Davis-Moore Auto Group has been a supporter and contributor to HumanKind for more than 10 years. Stuart Ray talks to us about the group’s extensive community engagement and what volunteering personally means to him.
Stuart, tell us about yourself and your connection to Wichita
I grew up in Memphis, TN but my wife Barbara and I moved to Wichita for work and here we still are, 38 years later. Barbara and I have been married for 39 years. We have 2 grown children and our first grandchild is on the way. We stayed because Wichita is the perfect size—it’s big enough to offer a lot, but you still know your neighbors, and run into people you know at the grocery store.
Tell us about Davis-Moore. Have you been with the group the entire time you’ve been in Wichita?
Yes, all 38 years. I started as their CPA and then spent 28 years as the CFO. Supporting the community that supports us is very important and our employees are encouraged to get directly involved. We support a lot of community organizations including United Way, Wichita Children’s Home, Kansas Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House Wichita, Starkey, Cystic Fibrosis, Rainbows United, HumanKind of course, and a number of others. We, me included, personally deliver Meals on Wheels to home bound senior citizens every day. And we cook at the Children’s Home.
“We like to support organizations whose mission is easily understood, and ones where you can see a direct positive impact.”
How did Davis-Moore get involved with HumanKind and why do you continue to support us?
We have been a financial sponsor to HumanKind for a number of years and many of us have at Davis-Moore have been personally involved for years. It started around 2009 – we were able to offer empty dealership buildings to use for Operation Holiday distribution. We did that for several years.
We like to support organizations whose mission is easily understood, and ones where you can see a direct positive impact. Operation Holiday is particularly special to us because it brings thousands of people together to address such a simple, relatable community need.
“I volunteer because it’s the right thing to do”
What is your personal experience with HumanKind?
I originally got involved through Operation Holiday. I helped out here and there during those early preparation and distribution seasons when we were using our buildings as warehouses. It always fascinated me to see how much our employees got more engaged the more involved they were and that inspired me to get more involved myself.
I continue to volunteer because it’s the right thing to do. I grew up in a safe, caring environment, got a good education and was given the chance to succeed in business. I have always appreciated the opportunities I’ve had but it’s important to recognize that not everyone has them.
If you’re inspired by Stuart’s experience, there are plenty of ways you can get involved and support our work. Click here to learn more.