Good Lions Celebrates First Anniversary with Ribbon Cutting and Renewed Commitment to Community

Community members, local officials, and supporters gathered Saturday to celebrate the first anniversary of Good Lions, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to supporting local charities and community organizations, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its Royal Plaza location.

Although the ceremony had been postponed, organizers said the delay made the celebration even more meaningful, allowing them to reflect on how much the organization has grown in its first year.

Brett Beaman, from Play Favorites, speaking on behalf of the Front Royal/Warren County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees and congratulated the organization on reaching its first milestone.

“We are here at a ribbon cutting for Good Lions that has been here for a full year. A great celebration to be had,” Beaman said. “We are greatly appreciative that you have survived your first year and are expanding.”

The anniversary celebration featured family-friendly activities including face painting, games, vendors and community outreach opportunities.

Front Royal Town Councilman Wayne Sealock praised Good Lions for its commitment to giving back.

“I’m so glad that they made it through the first year,” Sealock said. “I think they’re going to be a good asset for the town. They’re doing a lot for the community. They’re giving back things to the community as their funds come in. I just want to congratulate you.”

Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers said the visit gave her a new appreciation for the organization’s mission.

“This is my first time here, which I wish I had known about this and been here earlier,” Cullers said. “The good works that you’re doing for the community… this is like a club that you join, and memberships help support activities and charitable things going on in the community.”

She encouraged residents to learn more about the nonprofit.

“If you don’t know about it, I think you need to come down and learn,” Cullers said. “We all as a village need to support each other in doing that.”

Founder Brian Carpenter explained that while he started the organization, its success has been driven by volunteers and members who have embraced its mission.

“It might have been one person that got this started, but as you can see, there’s a lot of people here as well—a tremendous amount of volunteers that have really helped me out,” he said. “I couldn’t have made this happen by myself.”

Unlike a traditional business, Good Lions operates as a nonprofit organization. Rather than creating its own charitable programs, the organization raises funds and supports existing nonprofits already serving the community.

“We’re not set up as a for-profit business,” Carpenter said. He said the organization focuses on helping existing nonprofits continue their work.

“We don’t need to compete against them,” he said. “They’ve got that mechanism worked out. So if we can do this part, have people come in, enjoy themselves, and then in return, that helps contribute to what we can then do to support them.”

Following remarks from local officials, attendees gathered outside for the ceremonial ribbon cutting before celebrating inside the facility.

Membership Supports Local Giving

Located at the entrance to Royal King Plaza, Good Lions operates under a state license requiring memberships. Brian said the annual membership fee is intentionally kept affordable.

“We charge $20 for the entire year,” he said.

As part of the anniversary celebration, new memberships were available for $5 for the remainder of 2026, with proceeds benefiting the Warren County Humane Society.

The anniversary weekend also included a pet supply drive supporting the shelter.

“That wasn’t my idea,” Carpenter said. “It was one of our members who actually came up with that idea. That’s why we created this—not as some type of business, but as a nonprofit.”

The organization has identified two long-term charitable priorities: supporting school-age children and assisting victims of domestic violence.

“We’ll always support those two particular areas,” he said.

Rather than duplicating existing services, Good Lions partners with organizations already serving those needs, including the Angel Student Network, the Phoenix Project and Hike Kidz.

“We don’t need to compete,” he said. “There are already great organizations in place.”

A Place for Community

In addition to fundraising, Good Lions provides a gathering space where members can meet for coffee, watch sporting events, play cards or organize activities.

“We’ve done coffee and donuts in the mornings,” Carpenter said. “Whether it’s a breakfast club, people watching the games or the races, card night—whatever activities the members want to do, I’m willing to throw it on the calendar.”

The facility is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Brian welcomes new visitors.

“Unfortunately, a lot of nights I’m sitting here by myself,” he joked. “I would appreciate some company.”

Reflecting on the organization’s first year, Brian acknowledged the challenges of launching and sustaining a nonprofit.

“There are some challenges that go with the first year,” he said. “When you team that up with the idea of one that’s a nonprofit—well, a nonprofit doesn’t mean that you don’t have to pay your bills.”

Despite those challenges, he remains optimistic about the future.

“The easiest thing that I can ask is that if you’re even slightly interested in knowing more about it, just step in the door,” he said. “One of us would be happy to tell you about it, show it to you, explain what we support, and we’re always looking for members to help drive our ideas and the way we expand.”

For more information about Good Lions or membership opportunities, residents can visit the organization at its Royal Plaza location in Front Royal.