In stunning fashion Lake Lure Real Estate broker and prominent Social Media Influencer “Mr. Lake Lure” has accomplished the goal of helping Lake Lure Classical Academy raise close to $9,000 to purchase two very much needed school buses and related expenses. A special School Bus Dedication Ceremony is being held on Opening Day of school, 16 August 2017 at 1:00pm to celebrate the accomplishment.

August 15, 2017

Showing support for tuition-free, public charter schools is something a great many people believe in. Owner of Mr. Lake Lure Real Estate and Social Media Influencer Greg Balk put that belief into action in a very dynamic way, using his social media reach, one of the biggest in the region. Balk, who is active in the local community and most often referred to as “Mr. Lake Lure”, was asked by the school's Academy Board member Wolf Kutter and Academy Executive Director Tom Keever to raise $7,000 in 45 days. Balk unbelievably exceeded that goal in a mere 48 hours through a GoFundMe page and his well developed social media prowess. In total Balk brought in $8,640 to cover two buses, campaign costs, and incidental bus repairs. Balk personally matched donations dollar for dollar. On the opening day of school, Wednesday 16 August 2017 a School Bus Dedication Ceremony is being held to commemorate the event. The academy is located at 1058 Island Creek Road, Lake Lure, North Carolina, with the general public welcome starting at 1:00 PM.

“The outpouring of support from our community and my online audience was heartwarming,” commented Balk. “We had donations ranging from $5 to $500 from local businesses, residents, second homeowners, and even Academy teachers and faculty. All in 48 hours; it was truly amazing!”

Major donors to the campaign include the Lake Lure Classical Academy PTO, Lake Lure Marine, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Guffey, and Ms. Mary Lou Sawyer. Support for the campaign from the general public was also very high.

Lake Lure Classical Academy is a Challenge Foundation Academy, that serves students grades K–12.

Balk owns and operates Mr. Lake Lure Real Estate, the popular resort area's top real estate company, covering Lake Lure, Chimney Rock, Bat Cave, Gerton, Mill Spring, Rutherfordton, Columbus, Saluda, and surrounding areas, with homes and properties available a wide range of price points.