Emery Conard (pictured above) grew up in Florida, but having spent years visiting her Grandmother in Waynesville, NC, she developed a love for our region. After spending some time in Atlanta and growing tired of bigger city life, Emery decided to travel before returning to Waynesville to put down roots of her own. “I wanted to get back to a familiar, smaller town with access to the outdoors.”

When she’s not hard at work with her job in Digital Marketing at an advertising agency, Emery loves to enjoy time outside, resetting. Some of her favorite places to decompress are Lake Junaluska, Purchase Knob, and Hemphill Bald (which holds special meaning to her, as it’s where her husband proposed).

Emery has been a member of MountainTrue since early 2020 and is part of our community of monthly donors. When asked why she decided to give monthly, Emery said, “I have friends that work in the nonprofit industry, and I know that monthly donations are very helpful in terms of being able to plan out expected income. I wanted to give in a more sustained way spread out over the year instead of one lump sum. It’s also easier for me to plan my expenses because it’s scheduled.”

Inspired to give to MountainTrue initially because it’s a local grassroots organization, Emery appreciates the programmatic work and how MountainTrue fosters community. “I love how well rounded MountainTrue is as an organization and how it not only connects us to the areas around us, but to each other.”

Emery, we’re so thankful that you’re part of our community of members and appreciate the thoughtfulness behind your gift!

To make your own monthly gift, please visit mountaintrue.org/join/ and check the box to “make my donation recurring.” Please direct any questions about other giving opportunities to adam@mountaintrue.org