GREENSBORO, N.C. — Businessman George Shinn and his wife, Megan, along with other donors, raised more than $500,000 at the Greensboro Auto Auction on Feb. 22, to support ongoing recovery efforts in Western North Carolina.

A North Carolina native, Shinn partnered with N.C. Baptists to auction a special edition Ford Mustang. The couple donated the 2022 Mustang valued in excess of $125,000 – and an additional $100,000 toward ServeNC. ServeNC is an N.C. Baptist initiative that funds ministry efforts in areas affected by Hurricane Helene. 

The car auctioned for $200,000, with 100 percent of the winning auction bid going to ServeNC. Other donations in varying amounts brought the total to more than $500,000.

Seth Brown, director of convention relations for N.C. Baptists, went to the event and said he knew it would be a good day the moment he began talking to attendees. 

“The love and support for ministry in Western North Carolina was obvious,” Brown said. “George and Megan Shinn really set the tone for the whole thing. The ServeNC car auction was their idea from the beginning, and their compassion is contagious.”

“George and Megan’s generosity inspired others to be generous toward a great cause,” Brown said.

Hurricane Helene struck North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024, claiming more than 100 lives and leaving behind billions of dollars in property damage. Thousands of volunteers from N.C. Baptist churches have been working through Baptists on Mission to make repairs to homes and church facilities.

Baptists on Mission began feeding and recovery operations in more than a dozen locations across Western North Carolina immediately after the storm. They currently operate eight sites and are focusing on “essential rapid repairs” to homes.

Shinn, who is originally from Kannapolis, N.C., brought professional basketball to North Carolina as the former owner and founder of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in 1988. Through a foundation in his name, his philanthropic efforts have also included donations to Fruitland Baptist Bible College in Hendersonville, N.C.

Brown also expressed appreciation for Dean and Marilyn Green and others involved at the GAA Classic Cars Auction. 

“They did a phenomenal job of making it a successful event.”

To help families return to their homes sooner and support recovery efforts, give now at servenc.com/give.