For Richard “Ric” Davis, service to Kids’ Chance has never been about recognition. It has always been about the children.

That perspective is no doubt part of why Davis, a partner with Davis Law Group and a longtime advocate for Kids’ Chance of South Carolina, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Doug McCoy State Excellence in Service Award from Kids’ Chance of America. The award recognizes extraordinary dedication to advancing the Kids’ Chance mission at the state level.

Yet when Davis reflects on the honor, his focus quickly shifts away from himself.

“I am humbled and honored to be recognized,” he said. “But I really don’t feel like I deserve it. There are so many people who work hard every day to make Kids’ Chance what it is.”

Davis first encountered Kids’ Chance early in his legal career. As a young attorney attending a meeting of the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Educational Association, he was invited to attend a Kids’ Chance fundraiser.

What he saw that night stayed with him.

“I met such a great group of people who maybe were adversaries in the courtroom,” he recalled. “But when it came to Kids’ Chance, they all started working together.”

That unity around a shared purpose struck him deeply. Workers’ compensation professionals who might battle over cases during the day came together after hours to support children whose parents had been seriously injured or killed on the job.

“Who is not devastated by a child who loses a parent and then can’t go to school?” Davis said.

He began supporting the organization through donations and fundraisers, eventually serving on the Kids’ Chance of South Carolina board and its committees. But the moment that cemented his lifelong commitment came when he began interviewing scholarship applicants.

Listening to their stories changed him.

“These kids didn’t ask for the situations they’re in,” Davis said. “But they roll up their sleeves and say, ‘What am I going todo now?’ They are just so impressive.”

For Davis, those personal encounters reveal the true purpose behind the organization’s work.

“I challenge everyone in this community to help people understand that the Kids’ Chance mission isn’t just about raising money for scholarships,” he said. “It’s about the lives we touch in that process —the students, the parents and the families.”

He also credits much of the organization’s growth to strong leadership, including Kids’ Chance of South Carolina Executive Director Angie Kohl and other dedicated volunteers. Their vision helped expand fundraising efforts, including the creation of a Scholarship Society with structured giving levels.

Still, Davis believes the organization’s greatest strength is something less tangible.

At its core, he says, Kids’ Chance is about community.

“It’s about loving these children, serving these children and giving to these children,” Davis said.

For him, that simple principle explains why so many people continue to dedicate their time and energy to the cause.

“It follows the values we all aspire to,” he said.“Taking care of each other and serving each other.”

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