46 miles. 24 hours. One powerful purpose.
For the fourth year in a row, Davis Nguyen took on an incredible challenge at 24 Hours of Booty: walking for 24 hours straight in support of our cancer community.
At this year’s event, Davis logged an inspiring 46 miles around the Booty Loop, joined along the way by his ASSA ABLOY teammates, co-workers, friends and family. Following the event, Davis shared with us why he keeps walking — through the heat, the rain and the long overnight hours — and why he will be back again next year. We couldn’t say it better than he did:
Hi Katherine,
I am so happy and thankful to be able to actively participate in the 24 Hours of Booty and be involved with the community. Being born and raised in Charlotte, and even graduating from Myers Park High School, it’s amazing to see everyone come together in this city to support a common cause. And to see how the event has grown to what it is now in its 25th year shows how much of an impact the 24 Foundation has.
When I started my first year, it was through Assa Abloy with Jeff Buennemeyer introducing it to us. I joined to do something good for the community, I had a former colleague that had passed from cancer a couple of years prior, and I enjoy the occasional physical challenge. I had such an incredible time and met so many wonderful people that I knew I wanted to join the event again. That second year was when it hit closer to home when a good friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. I’ve dedicated my walks to her every year since and continue to walk for 24 hours because there is always someone on the course – cycling, running, walking – and I don’t want them to be alone. I’m sure they’re not, but at least there is one person out there fighting with them. To the same point, no one should have to battle cancer alone. Which is why the resources and assistance that the 24 Foundation offers is so important.
I wish I had done more with the fundraising, but am grateful for those who donated under my name within the couple of weeks before the event. My wife and I have been fostering two senior dogs and have been raising funds for their medical needs. So we were reluctant to ask for donations, but when we did, were surprised at how quickly we were able to raise funds. This just shows how big of an impact cancer has, whether it’s you battling cancer personally, or someone close to you is.
I look forward to participating again next year. And it seems that I’ve been able to bring awareness to more friends and work colleagues who are also all eager to get involved. Whether it’s under the hot, summer sun or through the rain in wet shoes, I’ll push through until the end because cancer doesn’t care about the weather, so why should I?
Thank you for this opportunity and all of the support!
Best regards,
Davis Nguyen
Senior Design Engineer, ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems US Inc
Jeff Buennemeyer, President of ASSA ABLOY Entrance Systems North America, Team Captain of ASSA ABLOY, and a 24 Foundation board member, shared these words about Davis:
“Davis’s commitment to 24 Hours of Booty says so much about who he is, and it’s exactly the kind of spirit we’re proud to see reflected in our team. He didn’t just show up once and check a box, he came back year after year and then brought others along with him. What stands out to me most is how humble he is about it. He’ll tell you he wishes he’d done more, even after walking 24 hours straight for people he’ll never meet. That’s not something you can ask for, it’s something people choose to do because they care, without needing recognition for it. Davis embodies the culture we strive to create across the ASSA ABLOY organization, one of genuine care, humility, and showing up for others. We are incredibly proud of the example he sets, not just for our team, but for everyone he’s inspired to get involved. It reflects exactly the kind of culture we strive for, one where people look out for each other, inside the company and out in the community, and don’t need the spotlight to do it. It meant so much to see his entire team show up on his last lap to walk alongside him, cheering him on after 24 hours on the course. That moment says it all, Davis inspires people, and they show up for him just as he shows up for others.”
