Friends with Benefits
Friends with Benefits (FWB) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that raises money and goods through events and other activities to benefit local nonprofits and initiatives. Started in 2013 by friends Kiara Helgesen, Charlie Hunter, and Mindy Arendt through an effort to raise money to help tornado victims in Granbury, they’ve grown from selling t-shirts and an annual concert to now hosting monthly fundraisers and multiple annual events. Each year they choose a cause to focus on and partner with two nonprofits that serve that cause.
This year the focus is on the Koan School, a private school in Denton with a mission stating “we believe that all students, regardless of age, status, or ability, should have the opportunity to participate meaningfully in their communities and to receive the individualized education that will allow them to pursue their own unique path in the future.”
Friends with Benefits are also working with the Denton Community Food Center, a completely volunteer run food pantry serving 21 communities in Northern Denton County. As part of the process to choosing partner organizations, co-founder Arendt says they "research the nonprofit or organization, checking how they spend their finances, if they have salaried positions, etc. We want to make sure we support a local organization that is doing all they can to help North Texas.” Recently, they’ve had people and organizations reaching out to them, wanting to work together.
In addition to raising money for local organizations, FWB has a scholarship fund for area musicians.
"We take each year as it comes," Arendt says. "We love being a part of the Denton Community and it brings us great joy to be able to contribute and help other organizations. Our long-term goal is to do all we can to be a productive organization in Denton, doing what we can when help is needed and having fun while doing it.”
Be sure to check out FWB’s upcoming events and for more information, visit their website.
Upcoming events: