DANCE 4 A CAUSE
Debra Benfield
Debra Benfield is a long-time resident of Burke County. For the last 20 years, she has been the proud owner and operator of Giggles N’ Grins Child Care & Learning Center in Drexel and Giggles N’ Grins Too in Valdese. Prior to her work in child care, Debra served as the nursing director of pediatrics and newborn nursery at Grace Hospital, now UNC Health Blue Ridge. Serving more than 15 years in nursing is what inspired Debra to dance for The Blue Ridge HealthCare Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-
profit which provides funding for hospital based projects, programs, and patient needs through UNC Health Blue Ridge.
Debra enjoys living life to its fullest with her husband, Mark Benfield, and her two doodle dog babies, Butters and Bea. Debra and Mark are most proud of their blended family including 9 children and 15 grandchildren. Debra, also known as “Ma D” to her grandbabies and the many children she has loved
and cared for at her preschools, enjoys in her free-time, watering her plants, watching football with her family, baking delicious cakes, and traveling to Ocean Isle Beach which is her home away from home.
Debra is excited to challenge herself, show off her dancing skills, and raise money for charity in this year’s event.