When Hurricane Helene struck Western North Carolina, countless lives were upended. Amid the destruction, a group of selfless individuals, including pilots, veterans, and everyday citizens, took to the skies and the roads to deliver aid and rescue those trapped by floodwaters. Their bravery and compassion are now the focus of a new film, Air Angels: Flight Helene, produced by the award-winning Wilmington-based company Just Do GOOD Entertainment.
The film will make its world premiere on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Cameo Art House Theatre. The event promises two moving screenings, a red carpet celebration and a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who exemplify the spirit of service and kindness.
A Day to Celebrate “Doing Good”
Presented by Nothing Bundt Cakes of Fayetteville and Pinehurst, with Cumulus Radio as the media partner and Robinson Helicopter Company as the Gold Partner, the afternoon 3 p.m. show is free for military members, veterans, first responders and their families. Just Do GOOD Entertainment is donating all tickets for this special presentation to give back to those who dedicate their lives to serving others.
During the event, Mayor Mitch Colvin will issue an official proclamation declaring Nov. 11 as “Air Angels Day” in honor of those who risked everything to help during Hurricane Helene.
The 6 p.m. evening screening will be a ticketed, Red Carpet Premiere open to the public. Guests will walk the red carpet, meet the filmmakers and enjoy special surprises throughout the evening. All attendees will be automatically entered into a grand prize drawing for an exclusive gift package from the legendary Balabushka Cue Company, famous for its pool cues featured in the Oscar-winning film The Color of Money. The prize package, valued at over $800, includes a coveted Balabushka cue stick and billiards accessories. The winner must be present.
Both events will be hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist and Army Ranger veteran Gilbert Baez, known for his years on WRAL-TV and now as the morning host on WFNC Radio. Baez, who also appears in the film, will share behind-the-scenes stories from filming this past summer and his own firsthand experiences covering natural disasters in North Carolina.
Inspiring Stories of Kindness and Courage
Air Angels: Flight Helene shines a light on real-life heroes who used their own planes, vehicles and resources to deliver aid and rescue storm victims. These “Air Angels” acted selflessly, without expectation of reward. They embodied the mission of Just Do GOOD Entertainment: to celebrate the best of humanity.
Producer and organizer Valerie Smaldone says that the project is about inspiring people to act with kindness.
“The purpose of the content is to inspire individuals to do better and to remind people that simple acts can change lives,” said Smaldone. “The Air Angels went out of their way to do kind things for their neighbors. We create films that are meaningful for the audience.”
Smaldone added that Fayetteville was the perfect community to host the premiere.
“Fayetteville is a military town filled with people who understand service, sacrifice and compassion. It’s the perfect place for Air Angels to make a debut.”
Honoring Real Heroes
During both showings, Air Angels: Flight Helene will recognize individuals and organizations who demonstrated extraordinary heroism during Hurricane Helene, including Stacey Buckner, a CNN Hero and stroke survivor who mobilized to provide showers, meals and essential supplies to displaced families and homeless veterans through her organizations Off-Road Outreach and Veterans Services of the Carolinas. Also featured is NC Urban Search and Rescue Task Force 9, a 40-member unit comprised of the Fayetteville Fire and Police Departments with Cape Fear Valley EMS, who deployed to Western North Carolina to rescue flood victims and bring aid to isolated communities.
These stories of resilience and compassion reflect the film’s overarching message: When disaster strikes, ordinary people can do extraordinary things.
Community Participation and Group Ticket Discounts
To make the evening premiere accessible to as many community members as possible, Smaldone and Just Do GOOD Entertainment are offering bulk ticket discounts for businesses, civic organizations, and community groups wishing to attend together. Ticket blocks of 10 to 19 tickets will be priced at $15 per ticket and a block of 20 or more cost $10 per ticket.
“This premiere is about community,” said Smaldone. “We want schools, veteran groups, local businesses and organizations to come out together and celebrate the good that happens when people help one another.”
To arrange group ticket pricing, contact Valerie Smaldone directly at valerie@valeriesmaldone.com.
Veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families who wish to attend the free 3 p.m. screening can message Just Do GOOD Entertainment on Facebook to request tickets.
About Just Do GOOD Entertainment
Founded by Monty Hobbs and Valerie Smaldone, Just Do GOOD Entertainment is a Wilmington-based production company known for creating uplifting, human-centered content. Their portfolio includes Divine Renovation, hosted by TV icon Erik Estrada, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop legend Gloria Gaynor, Finding Kindness, a series connecting entrepreneurs who do good with celebrity partners and Officer Erik and the Very Special Dad, a children’s book coauthored by Erik Estrada and Stephen Manchester, helping kids understand life with a parent who has a disability.
“All of our projects share one mission,” Smaldone said. “When people see others doing good, they’re inspired to do good themselves.”
After the Fayetteville event, Air Angels: Flight Helene will debut this fall on a subscriber-based streaming platform to be announced, followed by a local television broadcast.
For a community built on service, resilience and generosity, Fayetteville provides the ideal stage to celebrate the heroes of Air Angels. Whether attending the free matinee or the red carpet premiere, guests can expect an unforgettable experience that uplifts the heart and honors the best of humanity.
For tickets, sponsorship, or group pricing information, visit www.justdogoodent.com or follow Just Do GOOD Entertainment on Facebook for updates and event photos.

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)