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Staff photo by Joshua Curry
Holly Campbell, Mary Beth Cowper and Louise McColl recieve a check from Rachel Stantliff drawing winner and Megan Shannahan, Crescent State Bank community banker, during the Good Friends Luncheon at the Burney Center on Tuesday,Dec. 8. |
With the help of several Santas and nearly 600 women, the Good Friends organization met on Tuesday for its 13th annual luncheon. The luncheon, held at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Burney Center, featured touching stories of families helped by Good Friends shared over paper bag lunches.
Good Friends of Wilmington partners with the Department of Social Services (DSS), and is a nonprofit organization of women committed to raising money in order to provide financial assistance to individuals who are in need or disadvantaged in New Hanover County.
The luncheon was preceded by a $500 donation from Crescent State Bank (CSB). The check was presented to Good Friends after a CSB raffle that allowed the winner to select a charity to which the bank would make a donation. The raffle winner, Rachel Stantliff, chose Good Friends.
Stantliff, who has been a member of Good Friends for four years, is a strong supporter of the group because of its community outreach.
"It’s a great organization because they catch people who fall through the cracks," Stantliff said, adding that she was thrilled to be able to take part.
Founded in 1997 by Beth Cherry and Nana McLean, Good Friends gives back 100 percent of its contributions to the community. The funds are distributed for a variety of one-time needs that help with everyday necessities. Whether it’s automobile repairs or sending a child to camp, Good Friends is dedicated to helping those who have exhausted all other outlets. This past year it has raised more than $50,000 to help more than 150 area families.
McLean said one of the best things about working with Good Friends is the simplicity.
"It’s the little things that really make a big difference in the community," she said. "We put into the community and step back. It’s very low-key."
Cherry attributed the success of the organization to word of mouth. New member Teesta Sullivan agreed. She joined the group after speaking with executive committee member Susan Harrell and hearing her enthusiasm.
"Their passion is inspiring," Sullivan said, adding that she is excited to be a part of an organization that cares so deeply for its community.
