An hour for lunch and good works all year. That's the idea behind Good Friends, a wonderful Charlotte charity. I've been honored to attend the annual holiday luncheon for the last several years and it's always inspiring.
This is the 25th year for Good Friends. It started with a challenge from three Charlotte women, who were told they couldn't do as good a job as the men's group, Good Fellows. These ladies rose to the challenge and more, totalling 2.5 million dollars raised for needy families during the last quarter century.
Our gracious host, Marilynn Bowler. One of Charlotte's movers and shakers and just a lovely, fun lady.
At 800+ women, it was the biggest crowd ever – first time anyone sat in the "balcony."
Lots more pictures and info from the Charlotte Observer here.
Here's what else is nice about Good Friends. It's one of few holiday lunches I go to that feels very inclusive. They always mention Chanukah – even in the invocation – and the choir includes songs from many different cultures. It's a little thing – and not at all necessary – but it's very, very thoughtful.