GOOD FRIENDS HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Photos by Daniel Coston Photography

Good Friends Charlotte, an all-female nonprofit, raised more than $500,000 for Charlotte’s neediest during its 32nd Annual Holiday Luncheon. The donations were from the 1,800 guests who filled a ballroom of the Charlotte Convention Center as well as corporate sponsorships including $75,000 from presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Foundation.

Speakers including Sonja Gantt, executive director of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Foundation, helped encourage donors to give by telling stories about those who had been helped by Good Friends.

Good Friends works with 80 nonprofit agencies to identify and help families and individuals who need assistance with everything from rent and utilities to emergency needs. To join Good Friends, go to goodfriendscharlotte.org.