March 31, 2026 – Thanks to the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, Byers & Co was live from the Good Samaritan Inn. Good Sam has announced they have exceeded its $410,000 fundraising goal thanks to the generoisity of the community, foundations, and businesses in the community.
“This achievement is a true testament to what is possible when a community refuses to let its neighbors go hungry,” said Tanya Melendez, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Inn. “But it’s more than just a number. It reflects the meals served, the strengthened partnerships, and the lives touched by our collective efforts.”
Good Samaritan Inn Director Tanya Melendez and board president, John West, joined Byers & Co to talk about the importance of providing daily meals. The Good Samaritan Inn served 77,420 meals last year and averages 212 meals per day. Listen to the podcast now.
Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation, joined Byers & Co, to talk about the impact of the Good Samaritan Inn on the community. Listen to the podcast now.
Tanya and donor Brenda Niederbrach joined Byers & Co to talk about the individuals, businesses, and community partners who believe in the mission of the Good Samaritan Inn. Listen to the podcast now.
Good Samaritan Inn volunteers Bruce and Nancy Frey, joined Byers & Co to talk about the importance of community service for their organiztion. The Good Samaritan Inn has over 1000 volunteers who provide over 9100 volunteer hours per year. Listen to the podcast now.
Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation and Ruby Henderson, That’s What She Said cast member, joined Byers & Co to talk about Ruby’s story and preview the event on April 9th. Listen to the podcast now.
Good Sam board members, David Brown and Mark Avery, joined Byers & Co to talk about today’s announcement of meeting the Good Sam fundraising goal. In addition, Natalie Beck of the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation joined the show to share that the Heart of Illinois Community Foundation is providing an additional $5000 grant to Good Sam.
