Gjcae, Wake Forest, NC
HerbFest was originally created out of founders Bob and Elizabeth Johnson's love of herbs. Bob served on the Board of the International Herb Association. Later HerbFest evolved as a vehicle to draw visitors to downtown Wake Forest when The Johnson's fell in love with the small town's charm and opened The Cotton Company in late 1999. Today HerbFest is used as a fundraiser for the Graham Johnson Cultural Arts Endowment (GJCAE), a 401(k) non-profit organization which brings arts education and public art projects to local schools and the community. The GJCAE was created to honor the Johnson's son, Graham, who was lost to suicide in 2006. The Johnson's adult daughters, Liz and Janna Johnson work with the organization as well.
