North Buncombe Elementary Launches Fundraiser for Memorial Honoring Students Lost in Hurricane Helene

WNC --  The North Buncombe Elementary School (NBES) community has come together in a project of remembrance and celebration, launching a major fundraising campaign to honor two young students tragically lost during Hurricane Helene.

The NBES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) aims to create a Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace dedicated to brothers Felix and Lucas Wisely.

The devastating loss occurred weeks before it was reported by WFMY on October 14, 2025 [Note: This date is futuristic as presented in the source material]. Alison Wisely, her sons Felix (age 9) and Lucas (age 7), and her fiancé Knox Petrucci were attempting to evacuate their home in Green Mountain, Yancey County, as Hurricane Helene brought catastrophic flooding to western North Carolina. According to family members and eyewitness accounts, their vehicle began to float in the rising waters. When the family exited the car in an attempt to return to their house, they were tragically swept away by the floodwaters.

NBES Press Release April 25, 2025:

North Buncombe Elementary PTO Launches Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace
Honoring Felix and Lucas Wisely
Weaverville, NC – April 25, 2025 – The North Buncombe Elementary School (NBES) Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) proudly announces a heartfelt initiative to honor the lives of two beloved students, Felix Wisely (age 9) and Lucas Wisely (age 7), who tragically lost their lives during Hurricane Helene. Deeply touched by their vibrant spirits and profoundly affected by their loss, the NBES community is creating a Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace to celebrate their joy, curiosity, and enduring legacy. Felix, a curious third-grader, was passionate about magic, science, and storytelling through his podcast, Beyond Legends. Lucas, a loving second-grader, was known for his contagious smile, his blue boots, superhero costumes, and affection for cows. Their infectious joy left an indelible mark on the entire NBES family. With the blessing of the Wisely family, the NBES PTO is designing vibrant outdoor spaces that reflect the boys’ love for nature, exploration, and imagination. The Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace will feature:

• A certified pollinator garden
• An interactive, nature-themed playspace
• A large playground equipment piece with a custom memorial plaque crafted by a
local artist
• Interactive outdoor art installations

These spaces will foster wonder, magic, art, music, movement, education, and discovery for generations of NBES students to come. The NBES PTO has set a fundraising goal of $250,000 by May 11, 2025, to bring this meaningful tribute to life. Every donation, big or small, will help create a lasting legacy for Felix and Lucas. Donations can be made at blackhawks.rallyup.com/2025raffle
where supporters can also purchase tickets for raffle baskets curated by the NBES PTO.

One hundred percent of all donations and proceeds will directly support the creation of the Legacy Garden and Memorial Playspace.
“We invite our community to join us in celebrating Felix and Lucas by creating spaces where children can laugh, play, and explore in their honor,” said Hillary Cole, NBES PTO Representative. “Their light continues to inspire us, and this project will ensure their spirits live on at NBES.”

Image: WNCTime