Davis honored with Cole award

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Randy Davis has been recognized more than once for his efforts to help others.

His work has been so extensive and impactful that he was honored again Wednesday.

Davis, who has raised tens of thousands of dollars in support of veterans and in 2015 founded A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope to help those dealing with addiction, was presented with the Jack Cole Award for Volunteerism during the annual meeting of The Portland Foundation.

“While I don’t know him personally, after reading all of the things that he’s been engaged with, I couldn’t think of someone that is better qualified to receive this award,” said Cole as he presented the honor that bears his name.

Cole offered a list of what Davis has done to give to others, focusing on his two biggest projects.

Davis founded the first A Better Life chapter in Redkey after the death of Brianna DiBattiste, who had struggled with drug addiction. Since then, it has expanded to include 15 chapters in seven counties, with several more on the way.

Prior to that effort, he earned the nickname “McRandy” because of his ongoing efforts to raise money to present $5 McDonald’s gift cards to veterans. Over the years he has raised more than $150,000 — that equates to more than 30,000 gift cards — for those who have served in the military.

He has also served as chaplain for local law enforcement agencies, volunteered with Jay County Cancer Society, been a youth sports coach, served on a variety of committees and been a frequent speaker for clubs, schools and other local organizations.

Cole then quoted from Brenda Lykins’ letter nominating Davis for the award.

“I believe it would be hard to find a community member who is not familiar with Randy’s current involvement with A Better Life – Brianna’s Hope and the significant impact this group is having on our community’s drug epidemic,” she wrote. “Pastor Randy Davis has served his community for decades. He truly makes a difference.”

In addition to the Cole award, Davis was honored in 2015 with the Jay County Community Award for lifetime achievement through Jay County Chamber of Commerce. A Better Life won the not-for-profit of the year award in March, and Davis was also a finalist for citizen of the year in 2016.

In accepting the award Wednesday, Davis focused on the community rather than himself, recalling when he joined his wife in Jay County after previously living in Delaware County.

“And we’ve never looked back,” he said. “We’ve been happy with that choice … this community, this county blessing our lives in so many different ways and just giving privilege upon privilege, opportunity upon opportunity.”

The Portland Foundation executive director Doug Inman highlighted the organization’s activity, noting that nearly $1 million in grants and scholarships were presented this year. In total, it has distributed more than $10 million in grants and more than $5.5 million in scholarships since its founding in 1951.

“All of this is made possible because of the generosity of the many donors to the foundation,” said Inman, who also noted that eight new endowments were created this year to bring the total to 336. “We are eternally thankful to these donors, who have helped make the foundation and Jay County a better place to be.”

The foundation, the second-oldest of its kind in the state, now has total assets of $32 million.

Inman also highlighted the organization’s efforts to help fight the local opioid abuse problem and improve early childhood education, which have been focuses this year. The foundation has backed efforts for Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition to apply for a Drug Free Communities Grant and provided support to A Better Life. On Tuesday, it hosted a summit at Jay County High School to discuss the future of early childhood education in the community.

“Thank you to the board,” Inman said, recognizing Robin Alberson, Pat Bennett, Jeremy Gulley, Tammy Hanlin, Dean Jetter, Rex Journay, Ron Laux, John Moore and Rob Penrod. “Without you, we could not operate. Without your vision, we could not do what we do each and every day.

“May the foundation continue it’s good work and may Jay County and Portland continue to grow and prosper.”