GBDF’s Programs & Special Initiatives

GBDF has several core initiatives that address key health and educational needs of residents in eastern North Carolina and beyond including:

Youth Focused–Academic:

GBDF Educational Incentive Fund: Memorial--Academic Incentive Fund for average students (GPA 2.4-3.0) seeking excellence. For more information….
College Exposure Programs: for high schoolers to the college experience, various health-related fields, and the college admissions process. Campus visits have included the University of NC-Chapel Hill and NC Central University’s BRITE Program in areas of science, public health, etc. Future activities include a College Planning Bootcamp and Technical/Vocational Skills Exploration and a visit to the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. Visit here for more info.
GBDF 4-H Trail Blazer Awards: recognize 4-Hers competing at the state level in North Carolina by providing travel and logistical support.

FUN-raising:

Motorcycle Benefit Ride: annual proceeds benefit a local, regional or national health-service organization. GBDF has supported diabetes, juvenile delinquency prevention, HIV/AIDS, breast and prostate cancer, domestic violence, youth leadership, etc.
Annual Valentine’s Day Benefit Gala: our major fundraiser supporting all GBDF initiatives, and other fundraising events celebrating arts, music, culture and health and well-being. Our 20th Anniversary Celebration was held on February 22, 2020.
Grant seeking and other financial support to fund special initiatives: Funding has been received from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the NC Susan G. Komen Triangle to the Coast Affiliate, Inc., The Conservation Fund, Morehouse School of Medicine, NC Cancer Prevention and Control and GlaxoSmithKline Foundation totaling nearly $500,000 in support.

Community Outreach/Collaboration:

Health Disparities: GBDF provides financial and volunteer support to organizations focusing on health disparities and health equity.
Community Outreach and Education: covering health areas such as nutrition, fitness, prostate and breast cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, linkage to care and patient navigation.
Breast Cancer Support: As a founding member of the Roanoke Valley Breast Cancer Coalition (RVBCC), GBDF supports cancer related conferences and expos, support groups, tours to areas cancer centers, education and outreach, and free breast screening and mammography. These activities have been supported through funding provided from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Morehouse School of Medicine, North Carolina Cancer Control Project and key community partners. Visit our PINK LINK Project here.
Elder Care: and nurturing the elderly by providing recreational activities for residents of area Nursing Homes and other skilled care facilities.
Respite Care: Providing much needed funding for caregiver support groups and other activities related to respite care.
Formation of Ongoing Partnerships and Collaborations: with entities having complimentary missions, goals and desired outcomes as GBDF. GBDF has partnered with over 150 organizations, institutions, municipalities, and agencies.

For more info, to DONATE or volunteer, please call (204) 602-4156 or reach us via email at: gbdf@gbdf.org. Also, visit us at www.gbdf.org.