Who we are
Giving Friends Foundation is a volunteer-based, 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.
We are founded on the idea of holding purposeful events to bring people together and raise money for charities in the community.
How we started
Our founders, Patrick and Michele Thorne moved their family to Clayton, North Carolina in 2004. Over the many years, they have ingrained themselves in this community.
Our annual event, Thorntoberfest, began back in 2020 as a way to celebrate good food, good drinks, and good music. The name of the event pays homage to our founders, Patrick and Michele Thorne, and their family name.
After having the event for fun for a few years, an idea dawned on the Thorne’s: Why not have a good time AND raise money to impact our community?
With the help of the family and close friends who make up our board, we have been able to grow these events each year, raising money for our partner organizations who are rooted locally. Our events are always a ton of fun and we love finding ways to help organizations making an impact right here in the heart of our community.
Our Impact
Since our first event, we have raised $28,200 for our partner organizations!
Our partner organizations to date:
