Sept. 20-21: Support Mote during the 2016 Giving Challenge
Mote Marine Laboratory wants you to be the one to create a better environment for each other, our children and the many animals that keep our oceans healthy and our hearts happy during the 2016 Giving Challenge on Sept. 20 and 21 in southwest Florida.
The Giving Challenge is a 24-hour online fundraising event from noon on Sept. 20 through noon on Sept. 21. Instead of a telethon, the Giving Challenge is an “Internet-a-thon” that allows the community to support nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and Desoto counties, through online donations that will be matched by area organizations.
This year, Mote is teaming up with Cat Depot, a nonprofit, no-kill, free-roaming center for cats, to amplify its efforts, particularly highlighting crossover goals of both nonprofits to help injured animals, rehabilitate them and send them home. That means cats receive a loving owner’s care, while sea turtles and marine mammals return to the ocean.
To see how these two organizations are working together, watch the video below.
This year’s Giving Challenge theme is “Be The One.” Part of Mote’s mission is to advance marine and environmental sciences through scientific research, education and public outreach, leading to new discoveries, revitalization and sustainability of our oceans and greater public understanding of our marine resources and we hope that you will “be the one” to help us make a difference.
Here are a few examples of how you can “be the one:”
- $30 allows Mote to protect up to 15 sea turtle nests,
- $50 can restore five corals in the Florida Keys and
- $200 can cover the daily costs to feed each of our resident manatees, Hugh and Buffett.
Mote has participated for four years in the Challenge, raising more than $100,000 each year. This year, thanks to the generous support of Gene and Anne Beckstein, Mote will match gifts up to a total of $25,000.
Here’s how the Giving Challenge works:
- Donations must be made online between noon on Tuesday, Sept. 20, and 11:59 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, at www.givingpartnerchallenge.org
- Gifts from new donors will qualify for a 2:1 match up to $100.
- Gifts from returning donors will qualify for a 1:1 match up to $100.
- A debit or credit card must be used.
- Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.
To learn more about Mote’s campaign, visit Mote’s Giving Partner Profile.
Kate Knepper from Mote’s Development Team, 941-388-4441 ext. 393, will take pledges in advance so donations can be processed as soon as the Challenge begins on Sept. 20, allowing Mote to qualify for a special grant opportunity.
Thank you for your support during this important community event!
The 2016 Giving Challenge is presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation and support from Manatee Community Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, and the Herald-Tribune Media Group.