Over 40 years ago, We Care was founded with a simple yet powerful mission: to support Gainesville and Hall County school children whose families, while hardworking, did not qualify for public assistance or were too proud to accept it. Our story began with a small group of local gentlemen—Jim Walters, Tim Fetzer, Norman Parr, Gene Cobb, and Doug McMahan—who met regularly to play golf but found a higher calling when an employee of Mr. Cobb asked for help providing Christmas gifts for a struggling family.

This family, with two working parents, was doing everything they could to make ends meet, but there was nothing left for Christmas presents. Without hesitation, Gene brought this need to his golfing group, and together they raised enough money to brighten the holidays for this deserving family. It was from this humble gesture that We Care was born—committed to helping families who are working hard to help themselves and who don’t ask for any other public assistance.

The founders, who received countless donation requests each year, made a lasting commitment to our community: we would ask for donations only once a year, and every dollar raised would go directly to the children. This principle remains the foundation of We Care today.