Joyce Kohfeldt has never been one to seek acknowledgment for her philanthropic work in the community, but her life-long commitment to helping children will inspire many community members to be better, to “be like Joyce.”
Joyce is an ardent supporter of organizations that invest in Winston-Salem’s children. As a retired teacher, school administrator, and education resource business owner, Joyce just loves children. She has adopted the Triad’s children as her own through her philanthropy and loving service.
Joyce is a quiet philanthropist and long-time supporter of the Second Harvest Food Bank and her deep commitment and passion for feeding our community is inspiring. Joyce is a long-time major donor and one of Second Harvest’s top five contributors of all time. She is the reason that Ibraham Elementary School’s BackPack program and school pantry, that help 300 people every month, exists. “Childhood hunger is unacceptable,” she told her pastor when she learned about child hunger statistics in her community and urged her church to start a partnership with the school. From contributing the first lead gift to the Hunger for Change capital campaign to her leadership on the capital campaign cabinet, Joyce has inspired others to give and her impact on the Food Bank and its programs is profound.
Joyce’s philanthropy at the Ronald McDonald House has been intentional and substantial, providing for the refurbishment of 19 guest rooms and ongoing maintenance of several common spaces, all of which impact the families every day. She has also sponsored fundraisers which directly support House operations. Thanks to Joyce, families have all the comforts of home – a place to rest and recharge – so they can devote their energy to their child’s care.
Joyce is passionate about providing opportunities for youth who, due to economic or social insecurities, might not otherwise have them. She has seen that these young people receive one of the most profound gifts possible – time to be in nature learning important life lessons while working with horses – at Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center. Her commitment to her passion allows Riverwood to provide continued programming for disadvantaged youth, scholarship opportunities to families who need extra financial support, and the ability to take the Mobile Education and Outreach (MEO) trailer into the community to provide off-site programming to those who cannot visit the farm.
Joyce is also serving her fourth term on the Crosby Scholars Board of Directors and is one of the organization’s top ten donors. She funds the Joyce Kohfeldt Determination Award for graduating seniors each year, which provides a $1,000 non-renewable scholarship that recognizes one graduating Crosby Scholar senior “who has overcome adversity while pursuing his or her educational goals and has emerged with a remarkable story of determination.” She has also funded an endowment at the Winston-Salem Foundation for Crosby Scholars.
Joyce’s drive to make the community better shines through all the work she has done and continues to do. She has created a legacy that will live on and inspire those in the non-profit world to never give up and always see the progress they are making in the world.
Pictured (bottom): Joyce Kohfeldt is celebrated by staff from nominating organizations as she receives the Outstanding Philanthropist – Winston-Salem award.
“As a retired educator, school administrator, and business owner, children are my passion! I help to make sure children have what they need to learn and thrive. Hunger is unacceptable. It starts here with me and with YOU!”
– Joyce Kohfeldt