Raleigh, N.C. (December 13, 2019) – The Raleigh-based law firm of Smith Debnam today announced that Managing Partner Jerry T. Myers was named the 2019 Midtown Hero by the Midtown Raleigh Alliance. Myers was selected for his volunteer work with Operation Airdrop in the wake of Hurricane Florence. The Midtown Raleigh Alliance presented Myers with the Midtown Hero award at their Annual Holiday Member Celebration on December 12. Guests in attendance at the event included Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin and other elected officials and city staff, as well as community leaders and MRA member representatives.
The Midtown Hero award is presented to individuals who go the extra mile in showing their love and compassion for their community and those in need. The Midtown Raleigh Alliance selects Midtown Hero honorees for their compassion, leadership, and inspiration.
Hurricane Florence devastated parts of Eastern North Carolina in 2018, leaving many communities cut-off from assistance due to record floodwater. Myers contacted Operation Airdrop, a Texas-based nonprofit that organizes volunteer aircraft owners/pilots to deliver essential relief supplies to people in the first week following a disaster. Within hours of that call, Myers was at Raleigh–Durham International Airport’s general aviation terminal signing forms and having shipments matched to his airplane’s weight limits so he could deliver relief supplies to those who had been cut-off from the storm. Over the course of two days, Myers made four deliveries—to small airports in Laurinburg, Elizabethtown, and Lumberton, and a larger airport in Jacksonville.
About Midtown Raleigh Alliance
The Alliance is a community nonprofit that promotes the Midtown brand and Midtown as a destination for economic development; brings together stakeholders and creates a meaningful forum for quality of life issues and solution exploration; advocates for the needs of Midtown before the city, county and other governmental bodies; and provides social and networking opportunities for members to foster strong and meaningful relationships.
About Operation Airdrop
Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that organizes general aviation assets and volunteer pilots in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Founded in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Operation Airdrop specializes in post-hurricane flooding recovery. When roadways remain flooded or washed out and communities cannot be resupplied with life-giving essentials by ground vehicles, Operation Airdrop arranges for them to be flown in. In past missions, Operation Airdrop has utilized a wide range of aircraft from an Aeronca Champ to a CRJ-700 regional jet, delivering needed supplies – hot meals, diapers, and cleaning supplies to those who sheltered in place.
About Smith Debnam
Founded in 1972, Smith Debnam is a leading, multi-practice regional law firm for institutions and private individuals who value a responsible and caring approach from an accomplished team of experienced legal professionals. Headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, the firm represents clients in Banking, Financial Services, Equipment Leasing, Construction, Mortgage Servicing, Manufacturing, and Professional Services industries. Smith Debnam has extensive experience in state and federal courts across a diverse list of practice areas, including Corporate and Business Law, Business Litigation, Commercial Bankruptcy and Reorganization, Foreclosures, Creditor Representation, Consumer Collections, Commercial & Residential Real Estate, Construction Law, Employment Law, Equipment Leasing & Finance, Family Law, Elder Law & Advocacy Services, Trusts & Estates, Probate Litigation, and Tax Law.
