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 have an annual of budget of approximately $120,000, which includes the management of 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.

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.

take pride in america award

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 Southof Carolina. For our bringing national attention to our state through our programs.

Board of Directors for 2008

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:

Alan Welch
Treasurer
379-8377

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Tom Valentino
Vice President
379-4895

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Ann Hyde
Secretary, Social
838-7100

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bill Tyner
Financial Advisor
838-4707

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Vivian Wayne
Turtle Program
838-7215

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Connie Brotzman
Public Relations
838-9364

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Ben TenEyck
Visual Arts
838-5311

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Karen Whitehead
Litter Control
838-7627

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Tim Bruner
Environment
476-4708

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

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Cyndi Follrich
Communications, Web
592-2322

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Barry DeSatnick
Lighthouse
838-4711

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Denise Parsick
Liaison to Organizations
524-7249

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Merl Redfern
Construction
322-0289

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Randy Lumb
Trails
838-3878

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Carolyn Westman
Membership
838-7100

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Joe Mix
Business Liaison, Sports
524-8505

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Elaine Gannt
Social Co-Chair
838-9355

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Betty Huntley
Social Co-Chair
838-9094

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Peter Pearks
Db Manager
838-2506

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Faith Ayer
Newsletter Editor
439-0900

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