It all began in 1987 when four good friends put their heads together over lunch.
Our Mission
Good Friends Charlotte is a women's organization supporting individuals and families with financial resources to improve lives and inspire hope.
How It Began
It all began in 1987 when four good friends put their heads together over lunch. Catherine Browning, Alice Folger, Sally Saussy, and Patty Norman assembled a diverse group of women to serve as the convening committee of what would become known as Good Friends. Good Friends was modeled after Good Fellows, an organization of men who have met every December since 1917.
Raising Funds
Modeled after Good Fellows, an all male organization founded in Charlotte, Good Friends raises funds for those who need help and have exhausted all other agencies and resources. The story started when the four friends decided to form a female organization. As Founder Catherine Browning recounts, Colonel Pease of Good Fellows said, “There’s no WAY you women can raise money like what we do.” Well, that is ALL they needed to hear!
First Event
The first event was held on December 8, 1987 at Christ Episcopal Church with a goal of $16,000. With 400 women attending, they doubled their goal raising $32,000. It was the beginning of something special. Since 1987, the organization has continued to grow in size, as well as donations, now totaling over $5,000,000.