High Country Women's Fund

Initiatives

Eleanor's Gift

Eleanor Elizabeth Dorman was a beautiful young woman who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction in her teens and early twenties. Her experience with the North Carolina Department of Corrections, coupled with her determination to survive and maintain sanity inside the system, turned Eleanor's life around.

When Eleanor was released in 2006, she emerged--strong, sober, and determined to make up for lost time. She moved to Asheville where she became active in AA and sponsored three women. With other area YWCA volunteers, she mentored middle school girls in group activities and through individual contact. She played the marimba in the Asheville-based band, Chikomo Marimba. Eleanor had lots of friends, loved to entertain, and enjoyed living life to the fullest.

On a beautiful day in June, 2010, Eleanor's life was cut tragically short by a fall from the top of Rainbow Falls. Friends and family looked for positive ways to channel their sorrow, and Eleanor's mother, Barbara Aycock, found the High Country Women's Fund. In memory of her daughter, she set up Eleanor's Gift, designed to help women struggling with alcohol and drug abuse issues.

Your contributions to Eleanor's Gift are channeled through our partner agencies and earmarked specifically for women trying to overcome issues similar to those experienced by Eleanor. To support this initiative, follow the directions on the Donate page to access PayPal and contribute to this cause.