An Avondale man is behind Good Morning America’s new mascot, writes David Chiu for People magazine.

The yellow ray of sunshine gracing the popular morning show is full of fluffy fun. Armed with a blue T-shirt and baseball cap both adorning a GMA logo, Ray danced enthusiastically on national television during his debut as a new host.  

He was created by Dave Raymond, who hails from Chester County. This is not his first rodeo with mascots. Raymond was also the original Phillie Phanatic for the Philadelphia Phillies and has since developed 130 mascots for various sports teams including Gritty for the Philadelphia Flyers.  

He’s the founder of Raymond Entertainment. In 2018 he also developed the mascot “Kingston” for The Philadelphia Wings, a national lacrosse team.  

Other mascots from around the country welcomed Ray into his new role in an Instagram Live, including Gritty and the Phillie Phanatic.  

Read more about the new mascot and his Chester County origins in People.  

Meet “Ray” GMA’s new mascot.