More Than Family

Our President and CEO Brynn Grant recently received a gift of the most meaningful, and emotional, kind.

Brynn’s mother, Kathryn Racanelli Haymans, died unexpectedly in July 2004. For more than 40 years, she played bridge in a local club of women who became the very best of friends. They saw each other through every season of life — marriages, children, a few divorces, sickness, health and the passing of loved ones. These were the ladies who showed up when they needed each other. They shared recipes, planned weddings, hosted baby showers, celebrated anniversaries, delivered food, and held each other’s hands through great losses.

This circle of women decided they would offer support for those struggling most through the coronavirus pandemic by giving to the United Way of the Coastal Empire in their friend’s honor. The group has not met since March but grateful for their own personal circumstances despite inconveniences, they organized a fundraising campaign.

On June 15, they presented a check for $1,200 to our VP of Direct Services and Impact/Liberty County Area Director Jennifer Darsey and to Brynn. This thoughtful donation could not have meant more to Brynn, who accepted it with tears in her eyes, but it’s also powerful message for all of us about the caring power of community.