When Hurricane Helene swept through western North Carolina in September of 2024, it left behind not only a path of physical destruction, but deep emotional scars across small towns and mountain communities, as well. While disaster relief poured into major cities, the quietest corners of the state were often overlooked, until one young woman, Reanna Ruark, decided to change that narrative and bring some normalcy back to so many lives.
From Pageant Platform to Non-Profit
Reanna Ruark, recently crowned Universe United Miss North Carolina 2025, is more than a beauty pageant winner, she is a force for connection and compassion. Reanna’s platform for the pageant was recognizing the desire of people in the Triad to assist those affected by Hurricane Helene and, with her non-profit, Shining Through the Storm, Reanna became a bridge between the two regions of the state, taking on special projects to make a difference.
“Prom is such an important milestone for many teens, but for those whose lives were disrupted by Hurricane Helene, it can feel like an impossible and significant milestone that can’t be attained. With families still rebuilding their homes and lives, I wanted to ensure that these students could still experience the joy and celebration of prom. As someone in the pageant world, I know how special it feels to put on a dress and get your hair and makeup done – it’s a moment of confidence and celebration. I wanted to offer that same experience to these girls, helping them feel beautiful, despite everything they have been through and that was the idea behind the prom dress collections,” said Reanna. What began as a simple but heartfelt idea has grown into a grassroots movement.
The prom dress project became the spark that lit a much larger fire. Reannna quickly recognized a powerful desire among people in the Triad region of North Carolina to reach out and support their neighbors to the west.
Dresses, Dresses and More Dresses
“The response to our request for dresses was incredible! We collected more than 800 dresses through 11 collection locations in the Triad and Charlotte locations. Thanks to the generosity of our community, people really came together, donating new and gently used formal dresses, shoes, accessories and more. The initiative grew and, on Good Friday, we gave out 60 free haircuts to individuals during spring break, helping them feel confident and prepared for important milestones like prom and upcoming job interviews. The support we received was heartwarming, and it was amazing to see how many wanted to help ensure that students impacted by Hurricane Helene could still experience the joy and celebration of prom. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who contributed – this event truly showed the power of community when we unite for a common cause,” Reanna commented.
During Hard Times, Normalcy Can Mean the Most
The response to the prom dress collection drive, from donors to recipients, was overwhelming, and Reanna has a few stories that have impacted her.
“I’ve heard so many moving stories from teens and families who are still recovering from Hurricane Helene. One story that really stuck with me was from a young woman who told me that prom was the one thing she had been looking forward to, but with her family still rebuilding their home, she didn’t think it would be possible. She said she felt like prom was just another thing that life had taken from her. Hearing this, I knew I had to do something to make sure these teens didn’t miss out on such an important milestone. Another young woman, who had been homeless since the hurricane, found the perfect dress. She shared that it was the first time she had felt beautiful since everything changed for her. It was incredibly moving to hear that something as simple as a prom dress could help restore her confidence and sense of self worth. Moments like this remind me why the work of Shining Through the Storm is so important – helping teens who have been through so much still feel celebrated and special,” Reanna stated.
You Always Get Back More Than You Give
There are many sayings about giving and, for Reanna Ruark and her work with Shining Through the Storm, they all became tangible.
“The most rewarding part of the effort has been seeing how much of an impact it’s had on the students we have helped. Being able to provide them with the opportunity to feel confident, celebrated and special after everything they’ve been through is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about the dresses, but about giving them a moment to feel like themselves again – something they truly deserve after such challenging circumstances,” said Reanna. But, prom dresses were just the beginning, Reanna and Shining Through the Storm has upcoming projects to continue helping those in need.
If you would like more info on Shining Through the Storm, visit their website at shiningthroughthestorm.com. Financial support is always welcome and volunteers are needed.
Sidebar For Story
Shining Through the Storm would like to thank Winston-Salem Association of Realtors, The Summit Church of Oak Ridge, Northwest Guilford High School, Burn Boot Camp – Central Triad, Reel Realty, the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, McKenzie Jade’s, Costello Real Estate and Investments, Sunless Body Studio of Winston-Salem and High Point, and Salon Envy and Suites, who all graciously opened their door as collection sites, along with the many volunteers who dedicated their time to help with organizing and distributing dresses. Kendra Scott, Thruway Shopping Center, Winston-Salem, NC, hosted an event on May 16th, with 20% of all proceeds going to continue to support western NC families.
