The Country Friends History

Formed in 1954 to fulfill a need of “Helping San Diegans, One Hand At a Time.” The Country Friends® owns and operates a Consignment Shop, actively seeks sponsors, and donors, and hosts events to raise funds for local human care agencies.  With unparalleled standing throughout Southern California, we value each and every supporter of The Country Friends.

Your support whether it takes the form of a donation, event ticket, consignment and/or purchase from the shop helps The Country Friends to ensure the continuation and growth of this generous giving program.

Photo Credit: Gilda Adler Photography

President – Janean Stripe

Janean Stripe, an 18-year member of The Country Friends (TCF) Board of Directors, is the new president of the Rancho Santa Fe-based nonprofit. Stripe, who has long served as the organization’s treasurer and chief financial officer, succeeds Suzanne Newman, who stepped down after a four-year term but continues to serve as first vice president.

Stripe, a certified financial planner and senior wealth manager with Lucia Capital Group, has worked in the industry for three decades and has been recognized as a five-star wealth manager for the past ten years.

Stripe notes that The Country Friends has donated nearly $15 million to San Diego County-based charities since it was founded in 1954, with special emphasis on causes that benefit women, children, the elderly, military families, and the disabled. It is an honor to serve as president of a grassroots nonprofit that has provided crucial funding to so many worthy causes for nearly seven decades,” Stripe says. “I look forward to continuing this important work. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of so many.”

Stripe also serves on the USD School of Business Advisory Board, as well as the boards of A Step Beyond, Santa Fe Christian Schools, The Barnabas Group, Science and Faith Alliance, and DCPI (Dynamic Church Planting International).

She is married to Tim Stripe, co-president of Grand Pacific Resorts in Carlsbad. The longtime Fairbanks Ranch residents have two married daughters and three grandchildren.

Officers

 

President Janean Stripe
First Vice President Suzanne M. Newman
Second Vice President – Human Care Funding Marci Cavanaugh
Third Vice President – Director of Operations Yvette Letourneau
Treasurer Linda Block
Parliamentarian Deborah Cross
Recording Secretary Valerie Parker

Directors

Area Director Christina Macone-Green
Area Director Linda Sansone
Creative Director Sage Billick
HCF Co-Director Jolene Davidison
Honoring & Remembrance Jean Waters
At Large Board Member Laura MacKinnon
Publicity Co-Director Andrea Naverson
Publicity Director Mia Park
Special Events Co-Director Tamara Lafarga-Joseph
Special Events Director Maggie Bobileff
Volunteer Director Lolly Sangster
Shop Volunteer Keilene Hayward