Gregory B. Davis Foundation
The Gregory B. Davis Foundation had its beginnings in August of 2000 and was formed to preserve the memory and legacy of Gregory B. Davis. A native of Garysburg, North Carolina, Gregory died in March 2000 while residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Gregory understood the power of knowledge and the link between health, wellness, and making positive lifestyle choices for achieving success. From childhood in rural North Carolina farming community to adulthood as a successful corporate executive in Atlanta, Georgia, Gregory knew the challenges and pain of coping in difficult times. Faced with the diminishing health of his dad and his mother's respite care needs, he was very involved in the family's efforts to secure resources to help enhance the quality of their lives. Gregory was also very involved in community-related and charitable causes and was a strong supporter of the Arts in Atlanta metropolitan area.Given his awareness of the health and lifestyles outcomes for many population groups, he expressed a keen interest in supporting programs targeting adolescents with HIV/AIDS and their families; providing educational opportunities for youth living in rural, underserved communities, and respite programs for caregivers of persons with debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Serving as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, GBDF's mission is to enhance the lives of youth and their families through the development and support of health related and educational programs and initiatives. More specifically, GBDF will support healthy life choices and well-being for rural and medically challenged families, caregivers, and youth affected by HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's Disease, and other debilitating illnesses and those with limited academic and life skills opportunities. GBDF intends to accomplish this mission of enhancing the quality of life through several ways. One is to conduct and/or support research at the policy level and through collaborative studies with such entities as the National Organization on Aging, the National Minority AIDS Training and Education Center, etc. Another means is through programs directed at social action and documented community-based needs and problems. Finally, the mission will be accomplished through activities that are both targeted for audiences such as youth and older adults and general programs with a broader focus for the community-at-large.
Over the past few years, GBDF has been involved in various activities and initiatives.
GBDF has established key goals and objectives; identified some key needs of populations in eastern
North Carolina and beyond, and has established a Board of Advisors and an Advisory Committee
to provide sound advice and assist in determining program priorities and future direction.
Several core foundation activities have been established such as the annual HIV/AIDS CARE Basket
Drive and Fundraiser, the Gregory B. Davis Memorial Academic Incentive Fund, the 4-H Trail Blazer
Awards (i.e., Gregory was a three time national 4-H winner in the areas of landscaping and public
speaking), community health forums, recreational activities at area Nursing Homes, an annual
Valentine's Day Fundraising Gala, a website to keep the public aware of GBDF's activities and to
educate the public, and many other volunteer and community services.
While GBDF has made some significant strides during this developmental phase, the Officers-in-Charge and its Board of Directors are looking forward to providing more support and services to individuals and families in need during this coming year. A warm note of appreciation goes out to all of those who supported GBDF through your contributions, volunteer service, and continued expressions of encouragement.
