Lawrenceville, GA – The Gwinnett Tech Foundation today announced that the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County’s 8th Annual Derby Down South fundraiser generated a record-breaking $155,500 in gross proceeds, marking 2026 as the most successful event in the initiative’s history and delivering transformative support for student veterans at Gwinnett Technical College.
During check presentations on June 30, the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County awarded $94,650 to the Gwinnett Tech Foundation in support of its Valor Wellness Program, a new initiative designed to enhance the physical, emotional, and financial well-being of veteran students.
From the Gwinnett Tech Foundation’s perspective, the event represents a powerful example of what can be achieved through strategic community partnerships. “We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County and everyone who supported Derby Down South,” said Darcie Johnson, executive director of the Gwinnett Tech Foundation.
“This extraordinary investment in the Valor Wellness Program will directly impact veteran students and their families by providing access to wellness resources, creative therapies, and emergency financial assistance that can be life-changing. The Rotary Club’s commitment to serving those who have served our country is helping remove barriers and create real opportunities for veterans to succeed both in the classroom and beyond.”
The Valor Wellness Program was selected as the primary beneficiary of the 2026 event in response to direct feedback from Gwinnett Technical College’s veteran student population, who expressed a need for expanded access to holistic wellness services. The program is expected to support more than 350 veterans and approximately 500 family members annually through the college’s Veterans Affairs Office.
Funding from Derby Down South will enable the Foundation to expand critical services, including gym memberships through a partnership with the J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, art therapy workshops in collaboration with the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning, and emergency financial assistance for essential needs such as tuition, books, transportation, and childcare.
These resources are designed to strengthen physical fitness, support mental health, and provide financial stability for veteran students as they pursue their education and career goals. The program also reflects the Foundation’s broader commitment to building sustainable partnerships that deliver long-term impact for the communities it serves.
The record-breaking success of Derby Down South underscores the generosity and shared purpose of Gwinnett County’s philanthropic community. Through continued collaboration with partners like the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County, the Gwinnett Tech Foundation is advancing initiatives that empower students, honor veterans, and strengthen the region’s workforce.
For more information about Gwinnett Technical College and its programs, visit GwinnettTech.edu.
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About the Gwinnett Tech Foundation
The Gwinnett Tech Foundation supports the mission of Gwinnett Technical College by providing resources that enhance student success, workforce development, and community impact. Through scholarships, emergency assistance, and innovative programs such as the Valor Wellness Program, the Foundation helps students overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.
About the Rotary Club of Gwinnett County
The Rotary Club of Gwinnett County is part of Rotary International, a global network of community leaders dedicated to service above self. Through local and international initiatives, the club works to improve lives, strengthen communities, and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.