Dear Mote Volunteers,

As 2015 draws to a close, we can look back on a year that included some of our most exciting initiatives, renewed and strengthened connections with the community, and celebrated achievements in our diverse marine research, outreach and education programs. You, our amazing Volunteers, helped all of this to happen: You contributed approx. 240,000 hours of service for the benefit of our oceans. I applaud you!

We commemorated our milestone 60th Anniversary with our first-ever, multi-year comprehensive fundraising campaign designed to help support our future as one of the world's leading independent marine research laboratories. Thanks to the generosity of the members of our new Mote Leadership Circle, our Board of Trustees, our staff, other selfless philanthropists — and of course, all the wonderful Mote Volunteers who chose to give back to the sea — we have raised more than $42 million toward our $50 million goal. Our success will be especially visible in early 2016, when we will begin the construction process for our new state-of-the-art research and education facility on our Florida Keys campus.

We look forward to even greater community engagement as we near the finish line of our campaign. Achieving our goal will help us continue to expand the frontiers of marine science so that we may, together, address the grand challenges facing our oceans and support the next generation of scientific leaders who will bring innovative solutions to address threats to our oceans that affect us all.

This year also marked one of our saddest days with the passing of our founding director, Dr. Eugenie Clark, 60 years after the Lab first opened its doors. When Genie opened the Lab, she wasn't seeking fame or fortune; she was merely following her passion to better understand through scientific inquiry the many mysteries of our oceans.

In each of our Mote Volunteers and staff who work tirelessly on our many research, education and aquarium programs, I see Genie's passion for science and profound appreciation for the freedom she had to pursue her many fascinations with the sea. Genie is surely smiling on us all.

I want to thank each and every one of you for your dedication to the mission of Mote. I hope during this holiday season that you take a moment to celebrate your own year of successes and have an opportunity to refresh and recharge for the New Year.

I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year!

With warm regards,


Dr. Michael P. Crosby

P.S. – Mote is pleased to share that the IRA charitable rollover has been extended until the end of 2015. Under this law, if you are 70½ or older you may move up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a charity such as Mote without having to pay income taxes on the money. To learn more, please contact Mote's Development Office for assistance.



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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway • Sarasota, FL 34236-1004 | 941-388-4441 | MOTE.ORG

Mote Marine Laboratory, Inc. is registered with the state of Florida #ch1050, under requirements of the solicitation of contributions act. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free (800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.