As the nation celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), we wanted to take the opportunity to thank a long-time Alphapointe volunteer: Danny Davies.
Danny’s tremendous philanthropic commitment to Alphapointe dates back nearly a decade. As the President and CEO of Lenexa (Kan.)-based C&C Group, Danny helped to transform Alphapointe’s annual golf tournament into the C&C Group Pro Am that elevated the tournament, brought in more sponsors, and helped us raise more dollars for our Adventure Camps, Technology Camp, summer employment programs for teens and ongoing youth development.
Under Danny’s leadership, C&C Group employees have donated more than 1,000 hours of volunteer service with Alphapointe, while Danny has served the organization on an individual basis, as well. He has personally contributed more than 400 hours of volunteer service and gives freely of his own time and dollars to Alphapointe’s mission. He joined Alphapointe’s Board of Directors in 2014 and has served as the first Vice-Chair as well as holding positions on the Finance and Services committees.
Q&A With Danny
Tell us about you…
I am currently the President & CEO for C&C Group, a Midwest building systems integrator. I’m a KU graduate in the engineering field and grew up with C&C Group working in various capacities for the last 34 years. My wife, Stacie, and I have worked with the Golf Committee at Alphapointe for the last several years and without her help we wouldn’t be close to the success we’ve achieved with the tournament. We have two boys attending KU in the engineering school. We love to take family trips in the summer and the boys and I enjoy golfing trips to various locations. I love to do anything outdoors, including hunting, fishing, boating, etc.
Why do you volunteer at Alphapointe?
I was connected to Alphapointe by our former President, Paul Strohm. He encouraged me to consider board level involvement and I followed his advice not really knowing what to expect. My first day of “interaction” with a youth program was a volunteer day at a local golf course. We worked with many kids that day to hit balls, putt, etc. After working with a particular young girl she asked me to describe her outfit that morning to make sure she matched and was properly dressed for the occasion. She then touched part of my face to understand in her mind what I looked like. She said I was probably someone’s dad and she smiled from ear to ear. From that day forward, I’ve had a special place in my heart for Alphapointe and especially the youth programming.
What does volunteering at Alphapointe do for you?
Volunteering at Alphapointe has been very rewarding to me as well as educational. I’ve learned more about the struggles of living with vision loss, but I’ve also been enlightened about how independent people can become when dealing with challenges.
What do you take away when you leave Alphapointe?
I feel encouraged after committee and board meetings as well as volunteer days. I feel good about the organization and the people working together to enable folks with vision loss.
What do you want to share with others about Alphapointe?
If you haven’t been to the facility for a tour, I would highly encourage you to pursue the opportunity. You will be amazed at the manufacturing capabilities within the walls and how much is created and managed by people with vision challenges or no vision at all.
What do you want others to know about Alphapointe?
It’s all about helping to empower people to gain their full potential and learning how to maneuver their challenges along the way.
Why should others get engaged with Alphapointe?
We could use your help with volunteering, donations, participation, etc. More exposure and awareness will help us help more people.
What is something you think everyone should know about Alphapointe?
I’m extremely proud of the work we perform for our U.S. military and law enforcement agencies in the tactical solutions arena. People are always surprised and impressed.
What’s the most important thing Alphapointe does from your perspective?
The youth programming is where my heart lies. Helping kids feel like they fit in with others and helping them do normal things is very rewarding to our family.
Interested in helping Alphapointe? Learn more about our volunteer program!