A lot can change in 20 years.
Since our first residents moved in on June 8, 2005, Galloway Ridge at Fearrington has been home to 1,029 residents. From the beginning, the vision for our community centered around wellness and longevity, and that vision continues to thrive today. With 31 of our original residents still calling Galloway Ridge home, they have experienced firsthand the growth of wellness offerings at both Galloway Ridge and the Duke Center for Living, as well as the expansion of our dedicated staff and vibrant community. We are proud to carry that legacy forward for another 20 years.
honoring our 20th anniversary with remembrance, reflection, and celebration.
The festivities began on June 5 with 20th anniversary balloons brightening our spaces and posters of the original building placed in our beautifully renovated rooms—a visual reminder of just how far we’ve come. Residents received custom buttons with their Resident Number, representing their place in Galloway Ridge history, along with special cookies decorated for the occasion.
Staff members were celebrated as well. All were given 20th anniversary t-shirts and name tag ribbons recognizing their tenure:
- Diamond: 20 years
- Gold: 10–19 years
- Silver: 5–9 years
- Bronze: 1–4 years
Throughout the month, residents submitted photos and memories from their time at Galloway Ridge. On June 25, we gathered to view these stories together, with many residents sharing personal reflections.
The celebration continued on June 26 with a special staff appreciation morning. Our dining rooms paused service to allow team members to enjoy a catered lunch, photobooth fun, and time together in recognition of their dedication and care.
Later that day, residents and guests came together for the 20th Anniversary Toast and Celebration. In attendance were members of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, the Galloway Ridge Board of Directors, and many of our longest-serving staff. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and a slideshow featuring highlights from our 20-year journey.
The program featured heartfelt remarks from across the community:
- Bob Zimmer honored staff who have been with us for 19–20 years.
- Residents shared the story of Galloway Ridge’s journey to becoming a nonprofit, recalled what it was like in the early days, and encouraged everyone to keep telling and sharing their stories.
- Jared Cargill, our longest-tenured staff member, reflected on the relationships that have made his time here meaningful.
- Leah Austin shared sentiments on behalf of the Board of Directors.
- Karen Howard, Chair of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, read a proclamation honoring our 20th anniversary.
The evening concluded with a celebratory toast from Bob Zimmer and an incredible buffet prepared by our dining team. The highlight? Miniature cakes topped with the Galloway Ridge 20th anniversary logo—a sweet ending to a memorable day.
To everyone who has been a part of the Galloway Ridge story—thank you. As Bob Zimmer so perfectly said,
“Here’s to Galloway Ridge: A place to live. A place to thrive. A place to belong. Cheers!”
