James Platz from Noblesville, Indiana has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 January Davies Humanitarian Award from the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA).
The award was created in 2008 by USHWA member Callie Davies-Gooch in memory of her daughter to recognize contributions beyond harness racing; it is presented annually at the Dan Patch Awards Banquet.
“James is the epitome of a good citizen and Christian man,” claimed his friend of more than 25 years, Ellen Taylor. “Not only is he willing to help in most any capacity with harness racing-related projects, but he is also a talented writer. He and his wife, Laura, and their daughters, Lydia and Abigail, have special hearts for kids, exemplified by their work with Faith Children’s Village (FCV) and with foster care services in the local area.”
Faith Children’s Village, located in southern-central Africa, nurtures orphaned children in Zambia to be faithful and productive disciples of Jesus Christ. Platz first became acquainted with FCV while on a mission trip to Zambia in 2012. He travelled to the country again in 2016 and returned home with a desire to raise awareness for the orphanage. The first project involved partnering with his local church to raise money for a new well on the property. Today, this well is the lifeline of the FCV and the deepest well that never runs dry.
According to Pastor Mukuka Chilando, director at the FCV, “from that moment in 2016, James has consistently and passionately engaged in sponsorship activities and other project funding efforts for the Village."
For the FCV Christmas Project, Platz has motivated and invited friends to donate gifts for FCV orphans and have them shipped to them each year.
"They are so overjoyed and feel special to receive a gift on Christmas Day – all thanks to his efforts!" said Pastor Mukuka Chilando.
Assisting with sponsorship awareness, Platz has also embarked on helping FCV get more contacts and connections by engaging the many people that have come across his path.
"Thanks to him, we have gained sponsors. James Platz and his family also sponsor a double orphan at the Village and we are thankful for his leadership (in his family) to help relieve the burden we have by sponsoring a child in need.
"James has over the years opened up his home for my wife and me as we visit the United States for support raising efforts, meetings and ministry updates," he added. "Providing forums and getting us where we need to be has been a blessing to us. He has done this with gladness and ease. We cannot thank him enough. His service to us shows his humanitarian heart and desire to help others. Today, we now count his home as our second home."
Platz also assisted with relief efforts late last year, as Zambia and most of Southern Africa underwent a drought.
"Our rain-fed field of maize (corn) dried out and this has always been our life line for our staple food," explained Pastor Mukuka Chilando. "James took it upon himself to share the need and raise support for the 90-plus orphans and 48 staff at the Village. If we did not have sufficient funds to buy the already scarce corn, we would have had a crisis on our hands."
Thanks to the efforts of Platz and other FCV supporters across multiple states, the necessary funds were raised to meet the need created by the drought.
Platz is a longtime writer covering harness racing in the Hoosier State and beyond since 1998. He is currently a correspondent for Harness Racing Update and Hoof Beats Magazine. For the last five years, he has served as president of USHWA’s Indiana chapter.
Platz will be recognized at the 2025 Dan Patch Awards Banquet, presented by Caesars Entertainment, which will honour the best of harness racing, both human and equine. The banquet will be held on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.
(With files from USHWA)