Givens Communities continues its commitment to being a good neighbor in Western North Carolina, recently expanding its community impact through support of the Asheville Poverty Initiative (API) and its 12 Baskets Food Café. The partnership was celebrated at Westival, a sold-out fundraiser held at Archetype Brewing in West Asheville that brought together food, fellowship, and a shared mission of caring for one another.
Givens Communities serves as the 2026 Mission Champion sponsor for Asheville Poverty Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to building community and educating the public about the realities of poverty. One of API’s cornerstone programs, the 12 Baskets Food Café, located at 610 Haywood Road, provides free, nutritious lunches made from high-quality surplus food donated by local businesses and the food service industry.
The inaugural sponsored event, Westival, was a lively celebration of community and generosity. Guests enjoyed unlimited culinary samples from more than 10 West Asheville–based food businesses, raffle prizes, and opportunities to connect with neighbors. All proceeds from the event directly support the work of 12 Baskets Café and Asheville Poverty Initiative.
Members of the Givens Communities philanthropy team were proud to attend the event and support an organization whose mission closely aligns with their own values of compassion, belonging, and community connection.
During the event, API Executive Director Dr. Ben Williamson expressed heartfelt gratitude for the partnership and the collective effort that made the evening a success.
“Asheville Poverty Initiative is deeply grateful to partner with Givens Communities as a Mission Champion in 2026,” Williamson said. “Their long-term support of 12 Baskets Café has helped create not just meals, but a welcoming space where neighbors connect, stories are shared, and community is strengthened. Together, we’re building a more caring, educated, and connected Asheville and Buncombe County, grounded in the belief that when we show up for one another, real change is possible.”
Williamson also took time to thank and congratulate his team for organizing a memorable and meaningful event. He shared a powerful message with attendees, emphasizing the importance of love, dignity, and inclusion.
“We need to love others well no matter what they look like, what they are wearing, or how much money they make,” Williamson said. “We need to continue to always love each other, no matter our differences.”
Following his remarks, Joey Abel, Director of Community Impact at Givens Communities, addressed the gathering and highlighted the shared values between Givens Communities, Asheville Poverty Initiative, and 12 Baskets Café.
“Something we have most in common with Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Café is the strong sense of belonging and community within both of our organizations,” Abel said. “We are proud of that connection and to continue building relationships through outreach and love.”
During his speech, Abel also paused to recognize Givens Estates residents Bill Lowery and Alice Petersen, thanking them for nearly nine years of dedicated service. He shared that Bill and Alice have played a vital role in providing food from Givens Communities to 12 Baskets Café and have been longtime volunteers with Asheville Poverty Initiative. Their sustained commitment and generosity drew a standing ovation from the crowd, underscoring the deep appreciation for the impact they have made.
“This is the first time Givens Communities is sponsoring this organization—and an organization like this one—and we could not be more proud,” Abel added.
The evening continued with raffle prize announcements, lively conversation, and new friendships forming throughout the space. Dr. Williamson encouraged attendees to take a moment to meet someone new and build connections with those around them—an invitation that reflected the heart of the event and was warmly embraced.
Givens Communities, along with its philanthropy team, remains committed to uplifting organizations like Asheville Poverty Initiative and 12 Baskets Café. Through partnerships such as this, Givens Communities proudly supports initiatives that strengthen the very community it calls home, helping ensure that compassion, dignity, and connection remain at the center of Asheville.
