Jack Hefner Award

Current Winner

David Taylor, Jr., (left) with Robert J. Rickelman, the NCCDD chair

NCCDD Honors David Taylor, Jr., the 2006 Jack Hefner Award Winner

At its annual awards banquet on August 10, the North Carolina Council on Developmental Disabilities presented the Jack B. Hefner Memorial Award to David Taylor, Jr. in recognition of his many contributions as a self-advocate.

The award is named for Jack B. Hefner, a Council member from 1982 until his death in 1994. He was a parent of a child with a developmental disability and an inspiring leader whose unique approach to social justice was imbued with both “horse sense” and good humor.

David lives the qualities honored by the Hefner Award. His drive, selflessness and willingness to pave the way for others are reasons that he was selected as the Hefner Award winner. David recently made headlines when The Statesville Record and Landmark published a front-page article on David’s numerous accomplishments in business, advocacy and volunteering.

After David attended the Council-sponsored training on micro-enterprises, he and his mom began talks with the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Since that training and those early conversations with VR, David gathered many resources, created a business plan, made numerous phone calls and completed a lot of paperwork. All of David’s hard work has paid off and he recently started his own business, Race CAR Waterboy.

He’s identified a niche market at races – those fans that want water but don’t want to wait in line with folks that want food and other beverages. His new venture will involve selling refreshments at NASCAR events to people that don’t want to wait in long lines.

David has cerebral palsy and speech and hearing impairments. He comments on his developmental disabilities by saying, “I just do things different, but I keep up with the real world.” David not only keeps up with the real world, he makes it a better place! He advocated for changes to international laws regulating the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) horse shows. Now, people with disabilities are able to fully participate in competitive AQHA events and shows.

David’s advocacy work does not stop with the AQHA. He also works with the N.C. State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee (CFAC), where he’s the youngest member ever appointed to the committee, the Crossroads CFAC and the Power of the Dream Therapy Riding Program.

In addition to his business and his advocacy work, David also finds time to volunteer and assist organizations with fundraising. He received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award as acknowledgement for his completion of more than 2,000 hours of volunteer work. A big NASCAR fan, David works with famous drivers who autograph used tires and hats. David then takes these items to charities that use them for fundraising. “He makes a difference for a lot of folks,” says his mom, Judy Taylor. He is also an active member of the Statesville Kiwanis and Mooresville Civitan clubs. David is also active in his church, the Diamond Hill Baptist Church.

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