If your photo has been taken shooting a lay up at Half Court Classic or crossing the finish line at Walk MS Chicago, there’s a good chance Ray Manrique took it. Four the past four years, Ray has volunteered to photograph various National MS Society events, most recently MS Soirée.

Ray’s relationship with the National MS Society, Greater Illinois Chapter first started when he participated in Walk MS Chicago for a close family friend who had MS. For Ray, the experience felt natural. Wanting to become more involved, he signed up as a volunteer photographer at the next Walk and has been photographing MS Society events ever since.  

When asked about how his volunteer work impacts the community, Ray said, “I know there are a lot of people who do so much more, but I feel just even putting in a little effort makes a difference. Capturing the emotions of that moment, seeing the emotion in people eyes, how excited and how happy they are – it is definitely rewarding.”

He encourages others to get involved in causes they are passionate about. “I think that anybody who takes the time to give a little bit of time to the Society will be rewarded back in bundles, not only for themselves, but to the people that they help,” said Ray. “This is something that we can all afford to do.”

To contact Ray with photography inquiries or to view his portfolio, visit www.raym.net.