National Philanthropy Day® Spotlight: Willie Ray Fairley

Willie Ray Fairley, 2021 Outstanding Individual Philanthropist, AFP Eastern Iowa Chapter

Philanthropy is typically measured in dollars and cents or bricks and mortar, not in pulled pork sandwiches or barbecued ribs. But the generosity of Willie Ray Fairley has changed philanthropy’s menu.

Natural disasters are a recurring theme in the life of philanthropist Willie Ray, beginning with Cedar Rapids’ flood of 2008. He remembers all too well the personal devastation he endured and, more importantly, the help he received from complete strangers. He vowed at that time, were he ever in the position to help people going forward, he would.

And he did.

When 140 MPH winds blew threw Cedar Rapids in August of 2020 Willie saw devastation that was all-too-familiar devastation to him. So he began cooking. And cooking. And every day, for four weeks, post-derecho, he gave away free food to those in need. He took his smoker, his grill, and his big heart to neighborhoods decimated by the damage, feeding families, feeding seniors, and feeding immigrants – even feeding the National Guard. Willie Ray Fairley literally gave away thousands of dollars worth of food to complete strangers.

By February 2021 a natural disaster struck again, this time in Texas, when a historic winter storm left many without power, food, and fuel.  And, once again, Willie Ray to the rescue. Fairley packed up trucks, smokers, food and water and headed south. He didn’t know where he would stay or who he would feed, he just knew there were people in need.

Most recently in August 2021, the moment Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana, Willie made plans for taking his equipment and his staff south to share his food and his love with storm victims and linemen and anyone who needed a meal. 

Willie’s generosity landed him national recognition, but he says giving back is what drives him. "I get my blessings from doing for others versus worrying about what I can do for myself so we can continue to take care of the public and the people who's in need," Fairley said.

The generosity of Willie Ray Fairley is measured in his selfless acts of unbridled kindness and good barbecue. It’s only fitting that he be recognized as the true philanthropist he is.

The AFP Eastern Iowa Chapter is hosting its National Philanthropy Day event on Nov. 16. Learn more here.