Our First
Friends

But more needed to be done and in true Mindy fashion she said "Well, then let's do it."

A few months later, with the help of Charlie Hunter and Dallas Guill,  Friends with Benefits • Denton was born! The group’s first event was successful in raising $4,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Hood County! After the check presentation, the group stayed and helped build homes with the HFH volunteers.

And now we have grown to an organization built from hundreds of volunteers raising over $200,000+ for our community and we are just getting started!

Friends With Benefits (FWB) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2013 by three friends, Kiara Helgesen, Mindy Arendt and Charlie Hunter, in Denton, Texas. 

In 2013 an F5 tornado devastated a part of the small town where Kiara went to high school.  In an effort to use her skills as a veterinary technician, Kiara decided to volunteer her time to help any way she could.

Unfortunately, she and other volunteers were being turned away on site. It wasn’t long after that she found out the town was not receiving government assistance to rebuild.

So, Kiara reached out to her friends at Pan Ector Industries who designed a shirt she would sell to raise funds for the tornado victims and she sold the shirts at his bar Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor.

Mission

Friends With Benefits (FWB) is a 501(c)(3) in Denton, Texas that benefits North Texas charitable organizations that better our local communities, schools and/or neighborhoods. Our goal is to organize fun events in Denton, Texas to raise funds and awareness to north Texas charitable organizations and causes..

PAST BENEFICIARIES

Meet the Board

Board Updates Coming Soon!

Vikter Solis
Secretary & Volunteer Coordinator

A long-time supporter of Friends With Benefits, Vikter is deeply committed to collaboration, community, and the joy of giving back. With a background in Sociology, they step in wherever support is needed, bringing organization, care, and a people-centered perspective to the team. Outside of their board work, Vikter enjoys reading tarot for others, leading guided meditations with sound bowls, showing up for the local drag community, and staying actively engaged in spaces that celebrate connection, creativity, and mutual support.

Vikter solis
Secretary · volunteer coordinator

Desmond Moore
Director of finance & Treasurer

Desmond joined the Friends With Benefits board because he cares deeply about the community and loves supporting the fun work FWB does. He's known for keeping the finances in order and helps out wherever he's needed. 

Desmond Moore
Director of finance & Treasurer

Sherri Riley
Board Member

Sherri joined the board in 2023 after spending some time volunteering regularly. Sherri is a Denton High alumna and has been in the North Texas area since 1994. She can be found at most FWB events, often spearheading registration with her great team of volunteers. Sherri loves seeing smiling faces, supporting the community and being involved in good causes. She

spent years as classroom mom, band and football booster board member, and organizing fundraising events for local schools. She is a mom of 2, grandma to 2, and “Momma Sherri” to so many others here in our Community.

Sherri Riley
Board Member

Mindy Arendt
President & Co-Founder
Events Committee Chair

Mindy Arendt is the badass co-founder and president of Friends With Benefits (FWB). A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Mindy brings extensive experience in marketing, branding, event planning, graphic design, and nonprofit leadership. Throughout her career, she has served as a social media manager, brand director, and event coordinator, combining creativity with strategic planning to build meaningful connections and lasting community impact.

As president, Mindy has led the organization from its inception, helping shape its mission and guiding its growth with passion, creativity, and dedication. She works alongside an incredible team of volunteers to plan signature fundraising events, cultivate community partnerships, secure sponsorships, and oversee the countless details that turn ideas into meaningful results.

At the heart of everything Mindy does is a belief that bringing people together can create lasting change. Through thoughtful leadership, creative storytelling, and a genuine passion for service, she continues to help Friends With Benefits strengthen the community—one event, one partnership, and one act of kindness at a time.

Mindy Arendt
President · Co-Founder · Events Chair

Randi Skinner
Director of Awesomeness
Marketing Committee chair

With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, nonprofit leadership and community strategy, Randi brings a uniquely integrated perspective. Randi’s expertise isn’t limited to business, It’s rooted in advocacy, storytelling and lived experience. A survivor of childhood domestic violence, Randi has spent much of her life dedicated to supporting women and families navigating trauma. She has served as an advocate, speaker and organizer for causes including domestic violence awareness, food insecurity, safe housing and community education. 

Randi Skinner
Director of Awesomeness · Marketing chair


Interested in serving on the Friends With Benefits board of directors or advisory board? Tday

APPLY TODAY

Some of our friends

Our Super Supportive Friends

Andy Folmer, Research & Logistics
Amber Tyler, Hospitality
Charlie Hunter, Marketing Committee/Co-founder
Danielle Longueville
Rob Smith

Friend Zone Advisory Board

George Ferrie • Alyson Bogus • Danielle Walker • Lou Delaney

The Friend Zone Advisory Board is a group of community volunteers who provide insight, ideas, and guidance to support the Friends With Benefits Board of Directors. Their expertise helps us better understand community needs, strengthen our events, and maximize our impact.