At SOAR365’s Friendsgiving celebration for Adult Day Support, the room was filled with laughter, dancing, and the sound of live music from volunteer musician Clay Mottley.

A friend of SOAR365 and Jaime McClure, Director of Day Support, Case Management and Respite Services, Clay was happy to once again lend his musical talents to the event. “When Jaime asked me to play for the SOAR365 Prom last spring, I knew that I could have a positive impact,” Clay shares. “So, when I was invited back for Friendsgiving, I was happy to say yes.”

Music has been part of Clay’s life for as long as he can remember. “I’ve always been a musician since I was young, learning piano and guitar,” he says. “I played at a summer camp where I worked for many years and saw how music was such a communal thing.”

That sense of connection motivated him to share his professional talents. “I’ve seen music be a wonderful experience for people of all abilities. These events actually have a higher level of feedback than other places musicians could play. Local bars or places, it can be hard to cut through the noise. But at events like SOAR365’s Prom and Friendsgiving, you can see the smiles and the dancing immediately and feel the appreciation.”

For Clay, that energy exchange is what makes performing special. “It’s that back-and-forth that shows how magical music can be, at any age, any ability, anywhere around the world,” he says.

By day, Clay works as a Digital Media Specialist at Westminster Canterbury Richmond, but music continues to be a big part of his life. He says performing at SOAR365 events is especially meaningful. “I wasn’t blessed with the drive and passion that the employees at SOAR365 have to do this for a day job,” says Clay, with a smile. “But I can certainly support an event here and there with the passion that I do have, which is playing music.”

In addition to his solo work, Clay performs with tribute acts honoring James Taylor and Billy Joel, and plays with bands such as Blair’s West, Love Story Band, and country artist Tony Jackson. He has released four albums of original material, available on streaming platforms under Clay Mottley and Clay Mottley Band.

Interested in volunteering with SOAR365? Learn more by exploring our website or contact Liz Harris Baker, Director of Volunteer Engagement, at (804) 665-1210 or [email protected]. SOAR365 offers fun and rewarding opportunities for individuals or groups to give back!