On Friday, April 25th, Impact Alamance commemorated a decade of strategic funding, community partnerships and progress with a 10th Anniversary Luncheon at The Inn at Elon. This milestone gathering welcomed over 100 guests, including past and present board members, community partners, organizational leaders, elected officials and institutional stakeholders to recognize their shared commitment to strengthening Alamance County’s grid of resources.
Since making its first investment in 2015, Impact Alamance has invested a total of $19,340,892, supported 134 unique organizations, and helped create or enhance 82 outdoor spaces—including playgrounds, greenways, trails, and connectors. Alongside its direct investments, Impact Alamance provided grant writing support that helped organizations secure $7,672,737 in additional state and federal funding. Furthermore, Impact Alamance’s commitment to advocacy has led to 10 major wins across the county, including tobacco-free parks policies, the Alamance-Burlington School System’s community-use policy for school playgrounds and trails, a $150 million school bond, and the adoption of “health in all policies” approaches by local municipalities.
In recognition of 10 years of shared impact, the luncheon celebrated the achievements, partnerships and people who have shaped Impact Alamance’s journey. The program also highlighted the milestones that have enabled Impact Alamance to continue advancing local solutions, deepening community connections and enhancing the quality of life for all who call Alamance County home.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us in celebration,” said Tracey Grayzer, President of Impact Alamance. “Ongoing support and strong partnerships have been essential to our progress over the past decade. We’re excited to continue this journey together to help make Alamance County a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Guests were invited to reflect on the organization’s history through an interactive “memory wall,” where attendees shared their personal experiences with the foundation. A timeline video offered a visual narrative of Impact Alamance’s evolution, showcasing the breadth and depth of its work over the past ten years.
A panel discussion spotlighted three key focus areas that guide Impact Alamance’s mission: Healthier, Smarter and Stronger.
Bobbi Ruffin-Alston, Superintendent for Burlington Recreation and Parks and longtime partner of Impact Alamance, reflected on the progress made through Impact Alamance’s “Healthier” initiatives. She emphasized the transformative impact of investments in the community’s built environment, such as the Splash Park at Burlington City Park, made possible through Impact Alamance’s support. Designed to be accessible and inclusive, these spaces encourage behaviors that promote long-term wellness like physical activity, play and social connection. These strategic investments serve as vital public resources that support well-being across generations, especially when paired with policies that ensure equitable access for all.
Windy Lampson, Southeast High School’s 2024-25 Teacher of the Year and an alumna of the Teacher Leadership Academy (TLA), spoke to the significance of Impact Alamance’s “Smarter” focus area. Lampson shared how her experience with TLA provided empowering professional development while creating space for reflection, collaboration and leadership growth. Through workshops, field-trips and peer-to-peer learning, teachers are equipped with the tools and practical strategies to enhance student learning and advocate for school-wide improvement. Lampson emphasized how initiatives like TLA build educator capacity and engagement, ultimately improving learning outcomes for students across Alamance-Burlington schools.
Yholima Vargas Pedroza, an ESL Coordinator for Alamance Community College and member of the For Alamance Bridge Team, presented on Impact Alamance’s “Stronger” focus area. Vargas underscored the importance of building civic capacity within the community, highlighting the need to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, confidence and resources to participate in and spearhead local change-making processes. She emphasized how programs like the For Alamance initiative foster leadership, encourage participation and support community-led initiatives, affirming the belief that true, lasting change comes from the community itself.
The luncheon also honored F.D. Hornaday, Chair of Impact Alamance’s Board of Directors. A longtime civic leader, Hornaday served on the Alamance Regional Medical Center Board for nearly 14 years prior to its merger with Cone Health and later served as Chair of Cone Health’s Board of Trustees from 2017 to 2021. His steady leadership, deep understanding of community needs and unwavering commitment to service have been instrumental in guiding Impact Alamance’s vision and strategic direction over the past decade, helping the foundation to become a trusted partner in advancing wellness in Alamance County.
The event concluded with a video spotlighting the voices and experiences of some of Impact Alamance’s dedicated community partners, each reflecting on their shared commitment to creating a healthier, smarter and stronger Alamance County.
