The FriendShip Newsletter - April 2026
Office Information
Contact Info: 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org
Regular Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Midlands Gives on May 5! Early Giving is Open Now!
It’s officially Midlands Gives season! This community-wide online giving event, hosted by the Central Carolina Community Foundation, is The FriendShip’s biggest fundraiser and a great opportunity to introduce people to our mission.
Word-of-mouth is the best way for people to hear about The FriendShip! So, we need YOUR help in making this year's campaign a success. Help us reach our $28,000 goal:
- Spread the word - Make sure your friends and family know that The FriendShip participates in this popular philanthropy event. Your targeted outreach via email, text, and social media will expand our reach!
- Start a "fundraiser" - Create your own personalized fundraising page to raise money for The FriendShip. It's fun, easy, and effective. To learn more, contact our office or read more here.
- Donate - Donate on May 5! Or, get a jumpstart by donating during "early giving," which opened on April 1.
With your help, this will be our best Midlands Gives ever!
March Recap: We're Lucky to Have You at Our Programs
Enjoying good food and good company at Backstreets Grill was the perfect way to kick off the month of March. The menu at Backstreets had so much to offer. Almost everybody at our two tables ordered something different, and everything was delicious!
Our social hour in March celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in festive style. Volunteer and Program Committee member Jim Olsen shared a wonderful presentation about his recent trip to Ireland. Members and volunteers had so much fun learning new facts about the country and hearing Jim’s entertaining stories. Special thanks and cheers to Jim--with a pint of Guinness, of course!
To wrap up the month, we partnered with SC Humanities Council for a special program in honor of Women's History Month. Ann Humphries gave an excellent presentation about Clara Barton and Harriet Tubman in South Carolina during the Civil War. Thank you so much to Ann and SC Humanities Council for this great opportunity to learn about and be inspired by these courageous women.
Happy National Volunteer Week!
National Volunteer Week is April 19-25 this year, and we’re grateful for the chance to shine a light on the incredible people who make The FriendShip such a strong source of support for older adults in our community. Our volunteers are the backbone of this organization. They do everything from helping members with rides, errands, and home chores to planning programs and serving on committees. Volunteers, your generosity, compassion, and willingness to show up for others are truly inspiring.
We could fill a book with all the words of gratitude and wonderful accolades that our members share about The FriendShip's volunteers! Here are just a few representative quotes of thanks:
"The volunteers have been a godsend to me. I am very grateful to see a smiling face each time I need a ride for appointments."
"Their commitment is enabling me to stay in my 'home sweet home' longer and to continue making beautiful new friendships.”
"Volunteers have vibrant personalities. They are accomplished, fun, and easy people to be around. I especially enjoy our walks/talks in the park or in the car…car conversations!"
"The FriendShip's volunteers are invaluable to me."
Thank you, volunteers! We are so lucky to have you all!
Upcoming Events-at-a-Glance
- Tuesday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at Mr. Friendly's (RSVP by April 3)
- Sunday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. - Annual Meeting/10th Anniversary Celebration
- Saturday, April 18 - Columbia International Festival
- Friday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. - Spring Craft Social Hour
- Friday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. - Potluck Lunch
You can find an events calendar on our website as well.
Lunch at Mr. Friendly's (April 7)
Please join us on Tuesday, April 7 at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Mr. Friendly’s in Five Points. This classic Southern‑style restaurant is always a favorite. Join us whether you're a regular at our lunch outings or haven't had a chance to try one yet!
Please note that we do need RSVPs in advance in order to get a firm number to the restaurant. If you haven't already done so, please RSVP to the office at 803-602-6434 or contact@thefriendship.org. Mr. Friendly's is located at 2001 Greene Street, 29205. As always, The FriendShip is happy to arrange rides for Full Members, as needed.
Annual Meeting: Celebrating 10 Years of Friendship & Service (April 12)
All members, volunteers, and other supporters are invited to our Annual Meeting/10th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, April 12 from 1:30-3:00 p.m. Join us to honor this wonderful milestone together! We will take the opportunity to thank those who have made our first decade possible, as well as to look ahead toward the future. The short business meeting will begin at 1:45 p.m., followed by plenty of time to socialize and enjoy refreshments.
This event will be held in the King's Grant Neighborhood Clubhouse. To RSVP by Monday, April 6, please call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org.
Columbia International Festival (April 18)
The 30th annual Columbia International Festival is coming up in mid-April, and The FriendShip would like to get a group together to attend if folks are interested. This dynamic festival showcases music, food, and arts from cultures around the world through an international food court, shopping bazaar, parade of nations, and more! (Note: There's good seating available near the festival stage so we can enjoy the action without having to walk nonstop.)
Held at the SC State Fairgrounds, the festival is a two-day event, and we plan to go on Saturday, April 18. Admission is $10; food can be purchased separately.
If you are interested in this outing, please let the office staff know. We will finalize the timing and logistics once we determine how many people would like to go. Volunteers, let us know if you can help with transportation and/or during the festival visit.
Spring Craft Social Hour (April 24)
Warmer weather is here, flowers are budding, and birds are singing! Celebrate the arrival of spring with The FriendShip at our Spring Craft Social Hour.
Join us on Friday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. to enjoy a fun afternoon of crafting and socializing. Our last "crafternoon" in December was such a hit that we can't wait to do it again! More details about the specific craft are forthcoming. But, rest assured, no artistic experience is required. Just bring your creative spirit and get ready to try something new.
To RSVP, call 803-602-6434 or email contact@thefriendship.org.
Potluck Lunch (May 8)
Save-the-date for a special Mother’s Day-themed Potluck Lunch on Friday, May 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the Dining Room at St. John's. Celebrate a mother figure who has impacted you by bringing a dish to share that was inspired by her. Cook your mom''s famous casserole or bake your great aunt's best cake! Whether it’s a family recipe or a favorite comfort food, we’d love for you to share the story behind it. If you don't have a chance to make something, please don't let that stop you from coming! There will be plenty of food for everyone to enjoy.
Thank You to Our Donors
Donations are critical to our ability to serve older adults in our community. Thank you for March donations from:
- Leo Sellmeyer Charitable Trust
If you would like to make a donation, you can always mail a check to our office or donate on our website. However, during our Midlands Gives campaign (now through May 5), please consider making your donation via the online giving portal at midlandsgives.org/thefriendship so that your gift will count towards our campaign goal.
