Mote announces crucial Campaign updates at annual fundraising gala, Oceanic Evening
This year, Mote Marine Laboratory is celebrating its 60-year history as an independent, non-profit “home grown” marine research institution with extensive expertise in conducting ocean science around the world. Mote celebrated its diamond anniversary with Oceanic Evening – its signature annual fundraising event – on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015 at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota.
Oceanic Evening drew 445 ocean supporters for an elegant night all about giving back to the sea. The event benefited the world-class marine science, education and outreach that make Mote a leader in marine research and conservation locally and internationally.
Guests enjoyed live music performed by the De Leon Orchestra and a gourmet meal featuring locally harvested lionfish – an invasive species Mote encourages the public to consume to benefit the oceans.
Mote’s 60th Anniversary Chair Judy Graham, a Mote Trustee and Board Chairman Emeritus, who has given her time, energy and support to Mote for more than 30 years, welcomed guests after a sophisticated cocktail hour where guests met Mote scientists and Trustees.
"It has been a pleasure to be associated with Mote for many years and to understand the truly phenomenal scientific advancements put forth by this great institution,” Graham said. “Mote is in the middle of a major fundraising campaign called ‘Oceans of Opportunity’, and we're rounding the bases toward home. It is now time for our community to recognize this one-of-a-kind marine science laboratory and its importance to every single person who lives or visits here. Contributing to this campaign can make a huge difference to the oceans and sea life within."
Graham introduced Lowe Morrison, Chair of Mote’s Board of Trustees who spoke about his history with the organization and introduced Mote President and CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby who announced the progress of Mote's comprehensive fundraising campaign, Oceans of Opportunity, which invites the public to help Mote raise $50 million to support the world-class research at Mote. Crosby announced that the community has already helped Mote raise over $38 million toward that goal.
“Through Oceans of Opportunity, Mote aims to advance the impacts of its marine research, recruit and nurture next-generation scientists, and expand its local and global research enterprise,” Crosby said. “The Lab has already achieved much over its 60-year history. We served as one of the first ecological responders to the BP-Deepwater Horizon oil blowout, we’ve launched fisheries stock enhancement initiatives for snook and scallops in Sarasota Bay, we've developed innovative science methods to be able to restore one thousand acres of coral reefs in the Florida Keys, we’ve help enhance ocean literacy in millions of visitors, and we’ve served our oceans and our communities in countless other ways. We would not exist without the support, 60 years of incredible support, from our local community. With this unwavering support, the Lab is now close to reaching its campaign goal, and we need the continued support of the community to help us realize this ambitious goal. I want to sincerely thank everyone who was a part of Oceanic Evening and who has allowed Mote to conduct today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans.”
Crosby introduced the Mote Leadership Circle, a special group of community members who understand the urgent threats facing the oceans and are providing critical financial support of $1 million or more to the Oceans of Opportunity campaign to help address these problems.
Mote Marine Laboratory offers a special thank you to the members of the Mote Leadership Circle, including two donors who wish to remain anonymous and:
- Carol and Barney Barnett
- James D. and Pati Ericson
- Elizabeth Moore
- Robert and Anne Essner
- Maurice and Carolyn Cunniffe
Leaders like Elizabeth Moore, an experienced diver, passionate philanthropist and ocean conservation advocate, are substantially helping Mote reach its goals as outlined in its 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan – the "blueprint" guiding the growth of Mote research and education.
“The oceans are among our most important resources for life on earth, yet they are facing serious threats that may have detrimental impacts on our future and our children’s future,” Moore said. “I felt compelled to give to Mote's new laboratory in Summerland Key, which houses critical research that will dramatically impact marine conservation and sustainable use of our oceans. It is our responsibility to help the next generation understand the important connections we have with the marine environment and do what we can to give back to the oceans, which have given so much to us.”
Mote Board Chair Lowe Morrison then introduced Amir Chokr from Diamond Vault, who raffled off an exclusively designed and exquisitely crafted shark brooch with gradients of multi-colored natural diamonds, hand-set in white and yellow gold, and finely finished with hand engraving and distinct accents of rhodium and ruthenium.
The enthusiasm and supportive spirit at Oceanic Evening was focused on Mote’s 60 years of groundbreaking marine science. At this pivotal moment, Mote is working to significantly increase its local and global service to oceans and to the public.
Other attendees included Teri A. Hansen, President and CEO of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation; Mark Pritchett, President and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation; and policy-focused leaders in Southwest Florida, including State Rep. Greg Steube and State Sen. Nancy Detert.
Mote thanks the Oceanic Evening Presenting Sponsors Mr. and Mrs. Richard Donegan and Ms. Judy Graham and its Diamond Sponsors Ms. Elizabeth Moore; New Amsterdam Charitable Foundation; Mote Scientific Foundation; Julius Fleischman Foundation; Diamond Vault; the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Essner; Ms. Peggy Sears and Friends in Boca Grande; Sapphire Sponsors Caldwell Trust Company; PNC Wealth Management; Willis Smith Construction; Gulf Coast Community Foundation; Sabal Trust Company; Paradise; Dr. and Mrs. Michael Crosby; Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Armitage and Mr. and Mrs. James Ericson; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Cobin /Air Force Association; The Stuart-Murray Group, LLC.; Steven Wagner, UBS Financial Services, NY.
Mote would also like to thank the Oceanic Evening Emerald Table Sponsors Bloomin' Brands; Ms. Jean Martin; Mr. and Mrs. Kirk Malcolm; Ms. Joan Galvin and Mrs. Michelle Senglaub; Drs. Joel and Gail Morganroth; Mr. and Mrs. Trudo Letschert; Mr. and Mrs. David Dickson; Ms. Susan Gilmore-Clarke; Ms. Penelope Kingman; Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hemmert; Mr. and Mrs. John Lilly; Mr. Mickey Callanen; Feld Entertainment; and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Carter.
To learn how you can become a part of Oceans of Opportunity: The Campaign for Mote Marine Laboratory, please contact Campaign Director Erin Knievel at 941-388-4441, ext. 415, or eknievel@mote.org.
Photo Credit: Chris Fitzgibbons, Owner/Photographer at ChurchWalls Studio
