30 Years of Changing the Narrative
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On Sunday, February 27, 2022, women throughout Coastal Georgia will gather for an afternoon of fun, laughter, bingo, and a chance to win fabulous designer handbags at the second annual Designer Handbag Bingo & Silent Auction benefiting Safe Harbor Children’s Center. Ryan Butler, who is co-chairing the event with Timme Feininger and Alice Selman, says, “I can’t think of a better way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with friends and supporters of Safe Harbor Children’s Center. The funds raised through this unique special event represent hope and healing for children and youth experiencing trauma and crisis in their lives.”
n 1991, Safe Harbor Children’s Center was a dream that became a reality for Jekyll Island residents, Susan and Bob Hamer, dedicated parents who recognized that children and youth living in crisis had limited opportunities to seek help locally. The Hamers began researching options that were not readily available, or even considered realistic, for children and youth experiencing child abuse and neglect. By building on program models throughout the country and adding their personal vision, Safe Harbor Children’s Center was born. From those humble beginnings, Safe Harbor Center Children’s Center has evolved into a nationally recognized leader among nonprofit
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organizations dedicated to serving children, families, and individuals who have been abused, abandoned or neglected, who are homeless or have run away from home, and who are otherwise at risk or feel threatened. Through generous philanthropic support of individuals, family foundations and the local business community, Safe Harbor’s services have grown exponentially, providing a comprehensive array of programs and services designed to meet the individual needs of children and families with the utmost care and compassionate support. Co-chair Timme Feininger has been a longtime supporter of Safe Harbor. “My husband, Peter, and I feel extremely fortunate to be able to call St. Simons and
the Golden Isles ‘home.’ However, we recognize there are tremendous needs in our community and throughout Coastal Georgia. Upon relocating from the Atlanta area, we were often overwhelmed to learn of the many challenges our neighbors face in our community.” She continues, “We share similar values and believe in the power of a connected, giving community. Safe Harbor is a remarkable organization in so many ways. That is why, for nearly 30 years, we have volunteered our time, energy, and philanthropic resources to help Safe Harbor break the cycle of poverty, abuse, and homelessness among our community’s most vulnerable. We simply saw an opportunity to make a difference, and we went into service.”
