Johnston Health Foundation

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Smithfield, NC
Johnston Health Foundation

Supporting the patients, programs, and services of UNC Health Johnston.

05/22/2026

At UNC Health Johnston Derby Day, the Tribute Wall gives guests a moment to pause — to honor someone who matters to them by writing their name on a horseshoe and honor them with a donation to the Marvel Cancer Survivorship Fund.

This year's wall was sponsored by E&V Strategic Communications, who dedicated it in memory of a colleague's sister, Allison Beale Fuchs. Derby season was one of her favorite times of year, and she celebrated it fully with the people she loved. Her family was moved, knowing she'd be remembered here. That's the kind of generosity that makes this event more than a fundraiser.

We're grateful and honored to carry her name with us.

05/14/2026

75 years of trusted care for Johnston County. That legacy belongs to every person who shows up for this community.

Happy to the entire UNC Health Johnston team — the Johnston Health Foundation is proud to be part of this story. 💙

05/08/2026

Our annual Toast to Our Champions was a wonderful way to kick off Derby Day week as we celebrated the extraordinary generosity of our Johnston Health Society and Founder’s Circle members. 🎡 💙

This year’s carnival-themed evening included a special first look at the new Youth Zone — a space made possible through the support of Johnston Health Foundation donors and community partners. A special thank you to Snacks Provision Company for helping make the evening even more memorable with incredible catering and treats for our guests.

Now that the community has officially gotten a peek inside during today’s open house, we’re even more excited for the impact this space will have on local youth and families for years to come.

05/07/2026

All in Alignment for a Day of Fun 🏇

Junior Jockey Junction brought the fun inside with inflatable carnival games, crowd-favorite hobby horse races, and custom caricatures drawn by Sloan Communications, giving our youngest guests plenty to smile about.

This playful space was all made possible by Connected Chiropractic, a hometown practice right here in Clayton, helping keep everything in perfect alignment for UNC Health Johnston Derby Day.

05/06/2026

We couldn’t wait to start reminiscing about this weekend’s event — and we’re excited to kick things off by celebrating the sponsors who helped bring it all together.

First up, we’re highlighting Magnolia Healthcare & Aesthetics, which was in full bloom at UNC Health Johnston Derby Day, sponsoring the Flawless Finish race featuring crowd-favorite miniature ponies from Stampede Of Love. Guests were delighted by a playful egg-and-spoon relay to determine the winner between Sweet Magnolia, Wrinkle Rebel, or Glow Getter. Magnolia also helped guests capture their photo finish in the 360 photo booth.

We were especially honored to have Magnolia’s owner, Tonya Pounds, serve as a judge for our Runway for the Roses fashion contests. With impeccable style, she was the perfect choice to help crown this year’s best-dressed. Tonya and the Magnolia team embody the spirit of Derby Day — elegance, energy, and a commitment to community. We are so grateful for their partnership and the many ways they helped make this year’s event such a success.

05/03/2026

As you can see, UNC Health Johnston Derby Day at Portofino 2026 was a winning day from start to finish - full of style, spirit and community. Rain or shine, this community shows up!

And the biggest win of all? Together, we raised $260,000 to support the patients, programs and services of UNC Health Johnston, with all dollars staying right here in Johnston County.

To our sponsors, volunteers, vendors and every guest who showed up and showed out, thank you. We are so grateful for the flexibility, energy and support that made the day possible.

We may have crossed the finish line, but the celebration isn’t over yet. Stay tuned this week as we continue to highlight the incredible people and moments that made this year's Derby Day one for the books!

05/02/2026

It’s Derby Day! We’re excited to spend the day with our community champions.

We’ve been closely monitoring the weather, and out of an abundance of caution for our race horses — and to ensure the best possible experience for our guests — live races will not take place this year. That said, the rest of the event will continue as planned, and we have some exciting things in store! Gates will still open at 2:30 p.m.

Traffic flow remains the same:
Gate A: General admission and volunteer parking
Gate B: Valet, handicapped, neighborhood golf carts, and vendors

While Mother Nature may have changed the setting, the fun won’t miss a beat. In place of the live horse races, we’ll have three special races you won’t want to miss (and yes—you can still place your bets 😉).

Rain or shine, the reason we gather remains the same. The impact, the energy, and the celebration continue!

UNC Health Johnston Derby Day at Portofino

05/01/2026

From the first bite to the final toast, this UNC Health Johnston Derby Day at Portofino menu is worth celebrating.

🍿Setting the Early Pace at the Racetrack:
Char-Grill Clayton, White Swan BBQ, and charcuterie from Publix. Fresh popcorn by The Twisted Kettle will also be available — a special treat from UNC Health Johnston CEO, Tommy Williams.

🍽️Worth Betting On in the Main Pavilion:
Empire Eats is serving up a full lineup of Derby-inspired dishes, from mini hot browns and smoked ham sliders to Kentucky burgoo and pimento cheese.

🍪Sweet Finishes made possible by TAP Properties:
Louie & Co ice cream, cookies, and brownie bites.

🍷Raise a Glass to the Races:
Artful Libations will be pouring all evening, featuring:
Mint juleps, made possible by Danis
Kentucky Oaks Lilies, made possible by KS Bank
Beer and wine
Soda and water by Coca-Cola

04/29/2026

UNC Health Johnston Derby Day at Portofino is ON!

Like you, we’re keeping a close eye on the weather as we approach Saturday. If rain tries to make an appearance, we’re fully prepared to keep the fun going without missing a beat.

Thanks to our incredible host, Portofino Equestrian Center, we have a beautiful covered pavilion that comfortably accommodates our entire crowd. And after all, a little rain never stopped a good hat.

Tickets still available:
www.johnstonhealthfoundation.org/derbyday

We’ll be sharing important event updates with ticket holders via text and email, so be sure your contact information is up to date in your Event.Gives profile after purchasing your tickets.

04/28/2026

When it comes to co-chairs, we’ve truly won the Triple Crown: Mike Marvel, Brent George, and Sandra Thompson. We are so grateful for the time, passion, and leadership this trio brings to an event that truly makes a difference for the patients and families of UNC Health Johnston.

As we race into Derby week, we’re also celebrating our Triple Crown sponsors: Portofino Equestrian Center, Cattail, North Carolina Heart & Vascular, and Novo Nordisk. Their generosity helps power this event and the care it supports.

Join us Saturday, May 2, at Portofino Equestrian Center in Clayton. 🐎

Address

P. O. Box 1376
Smithfield, NC
27577

Telephone

+19199387348

Website

https://www.johnstonhealthfoundation.org/

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