CHIMNEY ROCK, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) - Though the mud has been cleaned up from the streets and some of the destruction has been patched up, the name ‘Chimney Rock’ will now always be associated with Hurricane Helene. “There was a big deck on the river back there,” said Matt Banz, pointing to the doors that lead out to nowhere. “It was for the coffee house, but the river ripped it off.” Matt owns four businesses on Main Street in Chimney Rock. Each one was damaged by Helene. “We had to bring everything from the front of the building to the back of the building so we could work on the front,” said Matt while walking over the plywood covering the front of their coffee shop. Chimney Rock, NC (Queen City News)Chimney Rock, NC (Queen City News)Chimney Rock, NC (Queen City News) The normally busy town is quiet. The only sounds are the construction crews along the river. They finally have a bridge to get to the other side, where homes were ripped in half when Helene roared through. There’s still damage all over town, but through it all there has been an unwavering sense of purpose and gratitude. “You have to be grateful,” said Matt. “You have to be grateful for what you still have and what can be.” It seems counterintuitive to find gratitude amidst all the destruction, but it’s there, and you can’t miss it. “When you hang out and spend time with the people in Chimney Rock and Lake Lure area, there’s such a resilient spirit to them,” said Todd Lamphere. Todd’s been volunteering in the Chimney Rock area since Helene. His organization, City Serve International, is putting on ‘Christmas in Chimney Rock.’ It’s a fundraising event for those living and working in the town. Western North Carolina business owners rebuild community after Helene “It’s a day to recognize and remember the people in Chimney Rock and say, ‘Listen, we’re here with you. America hasn’t forgotten you,'” said Todd. We talk a lot about the spirit of the season this time of year, and this is the spirit… of Chimney Rock. Not dampened nor defeated, but determined. “People used to say, 'Where you’re from?' I’d say, Chimney Rock. They’d say, 'Where’s that?'” said Matt. “Now, I say Chimney Rock, and they say, ‘I’m so sorry.' But I say, we’re on our way back. It’s strong.” The ‘Christmas in Chimney Rock’ celebration goes from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday, December 14. The event is free and will be in Lake Lure. It includes food, a kid's zone, celebrities, and a chartered bus ride through Chimney Rock. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the business owners in Chimney Rock.