An annual tradition, Good Friends of Bryan County holds a festive fundraising luncheon where true stories are shared of how our collective donations can make a huge impact for our Bryan County neighbors and friends who are facing a temporary financial crisis. An hour of fellowship…a year of giving. (*100% of all luncheon donations remain in Bryan County to meet local needs)
How it works
Who we are...
Good Friends is a group of women dedicated to making a huge impact in Bryan County. We all come from different backgrounds with a unified desire to help those in our community.
what we do...
Once-a-year we host a luncheon to raise funds to help our community members who are facing crisis.
your donation’s impact...
Your money helps local non-profits to meet needs in areas where the exigency is greater than the current assistance provided. 100% of these donations are turned over to our partners!
Please join us
Thursday, December 5th
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Richmond Hill City Center
Please join us in supporting...
Our 2024 Corporate Sponsors
We would like to thank our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers for their confidence in our work. If your business is interested in being a corporate sponsor please contact us!
How you can help...
Donations are accepted year-round and can be made online or by mailing a check to:
Good Friends of Bryan County
104 Telfair Drive
Richmond Hill, Georgia 31324
In addition, you can volunteer to be a Luncheon Event or a Table Hostess. To do so, or for general information, you may call/text or email us at:
(336) 848-5399
dbelk@goodfriendsofbryancounty.org
If you would like to be a table hostess for our 2024 luncheon, please fill out the form below.
Enter your name as a co-host and at least 3-7 friends you would like to join you for the luncheon.(If you have less than 7, please cycle through until you can submit the form)
You do not need to collect any ticket money. You only need to get each friend’s commitment to attend the luncheon and collect the necessary contact information (her email address and phone number).
Our Table Hostess Committee will manage the rest and notify you when your table is all set! If seats remain after the deadline, we may need to call on you to fill the seat at your table, or we will fill any open seats from the public sales of tickets.
“Good Friends is the most amazing organization, and I loved every moment being on the board in High Point (NC)! I served on various committees through the years and was so proud of our efforts to raise funds. What meant so much to me was that every dollar raised at our luncheon stayed in our community and met local needs. Good Friends is a meaningful way to give back, meet other women who feel the same way, and celebrate relationships. When I left Good Friends of High Point about 5 years ago, I knew there would be a void in my life. I am thrilled to be joining other Good Friends organizations in North Carolina in Charlotte and Wilmington, and also in South Carolina in Georgetown County and the Low-country (Charleston). I am so honored and excited to bring Good Friends of Bryan County (GA) to my new community and pray that we will impact Bryan County in similar ways…being a good friend to our neighbors in crisis or need.”
-Deane Belk, Chair of Good Friends of Bryan County
“So exciting to be part of this ground breaking new and amazing venture that I know will make a difference in the lives of so many individuals and families in Bryan County.”
-Teresa Simpkins, Community Liaisons Chair for Good Friends of Bryan County
Board of Directors
2024
Executive Committee
Deane Belk, Chair
Janice Goldrick, Secretary
Laura Dow, Treasurer
Jennifer Hardin, Compliance Secretary
Kendra card
Sissy Dixon
Jennifer Fanning
Kayla Herold
Robin Powell
Teresa Simpkins
Jennifer Winston
Carolanne Wright
Good Friends of Bryan County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by a Board of Directors, which also manages its operations.
All luncheon donations stay within Bryan County to meet local needs and are fully tax-deductible.
Thanks to community investors, 100% of luncheon donations go directly to supporting these needs.
EIN: 99-0470257
The Story of Good Friends: From Charlotte, NC to Bryan County, GA
In 1987, a spark of compassion and camaraderie ignited in Charlotte, North Carolina. Four good friends came together with a shared vision to create a supportive network for women. They assembled a diverse group to form what would become known as Good Friends, inspired by Good Fellows, an organization of men who had been meeting every December since 1917. To date, Good Friends of Charlotte has hosted 37 annual luncheons and raised $6.2 million since its inception.
Following this success, other chapters were founded, including Good Friends of High Point, North Carolina, in 1997. For 25 years, Good Friends of High Point raised over $1 million to assist individuals in crisis, collaborating with partner agencies to provide financial aid for rent, medical expenses, utilities, and more. The organization’s annual fundraising luncheons were a hallmark of the community, bringing together hundreds of women—and eventually some men—to support their neighbors. After achieving their goals, Good Friends of High Point concluded their mission with a sense of accomplishment.
The idea of Good Friends spread, touching hearts and inspiring new chapters. In 2001, Good Friends of Georgetown County, South Carolina, was established. Local women united to create a financial safety net for working neighbors living paycheck-to-paycheck, facing temporary financial crises that threatened their basic needs. Since then, Good Friends of Georgetown County has raised over $1 million, all kept within the community to support those in need through one-time, urgent gifts.
Additionally, Good Friends chapters were established in Wilmington, North Carolina, and Charleston, South Carolina, known as Good Friends of the Low Country.
In 2024, the spirit of Good Friends is set to take root in Bryan County, Georgia. A former board member from Good Friends of High Point, now residing in Richmond Hill, is bringing this passion to the area. Organized with the same principles and values as its sister sites, Good Friends of Bryan County aims to become an annual tradition. The chapter will hold an annual festive fundraising luncheon sharing impactful stories to illustrate how collective donations can make a significant difference for Bryan County neighbors facing temporary financial crises.
With an hour of fellowship leading to a year of giving, Good Friends of Bryan County will ensure that 100% of all luncheon donations remain in Bryan County to meet local needs through existing partnering agencies and by providing unrestricted funds. As this new chapter begins its journey, it carries forward the legacy of compassion, support, and friendship that started in Charlotte over three decades ago. The story of Good Friends continues to unfold, bringing hope and help to those in need, one community at a time.
We invite you to join us and become a Good Friend!