A Hand Up, Not a Handout

Friends for a Cause helps local cancer patients and fills gaps for Texarkana’s nonprofit organizations

by ELLEN ORR

Executive officers of Friends for a Cause are: Katie Stone, Samantha Rogers, Donnie Spriggs, Brittney Frost and Suki O’Neal.

Painting with a Purpose was held at Painting with a Twist in October 2018, and all proceeds benefitted cancer patients.  The artwork features the Friends for a Cause logo but the colored backgrounds are different, representing various types of cancer.

Rickey Riebesell, Cody Adams and Tracey Morris deliver care packages to the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the Community Unity Project.

Warren and Suki O’Neal are the founders of the Friends for a Cause Foundation.

Nonprofit organization Friends for a Cause began in 2014 as a group of loved ones raising money to offset the costs local cancer patients incur that aren’t covered by insurance, like gas and accommodations for out-of-town treatment. Since then, the small 501(c)(3) has expanded its focus: while they have retained their commitment to helping local cancer patients, FFAC has evolved from a stand-alone group to a vital community partner, now working with numerous organizations including Harvest Regional Food Bank, Texarkana Resources, and Community Healthcore.

“Our goal is to bring value to a system already in place,” explained Suki O’Neal, FFAC president and co-founder. “We are not here to take away or compete with other organizations. We are here to be the tie that binds us all together. I laugh and joke when I tell people to think of us as a mini version of if United Way and HandsOn Texarkana had a foundation baby. We want every organization to know about us and vice versa. So many [local nonprofits] are resource-poor or overlapping in areas, but when we all work together, we create a whole piece.”

A community rich in charitable organizations, Texarkana is blanketed by service and philanthropy, but even still, gaps are inevitable. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, FFAC has been busy working to make sure that nobody falls through the cracks. In March, they partnered with AMI Radio Group and Retreat Health Care Services to provide care packages to homebound seniors. As of publication, they have delivered over 600 packages, which include nonperishable food items, paper products, hygiene products, and water.

FFAC supports not only large initiatives but also more targeted fundraising efforts. “In June, we had a friend reach out to one of our board members, recruiting help for a fundraiser they were doing for [late cancer patient] Meagon Shaw,” Suki said. “This was a perfect opportunity for our foundation to do what we do best. We provided resources to the [existing] volunteers, as well as numerous volunteers [from FFAC] for the day of their event, to help them make a bigger impact. What we gave them was far more meaningful and resourceful than just a monetary donation. We helped them raise more money than what we could have given them.” This exemplifies a common FFAC refrain: “A hand up, not a handout.”

Leslie Williams, Haily Williams, Lauren Booker, Suki O’Neal, Stacy Wade, Candi Robinett and Chrissy Gonzalez help out during the Meagon Shaw benefit held during June 2020 at Redbone Magic Brewing.

During a typical July, the organization holds the Girls Giftaway, an overnight shopping expo. The 2020 event was canceled due to COVID, but registration for the 2021 sleepover spree has begun—and early birds are already receiving perks. “Between now and next July, we are holding shopping pop-ups, where guests already registered for the 2021 Girls Giftaway get special perks. Our biggest supporter and event sponsor, Dillards of Texarkana, has already hosted two events. It’s a win for all parties involved.”

Most recently, in November, FFAC threw their second Rock Out Cancer benefit, a five-band concert at downtown event venue, Crossties. Local music groups Parson B and The Part Time Sinners, Panic Rev, Split Decision, TJ McAlexander, and The Dusty Rose Band all volunteered their time. The event raised almost $20,000, all of which will help cancer patients.

In 2014, FFAC was comprised of 10 friends with a common intention. Today, the organization boasts over 70 members, all of whom are volunteers. Members pay annual dues of $25 and serve at one event or more per year. To join FFAC, make a one-time donation, or place a request for support, visit: www.ffacfoundation.org.