Charlotte’s Own Social Butterfly: Hans Hilgenstock
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Meet Hans Hilgenstock, a friendly face in the Queen City who has taken socializing to a whole new level! Just imagine: on the day we caught up with Hans, he was busily preparing for his trip to Germany. “I’m leaving today for Germany for three weeks,” he mentioned while still packing. But that didn’t stop him from taking a whole hour to chat with us.
The Social Connector
With an energy that could light up a room, Hans described himself as someone who loves to mingle. “I do a lot of texting and talk to people and get them together,” he explained, while proudly stating he has “quite a bit of connections.” It’s no surprise that he organizes get-togethers multiple times a week! On Wednesdays, he hosts card games at Gilde Brewery, and Fridays are reserved for fun and networking at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery.
“It’s just more fun to come together and have a good time together,” he said, and he’s right! These events have taken on a life of their own through social media. “I also post about these Friday events and so people see it and say, ‘Look, that’s actually cool, I wanna be there. I don’t know Hans but I wanna, I wanna be there,’” he shared, amused by the surprise of newcomers seeking him out. “They looked for me, they asked for Hans and they said, ‘That’s Hans right there’ and I’m the loudest. So you find me normally!”
Earned Title: Mayor of the German Community
His vibrant personality has led him to earn a charming new title from his friends: “the Mayor of the German community.” But Hans isn’t just about social gatherings; he’s also big on community service.
Helping Those in Need
After learning about the impact of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina, Hans felt compelled to act. A friend in Germany reached out, concerned about her nephew in Black Mountain who needed assistance. “She couldn’t reach him anymore. So she called me and said, ‘Hans, can you please go up there and make sure he’s fine?’” It was a call to action Hans couldn’t ignore.
He mobilized his friends and community members, raising an impressive $2,600 for supplies. Loading up a truck with necessities, he headed to Black Mountain, only to realize they needed more than just items. “Yes, they need water, yes, they need diapers, but they need muscles,” he said, highlighting the need for hands-on help to clear away the devastation left by the storm. “They need the muscles because they had to take all the mud out of the houses.”
Rallying the Troops
And that’s exactly what he did! Hans quickly gathered a group of volunteers to head to a place called Marshall, North Carolina. “I mean, it was catastrophe,” he said, shaken by the experience. But rather than walking away, he committed to returning every Sunday to help. “The next Sunday — 22 people, more shovels, more wheelbarrows, brand new generators, everything, donations, everything,” he recalled with pride.
With each passing week, more and more people continue to join Hans in his efforts to aid the folks in western North Carolina. Though he will be away for three weeks, he’s already made plans to jump back into action upon his return. “I’m coming back Nov. 13,” he said, excitement bubbling over. “My wife knows already, Nov. 17, that Sunday, I’ll be in the mountains.”
Community Spirit at Its Best
Hans Hilgenstock is more than just a social butterfly; he’s a beacon of hope and unity in Charlotte and beyond. By fostering connections and lending a helping hand, he’s truly making a difference in people’s lives.
