Goodmons Honored By Methodist Home For Children

Goodmons Honored By Methodist Home For Children
Fletcher Foundation Inducted Into Guardian Angel Society

Jim and Barbara Goodmon were recently honored at "A Winter's Tale," the annual celebration of the Methodist Home for Children (MHC). The event took place at Embassy Suites in Cary on Saturday, January 27, 2001. The A.J. Fletcher Foundation received special recognition at the gala as well.

Jim & Barbara Goodmon receive their honor from MHC President Mike Safely.	MHC named the Goodmons Honorary Guardian Angels because they "are dedicated to improving the lives of young people throughout the Triangle…The Goodmons lead by example in offering genuine compassion to people in need. Together they represent many of the qualities a community needs from its leaders: a strong vision of what a community can be; personal, civic and corporate responsibility; and generous philanthropy in support of the causes in which they believe." Jim and Barbara were cited for their work with SmartStart and the Healing Place, respectively. The A.J. Fletcher Foundation was inducted into the Guardian Angel Society: "The A.J. Fletcher Foundation has supported MHC's services for many years and has been particularly interested in MHC's early childhood development initiative. Grants from this forward-thinking foundation supported both the planning of MHC's Cornerstone Campaign and the actual development of the Jordan Center and its programs." AJFF Executive Director Tom McGuire was on hand to receive the recognition. The Foundation joined BB&T, Sally & Bob Butler, Barbara & Don Curtis, the Josephus Daniels Charitable Fund and Wake County SmartStart as 2001 inductees. AJFF joins former CBC President, the late Fred Fletcher, on the role of honored members. Former WRAL-TV Anchor Charlie Gaddy hosted the evening. He and his wife, Nancy, received surprise recognition for their "many years of faithful service and support of MHC as well as for their impact on our community's children and families through their personal, civic, and professional endeavors." Jim Goodmon made the presentation to induct the
Tom McGuire accepted an award from Mike Safely on behalf of the Fletcher Foundation.
Martha & Ben Waters dance the night away.
Tom McGuire (left) and the Goodmons officially became Angels at the event.

Jim Goodmon (right) made a surprise presentation to Charlie & Nancy Gaddy (center) on behalf of Mike Safely (left) and the MHC.	Former WRAL-TV Anchor Charlie Gaddy served as host for the event.
Gaddys into the Guardian Angel Society. Charlie Gaddy serves as MHC's Children's Ambassador and helped with their Cornerstone Campaign through which they raised $7 million to create and fund the Jordan Child and Family Enrichment Center. Gaddy has also served as host for the annual "Winter's Tale" gala since its inception four years ago.

FOX50's Sylvia Lanier attended the gala along with John Matherson.

Lynda Loveland (center) represented FOX50 at the event with co-worker Mark Bradley (right) along with WRAL-TV's Randall Kerr (left) and guests.

New York Times best-selling and award-winning author Kaye Gibbons served as Honorary Chair for the event and provided the keynote address. A North Carolina native, Gibbons wrote the first of her six award-winning novels, Ellen Foster, while attending UNC-CH. She spoke of her own experiences growing up in foster care. She joined the Goodmons on the evening's list of Honorary Guardian Angels. U.S. Senator John Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, and John and Debbie Moore were named 2001 Honorary Guardian Angels as well.

Award-winning author Kaye Gibbons spoke about her own experiences as a foster child.

In its fourth year, "A Winter's Tale" serves to recognize individuals who have contributed to MHC, families and children in the community." The evening of fine dining and dancing is a benefit for the Home. CBC was a gold sponsor for the 2001 event.

MHC began in 1899 as a traditional campus-based orphanage in Raleigh and has evolved into a statewide human services agency. Helping more than 1,000 children and families each year, this non-profit organization provides a variety of services from foster care to special needs adoption to family counseling.

Members of the Raleigh Flute Choir provided music during the dinner.

CBC's Jan Sharp took to the dance floor with husband, Ed.