About Friends of Hunting Island

The Friends of Hunting Island organization began in 1993, dedicated to helping the park enhance the unique natural wonders and educational opportunities that exist on the island.


Friends has a current membership of nearly 800 volunteers and we continue to grow, matching the park's increasing need for help initiating and maintaining various projects and functions which otherwise might be scaled back due to fiscal restraints in the state of South Carolina.

We are a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, non-profit organization. We manage funds in multiple revenue streams that may reach over a hundred thousand dollars, including membership, grants, donations, and fundraisers. Our non-profit Board of Directors meets every other month, and the annual meeting is held in December. Several Board positions are up for replacement each year. Please watch this page to follow our growth and the changes to committees and the Board.

Awards & Recognition

civitas award

1998 – Heritage Tourism Award – by Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation For work on restoring the lighthouse complex. Restored two small buildings, arranged displays for complex.

2003 – Ambassador of the Year – by SC Parks Recreation and Tourism For contributions to the health and well-being of the state park.

2006 – Civitas Award – Non Profit Organization – by Beaufort Chamber of Commerce For demonstration of enhancement of the quality of life and betterment of the community.

take pride in america award

2006 – Take Pride in America – Certificate of Appreciation – US Dept. of Interior For outstanding stewardship and awareness efforts involving state lands & waters and cultural resources.

2007 – Take Pride in America – National Non Profit Organization Award – US Dept. of Interior For our Loggerhead Sea Turtle Rescue Program, Dune Building, & Oyster Reef Restoration.

2007 – Certificate of Recognition – Senate of the State South of Carolina. For our bringing national attention to our state through our programs.

DHEC earth day award

2010 – SC DHEC Earth Day Award – South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. For our Litter Control Program, Doggi-Pots, Monofilament Recycling, Beach Sweeps, and participation in Earth Day events we Make Every Day Earth Day. DHEC promotes and protects the health of the public and the environment.


Board of Directors for 2010

Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs

Contact any director with your questions.

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bonnie Wright
President
838-5779

Name:
Position:
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Email:

John Dittmer
Treasurer
838-9252

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Jonathan Greene
Vice President
838-7822

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Nancy Grimali
Secretary
838-0822

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Merl Redfern
CPD, Construction
322-0289

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Alan Welch
Environment Chair
379-8377

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Karen Whitehead
Turtle Program
838-7627

Name:
Position:
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Tom Valentino
Trails Chair
379-4895

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bruce Doneff
Public Relations
379-6583

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Terry Stone
Governments Liaison
(601)842-5428

Name:
Position:
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Neville Patterson
Nature Center, Docents
838-9966

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Denise Parsick
Education Liason
524-7249

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Walter Lee
Lighthouse Chair
838-5966

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Cyndi Follrich
Communications, Web
592-2322

Name:
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Vicki Anne Nestor
Litter Control
379-3389

Name:
Position:
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Carolyn Westman
Membership
838-7100

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Bobbi Weber
Social Chair
838-5959

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Peter Pearks
Db Manager
838-2506

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Faith Ayer
Newsletter Editor
(803)439-0900

Please your ideas or suggestions

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