Operation Helo Inc

“Lake norman law tony marks director director business attorney”

“On september 27, 2024, hurricane helene brought severe weather, historic flooding, and widespread damage to western north carolina. Operation helo, inc. (ohi) was organized on october 2, 2024, as a north carolina nonprofit to assist with widespread recovery efforts focused on getting much needed resources to devastated areas. On november 27, 2024, ohi received federal recognition as a tax-exempt organization under internal revenue code section 501(c)(3), with retroactive status to october 2, 2024. Ohi continues to provide disaster response, volunteer air and ground services, first-responder and emergency management support, and supplies and temporary housing throughout the united states. During the 2025 tax year, the organization became aware of a significant diversion of its assets. Without the knowledge or approval of ohis board of directors (board), two individuals who were also officers of the company, engaged in the unauthorized use of organizational funds to acquire and/or hold title to assets and to transfer funds to accounts outside of the organizations control. Between october 2024 and march 2025, ohi funds were used as follows: 125,000 for a trailer, 124,064 for vehicles, and 690,000 for capital equipment including aircraft equipment. Additionally, approximately 312,992 of online fundraising proceeds were transferred to a limited liability company formed by one individual. A portion of those funds were used for disbursements made on behalf of ohi, including a 75,000 payment to a related party. The aggregate diverted amounts exceeded the 990 reporting threshold. During this period, ohi and the other individuals on the board neither knew nor had reason to know of these two individuals unauthorized purchases. Ohi discovered these matters in april 2025 and began to promptly addressed them. The board convened, and the specific individual primarily responsible for the unauthorized purchases resigned. To make ohi financially whole to the greatest extent possible, the board secured ownership or retitling of assets to the organization (including obtaining 100% ownership of equity interests in entities holding ohi assets), recovered funds to the extent practicable, and directed disposition of unnecessary assets, with the proceeds applied to further ohis exempt purposes and mission. Additionally, all unused funds raised on the online platform were returned to ohi in july 2025, and ohi has ensured that any unreturned funds were utilized for the organizations benefit. The organization recorded receivables to reflect amounts due back from the related entities and individuals as of december 31, 2024, and substantially all of ohis assets have been recovered as of july 31, 2025. No foundation manager authorized, approved, or knowingly permitted the diversion. Ohi and its board understand such transactions are impermissible and ohi has implemented and continues to implement controls and procedures and enhanced governance and oversight to avoid such transactions in the future.”

“The form 990 was provided to the board of directors for review prior to electronic filing with the irs.”

“The organization requires that officers, directors and key employees disclose any financial interests in entities that do business with the organization annually. Officers and directors shall recuse themselves from any discussion or vote concerning a transaction where a conflict of interest may exist.”

“Form 990 is held onsite at the corporate office of the entity and is available for public inspection by anyone who makes the request. The board of directors may also be contacted to make this request.”

“Operation helo is a volunteer-led disaster relief organization bringing help and hope from the skies. Using the power of aviation and a coalition of skilled volunteers, veterans, and pilots, we reach the unreachable in their darkest hours. We deliver life-saving support, bridge the gaps traditional relief cannot, and stay until recovery is complete. No community should face disaster alone, and we make sure they never do.”

“The numerous volunteers of operation helo, inc. Have provided needed assitance in the various missions of the entity. These include (1) air missions: over 4,000 helicopter missions spanning 5,273 square miles providing rapid response. These missions delivered critical aid (2,000,000+ pounds of supplies) and urgent evacuations (450+). Additionally, volunteers have helped establish 167 landing zones creating safe access points in the heart of disaster zones. (2) camper missions: volunteers have delivered campers which provided shelter and hope to families displaced from their homes. (3) winter warmth: provided holiday meals and gifts to families and children impacted by natural disasters. Provided warmth to families through heating equipment/fuels. (4) restoring roots & rebuilding lives: purchased building supplies for repairs to damaged homes.”

“Subcontractor costs 26,413 0 0 meals 10,951 5,385 0 sales tax 9,476 0 0 rebuilding 9,000 0 0 bank service charges 0 3,768 0 flight fees 3,575 0 0 pilot recognition 3,014 0 0 other business expenses 0 2,256 0 social media 0 2,100 0 heating supplies 2,000 0 0 business licenses 0 1,099 0 repair & maintenance 535 0 0 charitable donation 0 400 0 janitorial 0 200 0 postage 69 0 0 total 65,033 15,208 0”