Good Friends of Wilmington luncheon raises thousands to help others

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — More than 800 women filled the Wilmington Convention Center today to try and raise money for residents in need in our community.

Good Friends of Wilmington put on its 20th annual luncheon. The luncheon is the organization’s only fundraiser and 100% of funds raised are distributed in New Hanover County.

Last year, Vice President Jamie Thompson said they hosted 700 women and raised a record-breaking $82,000. She said all of the money goes to individuals and families in need.

“With gap funding, with things that weren’t necessarily covered by public assistance, but were things that maybe to you and I wouldn’t be a big deal, but to someone, it could mean a whole difference to their world especially this holiday season,” Thompson said.

Good Friends of Wilmington is a private, non-profit, nondenominational group of women organized for the purpose of raising funds. The funds provide financial assistance to social service organizations or individuals when other resources have been exhausted. The recipients are identified through the local Department of Social Services. The annual luncheon is a modest meal, making it possible for every dollar raised to go to the families in need.

Examples of the impact made by Good Friends of Wilmington

· Providing funds for medical needs

· Summer camp for at risk children

· Helping women, mothers and children leave abusive environments

· Counseling for young parents with a medically challenged baby

· Heating bill assistance and medication for the elderly

This is their only event of the year, but you still have a chance to become a good friend. Click here to find out more about the organization and how you can be apart of it.