Richard Kevin Moody

When the Lafayette Civic Cup was first awarded in 1933, it was designed to honor individuals who give selflessly of their time, talent, and resources to strengthen their community. In 2014, that spirit of service was embodied in Kevin Moody, a businessman, philanthropist, and family man whose quiet generosity has touched nearly every corner of Acadiana.

Born and raised in Crowley, Moody grew up as one of nine children in a family that valued faith, education, and service to others. He often credits his father, B.I. Moody III, with instilling in him a deep sense of responsibility to community. During the oil crash of the 1980s, Moody vividly remembers his father setting aside business concerns to help neighbors in need. “I noticed he had not been engaged with our company,” Kevin recalled. “He was busy trying to solve problems for other people. And he said, ‘If I don’t help these people, who will?’ So I learned early on, it’s about people and service and helping in ways that we can.”

That lesson became the foundation of Moody’s life and career. Since 1986, he has served as President & CEO of The Moody Company, a privately held holding company with investments in newspapers, restaurants, real estate, oil and gas, and private equity. He is also a founding member of Moody, Moreno & Rucks, an investment firm, and continues to serve on numerous boards, including the Community Foundation of Acadiana, the UL Lafayette Foundation, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, and several others.

While Moody’s professional accomplishments are impressive, his true impact is found in his philanthropy. He has dedicated decades of leadership and resources to causes ranging from education to healthcare to faith-based outreach. His efforts have supported St. Thomas More High School, Cathedral Carmel, Carencro Catholic, Episcopal School of Acadiana, Ascension Day School, and the UL Foundation, among others.

One cause especially close to Moody and his family is Miles Perret Cancer Services, which supports individuals and families affected by cancer. “The Miles Perret Center is close and dear to our hearts,” Moody said. “Several of us are cancer survivors, so that one is special.”

Moody was also one of the earliest fundraising chairmen for the Bishop’s Charity Ball, which has since raised millions to serve the poor and homeless across Acadiana. Beyond that, the Moody family has given generously through the Moody Company Foundation, established in the 1990s to coordinate and expand the family’s charitable giving.

The list of organizations touched by their support is extensive—Faith House, Boys and Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Acadiana Symphony Orchestra, Chorale Acadienne, Lafayette Community Health Care Clinic, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Acadiana Outreach Center, and many more.

Despite a record of service that spans decades, Moody was taken aback when notified of his Civic Cup selection. “I was kind of surprised,” he admitted. “When they told me, I thought, ‘There has to be someone more deserving than me.’ But I was very honored, and I appreciate the thought.”

Those who know him best were not surprised. Civic Cup committee member and past recipient Paul Hilliard described Moody as a man who provides “a lot of heat without making a lot of smoke.” Former honoree Red Lerille added, “Everyone I asked said, ‘He’s such a nice guy.’ I couldn’t find anything bad about him.”

For Moody, the Civic Cup recognition is not just a personal honor but a reflection of a family tradition. He and his wife, Tracy Chappuis Moody, have raised six children and are now blessed with grandchildren, carrying forward the same values of humility, faith, and service that shaped his own upbringing.

As Hilliard summarized, “Kevin is not only the recipient of the Civic Cup, but he is a representative of the spirit of charity in the community.”

In honoring Kevin Moody, Lafayette celebrated not only a successful businessman but a leader who has spent his life giving back—often quietly, always meaningfully, and always with heart.