable Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. In this time of crisis, your unwavering generosity exemplifies the strength and unity of our community of automobile dealers and industry partners.
Your contributions will make a significant difference in assisting dealership employees who have been deeply affected by Hurricane Helene. As a resident of western North Carolina, I have witnessed firsthand the devastation this storm has brought to so many of our employees, friends, and neighbors…
Hunter Auto Group Flood: A Story of Resilience and Recovery
Just a few weeks ago, the unthinkable happened at Hunter Auto Group. Floodwaters surged through our dealership, leaving three feet of water in the showrooms and mud coating every inch of the floor. 75 vehicles were lost, completely submerged and beyond repair. The sight was devastating—mud-caked cars, debris-filled offices, and waterlogged files. The worst part, though, was the fear that gripped our employees. They worried not just about their jobs but their future in the community they’ve called home for years. Many were faced with a terrifying reality: the thought of leaving the area, forced to start over somewhere else.
But in the midst of the chaos, we found hope.
Through a combination of pure grit, tireless hard work, and a bit of luck, we managed to pull together. Within just five days, the dealership was back up and running, albeit in a slightly different form. Plastic chairs and folding tables became our new desks, but they were enough to get us back to serving our customers.
It hasn’t been easy. Seven of our employees lost their homes. Several more lost vehicles and other valuables that can never be replaced. Yet, in the face of personal tragedy, the resilience and determination shown by our team have been nothing short of inspiring. Every day, they’ve shown up with a smile and a determination to rebuild, both for themselves and for this business.
And we couldn’t have done it alone. Your support, especially through the NCADA Disaster Relief fund, has meant the world to us. It’s helped keep our people afloat, giving them hope when they needed it most. We hope you will continue to support this vital cause as we all move forward, together, stronger than ever.
This is more than a story of loss; it’s a story of resilience, community, and the power of hope. Together, we will keep moving forward.
Click here for a video on how Hunter Auto Group responded to the recent natural disaster
Seeking Your Support for Western North Carolina Employees
If you have not done so already, please help with our efforts to support dealership employees throughout western North Carolina and make a contribution to NCADA Charitable Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, 1029 Wade Avenue, Raleigh, NC, or by clicking this link to make a contribution online.
Ensure All Dealership Employees Are Informed of Available Support
Most importantly, I encourage my fellow Western North Carolina dealers to ensure that any employees impacted by the storm are informed about our relief efforts and have access to information on how to apply for assistance.
To apply for assistance, an NADA Emergency Relief Application must be completed and submitted to the NADA Foundation by email at foundation@nada.org or mailed to 8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 500, Tysons, VA 22102. The application includes detailed instructions and must be signed by the employee applicant AND the dealer / authorized representative.
Once an employee is approved for a grant from the NADA Emergency Relief Fund, an additional grant will also be provided by the NCADA Disaster Relief Fund.
Thank you once again for your support. Together, we are stronger.
