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New Endowment Fund Honors Legacy of Cabarrus Child Advocate Ann Benfield

The Greater Cabarrus Foundation has announced the establishment of a new endowment designed to support the region’s youngest residents: The Ann Benfield Early Childhood Fund.

Named in honor of Ann Benfield, who has served as Executive Director of the Cabarrus County Partnership for Children since 2009, the fund recognizes her tireless advocacy for children ages birth to five throughout Cabarrus County. Benfield is set to retire on March 1, 2026, after nearly 17 years of shaping early childhood initiatives and advancing community partnerships in our community.

A Legacy of Tangible Impact

During her tenure, Benfield’s leadership led to significant strides in community support systems. Her persistent advocacy and unparalleled networking skills led to the establishment of the Cabarrus County Early Childhood Task Force. Additionally, she was instrumental in creating the cross-sector collaboration known as the SUN (Substance Use Network) Project which is operated through the the Suda Institute.

Reflecting on her years of service, Benfield credits the community’s engagement as a cornerstone of the Partnership’s success.

“Even when my ideas seemed a little ‘out there,’ they always showed up for our youngest citizens—and for that, I am forever grateful,” Benfield said. “They made my job a joy and helped make Cabarrus County a place where children and families thrive.”

Beyond administrative leadership, Benfield has overseen programs that deliver direct, measurable aid to thousands of local children such as:

  • Through the Cabarrus County Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, managed by the Partnership, over 9,000 Cabarrus children now receive a new book in the mail every month until their 5th birthday.
  • Over 20,000 children have received developmental and early intervention services through “Assuring Better Child Health and Development” (ABCD), a program funded by the Partnership.

Benfield is also known for her personal “passion projects,” funded through community donations to help families in crisis. During the 2024 and early 2025 winter season, her advocacy resulted in the distribution of 65 car seats and 40 beds to local families in need. She also organizes the annual “Cuddle Up Coat Drive” to keep children warm in winter, distributing 130 coats this year.

Ensuring Future Support

Created by Paula Yost, Esq., the Ann Benfield Early Childhood Fund aims to ensure that Benfield’s legacy of service continues to impact generations to come.

For Yost, the initial funder of the endowment, the investment is a strategic move for the health of the community.

“At some point, we will all invest in our neighbors and our community. It is easier to support children than it is to support adults,” Yost said. “Things like reading proficiency, speech therapy, social skills, and all the other things children learn promote healthy adults. These are things that Ann has always known, understood, and inspired others to do.”

The fund has two primary objectives:

  • Offsetting Tuition: Providing financial support to families to ensure every child has access to safe, high-quality early learning experiences, regardless of their financial circumstances.
  • Supporting Programs: Awarding annual grants to nonprofit organizations that provide evidence-based early childhood programs.

Yost describes Benfield as a “mentor, friend, and connector” who acts as a mother figure to countless children born to parents who may not have known how to care for them.

“Ann has always had the purest heart for children and families. She does not care how much money you have, what color you are, what you believe, or anything else other than that she wants women to be able to be good mothers and she wants children to have fantastic family support,” Yost said. “The ripple effect of the career of Ann Benfield is immeasurable and will be felt for generations.”

Jackie Whitfield, a board member and former childcare director, noted that the endowment serves as a “shining star of Hope” for the community.

“I often wonder if Ann ever sleeps! She is a perpetual advocate for the young child and needs of young families,” Whitfield said. “This endowment fund will be a legacy to Ann’s devotion and passion to children, their caregivers, and the industry that serves them.”

Looking to the Future

The fund is designed to empower local organizations to expand their reach and strengthen the stability of working families across the community. As she looks toward retirement, Benfield expressed optimism for the future of early childhood care in the region.

As she prepares for her 2026 retirement, Benfield remains focused on the road ahead.

“I am excited for the bright future that awaits early childhood—because I believe the community understands the importance of early childhood and will continue to support our youngest children,” Benfield said.

Through the Ann Benfield Early Childhood Fund, the Greater Cabarrus Foundation ensures that the vision, dedication, and tangible impact of Ann Benfield will continue to benefit young children, families, and the Cabarrus County community for generations to come.

To donate to the Ann Benfield Early Childhood Fund, click here.

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