GOODWILL HUNTERS
BY ALYSSA QUACKENBUSH
Goodwill Hunters. An organization that brings thoughtfulness and being kind together.
Following the tragic loss of 23-year-old Anjuli in 2006 and later 29-year-old Drew Hunter in 2009, a group of 12 family members and close friends joined forces to honor the memories of the Hunter kids. Thus, Goodwill Hunters were born.
The organization operates through quarterly meetings where the board members present and discuss potential causes to donate to and their present needs. Eventually, the board votes on who gets what money for the year. In between meetings, each of the board members keeps their feelers out for potential causes to bring back to the board.
These quarterly meetings allow for all of the board members to remain involved, but in a way that doesn’t majorly interfere with their own lives and families. Gail Hunter, Drew and Anjuli’s mom and President of the organization, has watched many of these “kids,” as she endearingly referred to them over the phone, grow from being peers and friends of the kids to college and through their early adult life, many of whom now have families of their own.
Gail and Jeremy on the memorial bench honoring the lives of Anjuli and Drew Hunter.
The Goodwill Hunters have one signature event--the annual Duck Derby.
The Duck Derby is something that Goodwill Hunters had inherited from another organization, and since then it has, like the organization itself, grown every single year. It’s not only a great way to connect with other people and families in the community and raise money for great causes, but it’s something that ends up opening a lot of community members up to the Rexhame side of town, even if they had not been over there before. Gail is really proud of this, as it opens people up to each other and also opens them up more to the beauty of Marshfield.
Of course, the 2020 duck derby unfortunately had to be canceled, but Goodwill Hunters are still here, and they always will be. Instead of the money that would be spent on a duck this year, Goodwill Hunters encourages you to donate the money to your favorite cause of theirs!
Despite the Derby’s cancellation, Goodwill Hunters are still making their donations this year, but rather than using the money that they would have raised at the event, they are exhausting the “left-over” funds from last year. The group is happy to announce the recipients of their 2020 donations:
Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield
As an essential resource for so many families and children in the community, the Boys and Girls Club has really stepped up in a time of increased need for support and necessities. Having been integral to getting through the pandemic and the consequences of it, Goodwill Hunters is excited that this donation will help the Boys and Girls club continue providing services and programs such as The Breakfast Club, Remote Learning Club, and After School Club.
McKinney-Vento
This donation to The McKinney-Vento program for the homeless student population in town will provide a variety of support and resources for the homeless student population in town, and they work with other organizations such as Alice’s House, Carolina Hill, the Marshfield Food Pantry, the Boys and Girls Club, and Sowing Seeds to provide necessities to these students in need.
The Daniel Webster Estate
A national treasure in our own backyard, the Daniel Webster Estate’s fundraisers, including educational tours, private rentals, family fun day, seasonal teas, and the Christmas Designer Show House have all been canceled. These fundraisers are essential for the Estate’s typical self-sustaining function and upkeep so the Daniel Webster Preservation Trust has a desperate need for the funds that are so important to the maintenance of such a major part of history right here in town. Goodwill Hunters’ donation will be put towards essential upkeep of the house and grounds.
Alice’s House
Finally, Goodwill Hunters will be donating to Alice’s House, an organization that they have always worked closely with. There, they sponsor the Dragonfly Room, a calm space in a house utilized for safe, healthy healing by all kinds of members of the community.
Gail emphasized how giving the community of Marshfield is--she says that no matter what when someone in town is facing hardships, the people in town will help them to the best of their ability and with open arms and hearts. And it’s in Marshfield that the Hunters’ connections with all of the board members of Goodwill Hunters have been maintained to the extent that they have largely through this organization, with Anjuli and Drew’s memories still keeping everyone together.
Kim Arouca, Vice President of Goodwill Hunters and close friend of the Hunters, reflects, “We sail together in the memories of Drew and Anjuli, our love for the Hunters, and for one another. We celebrate the blessing coming together has given us -- the ability to make things better for our neighbors and community.”
So why donate to Goodwill Hunters instead of directly to the nonprofits that they are involved with? Gail recalled that this is a question that people are always curious about. So, what’s ultimately so special about this organization is that they are dedicated to doing all of the legwork to find small, local nonprofits that serve Marshfield and research who has pressing needs and when. Gail and the rest of the Goodwill Hunters board take a lot of pride in boosting awareness for smaller and newer organizations, always trying to draw some attention and do some good for locals who really need it. Essentially, the cause is ever-evolving, and you can be certain that each penny donated to them will be going to an organization that needs it most at any given time.
Lauren Chebator, board member and longtime friend of the Hunters, emphasized that “[Small organizations] are what Goodwill Hunters seek to find that may not receive many donations yet…” In doing so, they are also bringing attention to the different resources that are available to folks who may need them.
As for parting words, Gail put it well; positivity, love, and goodwill are everywhere--when you need it most, look within yourself, look to your neighbors, look to your friends, and you will find the love you need.
To donate to Goodwill Hunters, read more about the board members, check out Drew and Anjuli’s story, find contact info or more information visit GoodwillHunters.org
