From the desk of
Dr. Michael P. Crosby
 
  Dear Mote Volunteers,

It is my pleasure to share with you that Mote has exceeded its Oceans of Opportunity campaign goal of $50 million.  As a member of the Mote family, you have played a critical role in this achievement and I want to thank you for your tremendous help.   Many of you have also gone above and beyond by providing and pledging your support for this historic campaign and for that, no words can express my most sincere gratitude and pride for our Mote Family. 

As you know, funds from this campaign are helping Mote achieve our 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan by expanding our efforts to study and address the grand challenges facing the marine environment locally and worldwide.  Impacts of the campaign are widespread and can already be seen with the construction of Mote's new coral research and restoration facility in the Florida Keys, enhanced support for the next generation of postdoctoral scientists, education programs for underserved children and more.

Oceans of Opportunity represents our shared vision for the future.  The campaign will allow Mote to continue its legacy of distinction in transformational research, education and outreach for many years to come.  We are excited to move into a new era for Mote's impact that will continue to grow in Florida and around the world.   We plan to continue the campaign until the end of October when we will announce our final figures and applaud the generosity of the community.  Mote's Annual Oceanic Evening gala will serve as the campaign's culminating event.

An embargoed press release has been sent to media sharing the news of Mote's campaign success. While some of you may have seen a short break in that embargo by a local paper this morning, our plan is to make this news public at the end of September.  Until then, I ask that you not share this news so we have the opportunity to tell all those that helped make it possible.  Please feel free to contact me or Erin Kabinoff, Mote's Chief Development Officer, ekabinoff@mote.org or (941) 388-4441 ext. 309 with any questions.  Thank you again for your commitment to Mote, which has not only allowed us to reach this critical point, but will also propel our independent organization forward. Your work will help create lasting impact for years to come.

Sincerely,