Derby Day

Saturday, May 2, 2026

Portofino Equestrian Center | Clayton, NC

UNC Health Johnston Derby Day brings the "run for the roses" right to Johnston County, NC. Over 1,000 guests will walk the red carpet in their finest Derby hats and fashion, enjoy exhilarating live horse races, sip mint juleps and indulge in delicious refreshments - all for a great cause.

Proceeds will benefit the Johnston Health Foundation.

The past few years revealed a need for many things in the healthcare industry – more supplies, more hands, and more accessibility. When you support UNC Health Johnston Derby Day at Portofino and the Johnston Health Foundation, you make a wonderful, immediate difference in the health of our community.

Your support can provide:

  • free heart health and cancer screenings as well as access to quality health care for the low-income, elderly, and disabled populations
  • scholarships so underserved youth in Johnston County can receive nutritional counseling and fitness instruction
  • peace and dignity and compassionate end-of-life care at the SECU Hospice House.

2025 Sponsors

Portofino Equestrian Center logoNovo Nordisk logo
UNC Health Johnston Medical StaffNorth Carolina Heart and Vascular logo Flowers Plantation logoCattail Community logoMike and Pam MarvelUnited Community logoOPW logoDr. Robert & Mrs. Karen LippittDianne HagwoodDual Comfort Heating and Air logoScott Lee Homes logoAgri Supply logoAquaox Solutions logoKS Bank logoCBS 17 logoRed Barn Rescue logoFirst Citizens Bank logoWake Radiology logo Baker Thermal logoPine Hollow logoDanis logoMatthews Motors logoEckel & Vaughn logoHometowne Realty logoJohn ScovilInterState logoVast logoThe Equine Girl logoTom & Angie Poole logoStephenson General Contractors logoSally JohnstonJeff & Boo CarverNarron Wenzel logoBrent & Stephanie George