McKenzie’s Moment was founded in 2018 in memory of McKenzie Ryan Kearney Gray, the beloved daughter of Kait and Ryan Gray, who tragically passed away just three days after birth. What started as a family’s heartfelt effort to honor their daughter through a small memorial golf outing has since blossomed into one of Marion County’s most influential charitable foundations. Driven by love, community, and a shared passion for golf, McKenzie’s Moment has grown into a movement dedicated to supporting families, empowering children, and creating lasting, positive change.

Since its inception, McKenzie’s Moment has raised and reinvested over $3.8 million directly into the Marion County community. Every dollar donated goes back to local initiatives—whether it’s assisting families in crisis, empowering children with disabilities, or funding essential resources for schools and healthcare. In 2023, the organization partnered with AdventHealth Ocala to launch the McKenzie Kearney Gray Maternal Fetal Medicine Program, providing high-risk mothers and babies with specialized care right here in our community.

In addition to its healthcare efforts, McKenzie’s Moment has made school safety and student well-being a top priority. Through a vital partnership with the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, the organization has funded security upgrades, advanced mental health initiatives, and provided resources to enhance student safety across the county.

At its core, McKenzie’s Moment is more than just a fundraising effort—it’s a symbol of family, resilience, and community. What began as a way for one family to cope with unimaginable loss has transformed into a legacy that touches thousands of lives each year. Through the ongoing work of McKenzie’s Moment, we continue to honor McKenzie’s life by ensuring her moment of love and hope lives on, inspiring healing and compassion for generations to come.

The Mission of McKenzie’s Moment is to offer hope and opportunity to women and children in need through health, education, and welfare initiatives within the city of Ocala, Florida and throughout North Central Florida.