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. You may view our public financial information through our records page.

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.

2011 civitas tourism leadership award

2011 - Civitas Award - Tourism Leadership Award- by Beaufort Chamber of Commerce "This award recognizes a business, person, or organization that has made great contributions to Beaufort County’s number one industry-tourism." In 2010, together we contributed over 25,000 volunteer hours, making the park truly a jewel in our backyard for us and for our many visitors to enjoy. Let’s keep up the good work and please lend a hand as often as you can.

Board of Directors for 2010

Officers, Directors, and Committee Chairs

Contact any director with your questions.

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Peter Pearks
Db Manager
838-2506

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Carolyn Westman
Membership
838-7100

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

TBA
Volunteer Coordinator

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Denise Parsick
Education Liason
524-7249

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Faith Ayer
Newsletter Editor
(803)439-0900

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bobbi Weber
Social Chair
838-5959

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

TBA
Construction Coordinator

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Mary Ann Radke
Environment Coordinator
838-1149

Name:
Position:
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Email:

TBA
Media Relations Coordinator

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Gerry Johnson
Nature Center/Docents Coordinator

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Walter Lee
Lighthouse Director
838-5966

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Vicki Anne Nestor
Litter Control Director
379-3389

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Karen Whitehead
Turtle Program Director
838-7627

Name:
Position:
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Email:

TBA
Director of Outreach & Fundraising

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bruce Doneff
Director of Communications
379-6583

Name:
Position:
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Email:

Cyndi Follrich
Director at Large
592-2322

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Dick Geier
Director of Park Projects
525-6619

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Tom Valentino
VP, Trails Coordinator
379-4895

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

John Dittmer
Treasurer
838-9252

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Nancy Grimali
Secretary
838-0822

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Jonathan Greene
President
838-7822

Name:
Position:
Phone:
Email:

Bonnie Wright
Past President
379-5779

As you can see, we are currently searching for volunteers to fill several positions in the organization. Please your suggestions or any other ideas we should hear.

Click HERE to JOIN our volunteer organization

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