Celebrations through Community Giving

Johnston Health Foundation is on the move! On Tuesday evening, April 28, 2026, celebrations were in order. The annual A Toast to Champions was held to honor the donations from partners and donors for their amazing contributions to making the Youth Zone a Reality.

The concept of the Youth Zone was a thought that was inspired to allow the underprivileged youth in our communities and their families an opportunity to improve their health. The students are introduced to a dietician to help them choose healthy meals; they are connected to health professionals that provide exercises and monitoring outcomes to encourage them to choose healthy ways of life. There is even a food pantry to help them choose foods to develop plans for recipes to follow on their journey for success.

As this idea was presented to improve community health challenges of all people, others were inspired to donate to make this plan a reality. Therefore, through the efforts of everyone, we now have the Youth Zone. A mural was constructed to show the joy that others gleaned as recipients of the contributions made and for those that selflessly gave to this project. We are all happy people as observed in this finished project.

The final celebration moving forward of the Foundation Board initiating donations made by partners and donors will culminate on Saturday, May 2 at the UNC Health Johnston Derby Day, Portofino Equestrian Center, Clayton, NC. This is a monumental occasion of the Foundation to contribute to help our families live healthier lives in Johnston County and beyond, hope to see you on Derby Day!