Charlotte Hornets, Lowe’s Kick Off $1 Million Riverview Center Makeover After Hurricane
Players Grant Williams and Josh Green joined staff from the Hornets and Lowe’s to fix the center’s gym, court, and workout space damaged in Helene.
Grant Williams of the Charlotte Hornets
Image Courtesy Charlotte HornetsWork started Wednesday at Riverview Community Center as the Charlotte Hornets and Lowe's launched their storm recovery project. The effort marks one year since Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina.
Players Grant Williams and Josh Green joined staff from both groups to fix the center's gym, court, and workout space. They spent time packing food boxes for nearby families while construction crews tackled outdoor repairs.
"This community has shown remarkable leadership and resilience in their rebuilding efforts," HSE President of Business Operations Shelly Cayette-Weston said, per WCNC.com. "Today is about joining forces to add momentum to what Riverview leaders have already been driving — creating spaces where neighbors can gather, build camaraderie, and continue to thrive."
The NBA team backed this work with a $1 million gift last September. That money went to the American Red Cross and Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina to speed up storm aid.
"The Riverview Community Center is a vital hub that delivers help and hope daily," Sean Reilly, Lowe's regional president, said. "The work to help our community recover from Helene is deeply personal, these are our associates, friends, and neighbors who have been impacted."
Lowe's put $14 million into fixing storm damage across the area. Small shops got grants, homes were fixed, and 130 tiny houses went up. They also started trade classes at a nearby school to train more workers.
Steve Trinkle runs the center's board and sees big gains from the team effort. "Over the past year, our community has worked together to reimagine and rebuild Creston," Trinkle said. "The support of the Hornets and Lowe's helps accelerate the progress we've already made."
Since 2016, the Hornets Legacy Project has made local spots better. They started with courts and parks, then switched to helping Charlotte's Grier Heights from 2020 to 2023.
The new Riverview site should open in spring 2026. It stands as proof of what can happen when groups work as one to rebuild after storms hit Western North Carolina.
