DARLINGTON — The Friendship Fund began in 2002 after a benefit was organized for three local people that were experiencing major medical issues. One of those people, Deb Whalen, decided to donate her share of the proceeds back to the group that held the benefit.
With that seed money, the Friendship Fund was born. Twenty-one years later, with donations from local rides, memorials, Friendship Fund Week, Darlington School group fundraisers, and proceeds of the annual benefit auction, the Friendship Fund has been able to distribute more than $745,000 to approximately 1,296 families and individuals.
With the donation comes a letter saying that although no one receives a life-changing donation, the Friendship Fund board wants the recipient to know that the community cares about them.
This year’s benefit is set for Saturday, Oct. 21 at the American Legion Post 214 in Darlington. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. with the auction beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Dick White calling for bids on donated items.
To donate antique, collectible, or new items, money, or services, call Heather 608-776-8762 or Chris 608-776-3392. Auction items can be dropped off at the Legion Hall on Friday, Oct. 20 from 1-6 p.m., and also Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. until the 6:30 p.m. auction time. Cash donations can be dropped off at First National Bank at Darlington or mailed to The Friendship Fund, P.O. Box 102 Darlington, Wis., 53530.
The Friendship Fund president, Steve Fitzsimons, along with board members Deb Whalen, Kathy Brecklin, Heather Buschor, Heidi Tuescher Gille, Angie Thuli, Chris Virtue, John Knellwolf, and Jim Jacobson, invite the public to come and bid on items and help others by supporting the Friendship Fund. The board is also accepting information on anyone with a serious illness, accident, or surgical procedure with extended recovery in order to help.
The Friendship Fund Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation for the outpouring of donations for the last 21 years. “Thank you for your great support and for ‘Helping Us Help Others,’” they wrote in a press release.
