Partnership for Local Impact

Philanthropy stems from relationships, and a recent gift from the David Moore Foundation began with the girl next door.

Katie Church grew up in Dr. Edwards’ neighborhood. She remembers him as a heart surgeon, which he still was when her father, David Moore, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s. Her father lost his battle in 2013, and Katie has been quietly watching MMC’s growth and impact on patients and families ever since.

In 2019, together with her husband Duane and close friend Jeff Ray, Katie co-founded the David Moore Foundation in memory of her father with a mission to raise awareness and funds to support research and care of Alzheimer’s disease. She remembered Dr. Edwards and recognized an opportunity to make a greater impact together.

Currently the Foundation holds two annual fundraisers – an event at a local brewery, and the Sandra Ray Invitational golf tournament, named in honor of Jeff Ray’s mother, also an Alzheimer’s patient. After spending time at our practice and learning about our approach to care, the Foundation’s Board voted to donate $35,000 to MMC in 2021.

“We’re excited about our new partnership with MMC and growing it in the future! As a pediatrician my Dad dedicated his life to caring for patients in the Charlotte area; by supporting MMC we are able to continue honoring his legacy as this money will make an immediate impact on patients and families locally,” Church shared.

It was our pleasure to spend a day on the golf course with the David Moore Foundation’s sponsors and participants, and an even greater gift for Dr. Edwards to reconnect with an old neighbor and begin a new relationship that will benefit so many in our community