About Celo Commons
On September 27th, 2024, the South Toe River rose nearly seven feet inside the Celo Inn, a building that had welcomed guests and neighbors for over 40 years. Most people assumed the building was ruined, but when the floodwaters receded, the structure still stood. That fact became the seed of something new…
Read the full Press Release (May 2026)
Mission Statement
Celo Commons is a nonprofit organization in the South Toe Valley of Yancey County, North Carolina. The organization is converting the former Celo Inn property into a multi-use community hub with a mission to foster a resilient local economy and improve quality of life for residents across the South Toe Valley, by providing space for health services, creative enterprise, education, and food access, and by supporting cooperative and community-driven use of shared resources.
Celo Commons is incorporated as a nonprofit under North Carolina state law and has received federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS.
Board
Iris Rountree - President
Artist; Yancey County Health Department
Molly O'Donnell - Vice President
Appalachian State University
Lila Stith - Secretary
Appalachian State University
CCC Committee Chair
Cassie Floan - Treasurer
PATH
Steering Committee
Meghan Lundy-Jones
Equinox Woodworks
CCI Finance Chair
Kavita Hardy
Dig In! Yancey Community Garden
Margot Atuk
South Toe Elementary (retired)
Olivia Ramos
Soul Shine Farm & Ferments
Carly Todd
Camp Celo
Robin Dreyer
Penland School of Craft (retired)
Liz Peverall
MCHP
Jared Dubin
Beacon Network
Ben Johnson
Ben S Johnson Creative
Join the Effort
Celo Commons is more than a building—it’s a model for rural revitalization, where shared values, creativity, and collaboration meet practical solutions for our community’s needs. Your support helps us:
Preserve a historic landmark
Expand access to wellness, food, and education
Support local entrepreneurs and small businesses
Build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving South Toe Valley