The Ability Experience believes in recognizing those whose dedication and impact profoundly enhance our mission. The Chairman’s Award is presented to individuals or groups who have made extraordinary contributions to our cause each year. It is with great pride that we honor recipients Mike Davis, Psi (Cornell), and the Carpenter family.
Mike Davis has been a transformative force for The Ability Experience, exemplifying what it means to be a dedicated supporter. His journey with our organization began as a cyclist on the 1997 Journey of Hope team, where he distinguished himself as the top fundraiser. Mike’s commitment didn’t end there. He continued to support the cause by participating in the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon, where he delivered another stellar fundraising performance. A particularly memorable moment was Davis helping Jason Dorn, a long-time participant and enabled athlete, cross the finish line, an iconic symbol of our organization’s spirit and camaraderie.
Davis’s influence extends beyond individual achievements. His encouragement and leadership have inspired numerous people to become supporters of The Ability Experience. His vision and hard work were instrumental in creating the Empire State Ride, a program that was piloted in 2023 and is shaping up to be an annual Ability Experience event. As an advocate for this event, Davis has set the stage for creating additional state-specific summer events in the future, expanding the future reach and impact of The Ability Experience.
Beyond Davis’s fundraising and event participation, he has been a steadfast donor to The Ability Experience and has championed others to do the same, actively reinvigora
ting support within the Psi Chapter at Cornell University and helping to fund essential projects.
The Carpenter Family has been a pillar of support for The Ability Experience for 17 years, embodying a deep commitment to service and fraternity. Their journey with our organization began three decades ago when Scott Carpenter assisted with rechartering the Beta Xi Chapter at Central Michigan University. The family’s connection to The Ability Experience deepened 17 years ago when Carpenter introduced his sons Nolan and Barrett to the Journey of Hope cyclists in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Their involvement has been marked by unwavering support, particularly through their sponsorship of the Journey of Hope North team in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Carpenter’s youngest son, Travis, who was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF) at just six months old, has been a beacon of inspiration for the Journey of Hope team members. His resilience and positive spirit have touched many lives, including his two biological brothers.
Inspired by their experiences, Nolan and Barrett each played a crucial role in establishing the Kappa Omega Chapter at the University of Utah, where they have taken on leadership roles as archon and philanthropy chair. Their dedication came full circle last summer when Nolan cycled the Journey of Hope North route, embodying the family’s deep-rooted commitment to our cause.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to both Mike Davis and the Carpenter family. Their dedication, generosity and unwavering support have left an indelible mark on The Ability Experience. Their contributions not only advance our mission but also inspire others to join us in making a meaningful difference.
As we celebrate these exceptional individuals and families, we are reminded of the power of commitment and the profound impact that one person, or in the Carpenter’s case, one family, can have on an entire organization