Are we friends? And if so, what kind?

Thursday, 22 September 2011 13:13

I have had a series of funny conversations over the past week regarding “friends.”  When growing up, a friend was someone I knew from school or the neighborhood and I would spend time with in the classroom, church, or scouting, or just goofing around. 

Now, when people introduce themselves to me and identify themselves as a “friend,” I have to subtly figure out what kind.  And I have learned from my own awkward experiences that if I don’t, I may assume that they are a different kind of “friend” than they really are.   

The Community Foundation has a Facebook page with more than 490 friends following our posts about grants monies available and grant impact stories, scholarships presented to deserving students, events, trainings and more. But not all of our “friends” are Facebook friends. 

Our annual Widening Circles Society campaign’s Friendship Circle is the giving level for those contributing between $250 and $499, so these donors are our “friends.”  Our Widening Circles Society recognition reception is on September 22 and I anticipate seeing quite a few of our “friends” at this fun event.

Sometimes the people I come in contact with identify themselves as being with “friends.”  The Community Foundation works with a number of “friends” groups, such as the Friends of Hospital Park at Trail Avenue and the friends of various libraries, athletic clubs, and civic causes.  Additionally, the Community Foundation holds funds and works with formally organized public charities such as Friends of Catholic Education and Friends of Baker Park, which both informally have referred to themselves as “Friends.”

And I can’t forget to mention our Community Foundation friends who are donors, volunteers, grantees, scholars, and supporters who show their friendship by stopping in the office with goodies such as ham sandwiches and cookies to say hello or by calling us to share their latest news.

Yes, we come in contact with lots of “friends” and each one is appreciated for the role that they play in making the Community Foundation’s impact For Good. Forever. For Frederick County.  For 25 Years. 

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