Friends of the Forest – Terry “TJ” Egan
Terry is originally from Freeport, Illinois and spent much of his working life in
Rockford, Illinois. He is a fundraiser and non-profit executive and a proud
alumnus of Northern Illinois University – “the Huskies”. Terry attended this
Division I school on a swimming scholarship!
Joining Rotary in January, 2018, was brought on by his interest in the “Smart
Snacks” program that Carolina Forest Rotary (CFRC) and CCU Rotaract clubs
jointly sponsor. He was also impressed by the community building efforts of the
CFRC and the friendships amongst the members.
Terry is the current President of the Club starting in April, 2019. He sees that the
Rotary Virtual Food Drive is a small part to address a big issue in our community.
“We don’t understand the depth of the problems. People are in debt and then they
lose a job. Then they can’t pay rent and they have to move. Maybe they move in
with relatives, but in a transient place like Myrtle Beach maybe they have to move
“back home”, to another community or another state”. He continued, “I saw a 2-
mile-long line in Socastee for a food pantry. The Rotary Virtual Food Drive is a
short term fix to help agencies that are seeing a surge in people that they are trying
to feed.” In short this is what Rotary is all about – community service to help
others.