A Generous Community of Friends

by Nia Martin • Photos by Jamie Conners

While the first Saturday of every October might seem like any other Saturday on Whidbey Island, for Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, it marks a tradition that has been going strong since 2005—the Mr. South Whidbey Pageant. A handful of men from the community campaign before and during the event to garner votes—a vote equals one dollar—which culminates in a lively night of pageantry, humor, and iconic Whidbey Island fun. 

As contestants show off their fashion sense, talents, and interviewing skills, votes are cast throughout the evening. The cumulative tally results in the crowning of the next Mr. South Whidbey—a title that is held for one year, complete with bragging rights, a cape, trophy, and a guaranteed spot in the Whidbey Island Fair parade.

“When we first started, we did bake sales, plant sales, and garage sales. It was a lot of work for a volunteer board,” said Becky Foote, who currently serves as the organization’s treasurer and has held several roles, including president, since joining the board in 2003. “The pageant was a raging success.”

In such a small community, it can often be a challenge to raise awareness and funds for organizations. For many, Mr. South Whidbey is their first introduction to the nonprofit, which has been operating in South Whidbey for nearly three decades.

Founded in 1997 by Lynn Willeford—who helped raise money for neighbors’ medical costs by reaching out to 75 friends with a personal appeal for donations—Friends of Friends has raised more than $1.8 million to date in medical cost relief and continues to directly pay medical expenses for residents who need assistance. For Foote, it is truly “friends of friends” who have helped connect the South Whidbey community to the nonprofit.

For Kathy Hein, who has been on the volunteer board since 2014 and became president in January 2024, the nonprofit’s growth has been an organic process through, “word of mouth, word of mouth, word of mouth.”

But the organization also distributes materials at clinics, libraries, and schools—including digital flyers through Peachjar, an online platform that allows schools to approve and disperse materials to parents’ inboxes. To receive support, recipients need to live within specified zip code zones and can only receive up to a certain amount of financial assistance. But, as Friends of Friends has seen, even a portion of financial support can make a large and positive difference.

“If people are struggling to visit a doctor, receive mental health services, or get dental care, that can impact their lives in a very negative way,” said Hein. “So, if we can support people—helping pay their medical bills so those needs are met—then they are better able to live their potential.” Foote agrees and has seen over the years how a person’s health can change so quickly that it’s not uncommon for individuals and families to suddenly find themselves in life-changing circumstances.

Although changes to Medicare and the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have helped many residents access insurance to cope with medical costs, there are still out-of-pocket aspects and other hurdles to surmount. For Hein, this includes “steep” copays and access difficulties for residents.

Foote is also concerned with transportation, a significant factor in paying for care as an island resident. “We help pay ferry fares and gas,” she said. “If you are a senior on a fixed income or a young person, it’s a huge relief.”

The healthcare landscape and medical field have changed a lot since Friends of Friends was started. In its early days, funds primarily supported efforts to cover prescription drug costs. However, with more insurance coverage, that need has decreased. Instead, the funds have gone to support mental health and dental care costs, which have gone up over the years. For Friends of Friends, that flexibility in the mission is an important part of who they are. “It’s very dynamic with the way society is going and what we value,” said Foote.

Despite the ever-changing nature of care and treatments over the years, Friends of Friends has remained a constant—a reminder that Whidbey Island continues to be a generous community that tends to its friends and neighbors.

Both Foote and Hein are very grateful for the aid the organization receives. “We get to facilitate helping people who benefit from the support in paying medical bills, dental bills, and gas,” said Hein. “So, the time that we give feels very purposeful.” And that support is on full display each year with Mr. South Whidbey, which held its latest pageant to a sold-out crowd in October. Tim Leonard walked away with the 2024 crown—so be sure to give him a wave at the fair parade. That quick wave also serves to salute the long-term impact that Friends of Friends has made on Whidbey.

To learn more about the help available through Friends of Friends or about ways you can support the nonprofit, visit fofmedicalsupportfund.org.

Founded in 1997

Mission: Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund is a community-supported organization dedicated to raising and disbursing funds for uncovered medically related expenses to people on South Whidbey who are unable to pay these costs themselves.