Past Recipients
Since we began our fundraising efforts in 1997, we have given approximately $2,200,000 for a variety of reasons from a few hundred to thousands of dollars to cover a number of things including rent after a spouse has walked out, housing bills after a natural disaster, hospital bills due to an unexpected illness, support after the loss of a loved one, medical and living expenses due to fatal illnesses, assistance with funeral costs, and many more. Below are notes of thanks from some of those we have helped over the years.
"Having the support of the firm, its associates, senior management, and the board meant the world to me and my associates while dealing with the destruction left by Hurricane Ian. It was so helpful to be able to provide peace of mind to associates who were recovering from the damage and putting the pieces of their lives back together. Even if it was a small gesture of being able to replace the food that went bad in their fridge from the power going out for an extended period of time or something major like replacing a full house of furniture for an associate whose home was completely flooded, Friends of Raymond James was there when we needed them most." - Geoff
"Friends of Raymond James stepped in to help my family when Hurricane Ian hit us. We have had thousands of dollars of damage to our home and Friends of Raymond James was able to help us get back on our feet and make our home livable. It was greatly appreciated in a dire time of need." - Anonymous
“Last year I severely injured my shoulder. Despite my efforts to rehab it, it became apparent that surgery was the only option. The quote that I received from the surgeon was several thousand beyond what I had in my savings. I confided in a colleague who suggested looking into the Friends of Raymond James program. I followed the instructions and quickly received confirmation and eventual approval. Because of the generous donors to this program, I was able to get the surgery I needed and can carry my kids again. Without this assistance, I would’ve continued with pain and unable to do the things I love in this life. I will forever be grateful.” - Anonymous
"During the catastrophic storm of Hurricane Ian we witnessed and experienced the storm surge come through our neighborhood rapidly and inundated our home with several feet of water. Our garage which sits lower than the house had over five feet of water in it destroying both our vehicles. With no cell phone service for days and two vehicles destroyed, we were unable to contact or have the ability to travel for essentials. With no rental cars available in the SW Florida area Friends of Raymond James stepped up to assist us with a rental car out of St. Pete for a month while we worked with our insurance company to replace both vehicles. We are grateful for the caring and compassionate employees that stepped up to assist us, which was one step to getting back to normal. And quickly helped me get back to the focus and care for our clients." - Anonymous
"Friends of Raymond James was a tremendous blessing to myself and my daughter! As a single mother, unexpected expenses can cause a major blow to your finances! Due to severe weather my prior community’s water system was compromised, ultimately leaving us with no other choice but to uproot and move to a new county. This move was unexpected and sudden, Friends of Raymond James did not hesitate to step in and provide us with financial support. As a newly hired employee, I was so impressed by this selfless act of generosity, and the urgency Meredith Mansfield provided to my request. I am forever grateful and so happy to be a part of a company that truly stands on its values." - Anonymous
"Friends of Raymond James was such a blessing to me during a time of need. Some companies may say that they are like family or treat their employees as family, Raymond James truly is a family. I am proud and blessed to work for such a high caliber company and one that gives back to its employees as well as the community we live and serve. Thank you for all that you do and will continue to do." - Anonymous
"Friends of Raymond James stepped in to help my family when Hurricane Ian hit us. We have had thousands of dollars of damage to our home and Friends of Raymond James was able to help us get back on our feet and make our home livable. It was greatly appreciated in a dire time of need." - Anonymous
“Last year I severely injured my shoulder. Despite my efforts to rehab it, it became apparent that surgery was the only option. The quote that I received from the surgeon was several thousand beyond what I had in my savings. I confided in a colleague who suggested looking into the Friends of Raymond James program. I followed the instructions and quickly received confirmation and eventual approval. Because of the generous donors to this program, I was able to get the surgery I needed and can carry my kids again. Without this assistance, I would’ve continued with pain and unable to do the things I love in this life. I will forever be grateful.” - Anonymous
"During the catastrophic storm of Hurricane Ian we witnessed and experienced the storm surge come through our neighborhood rapidly and inundated our home with several feet of water. Our garage which sits lower than the house had over five feet of water in it destroying both our vehicles. With no cell phone service for days and two vehicles destroyed, we were unable to contact or have the ability to travel for essentials. With no rental cars available in the SW Florida area Friends of Raymond James stepped up to assist us with a rental car out of St. Pete for a month while we worked with our insurance company to replace both vehicles. We are grateful for the caring and compassionate employees that stepped up to assist us, which was one step to getting back to normal. And quickly helped me get back to the focus and care for our clients." - Anonymous
"Friends of Raymond James was a tremendous blessing to myself and my daughter! As a single mother, unexpected expenses can cause a major blow to your finances! Due to severe weather my prior community’s water system was compromised, ultimately leaving us with no other choice but to uproot and move to a new county. This move was unexpected and sudden, Friends of Raymond James did not hesitate to step in and provide us with financial support. As a newly hired employee, I was so impressed by this selfless act of generosity, and the urgency Meredith Mansfield provided to my request. I am forever grateful and so happy to be a part of a company that truly stands on its values." - Anonymous
"Friends of Raymond James was such a blessing to me during a time of need. Some companies may say that they are like family or treat their employees as family, Raymond James truly is a family. I am proud and blessed to work for such a high caliber company and one that gives back to its employees as well as the community we live and serve. Thank you for all that you do and will continue to do." - Anonymous