Mote declared Nonprofit of the Year for Environment and Animals by Tampa Bay Business Journal
Mote's marketing manager, Sofie Wachtmeister, and intern Mary Alice Blackstock, receive award. Credit: Mote Marine Lab.
Written by: Mary Alice Blackstock
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium was named Tampa Bay Business Journal’s 2017 Nonprofit of the Year in the Environment and Animals category at an awards luncheon on Thursday, June 8.
The awards luncheon, held at the Bryan Glazer Family Jewish Community Center in Tampa, honored 38 finalists for Nonprofit of the Year across seven categories: Arts, Culture and Humanities; Crisis Resources; Education; Environment and Animals; Family Services; Health and Human Services; and Public and Societal Benefit.
Mote — an independent, nonprofit marine science institution that leads today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans — won among five finalists in the Environment and Animals category.
“Mote is honored and humbled to be named Nonprofit of the Year in the Environment and Animals category,” said Dr. Michael Crosby, Mote President & CEO. “We have worked tirelessly to conduct world-class marine research, build a connection with the community and instill ocean literacy in people of all ages, and we hope this award reflects our dedication to science, education and public service.”
The Nonprofit of the Year Awards recognize organizations in the Tampa Bay area that work hard for a range of social, civic and healthy causes. The nominated organizations must be 501 (c)(3), non-foundation community organizations benefiting residents of Greater Tampa Bay that are accountable and fiscally responsible.
Other finalists in the Environment and Animals category included Southeastern Guide Dogs, Lowry Park Zoological Society of Tampa Inc., K9 Partners for Patriots Inc. and SPCA Tampa Bay. Tampa Bay Business Journal also recognized Moffitt Cancer Center as the Overall Winner for 2017 Nonprofit of the Year.
Mote extends a special thanks to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, CS&L CPAs, the event sponsor, and Continental Wholesale Diamonds, the event partner.