Respected Fundraiser Brings Talents and Support to Mote
Tom Waters was a man on a mission almost from the start. The Massachusetts native graduated from American International College in 1978 with majors in management and economics, a solid foundation for the work he would spend many years doing.
Tom joined the United Way a year after graduation and worked in Louisville and Denver for more than 10 years, raising funds for the many charities the famed organization supports. "That's where I learned how to bring people together for a common cause, how to inspire them to give from the heart," Tom says. "It's an act that can reward the donor as much as the recipients."
In 1997, Tom came to Sarasota to work for Easter Seals. After several years, Tom took his gift-planning expertise to the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, where he helped raise more than $200 million to support many local, regional, national and international organizations-including Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
When he joined Mote earlier this year as chief advancement officer, Tom immersed himself in Mote's history, its marine research projects, its education initiatives and its dedicated staff. Tom also made an unsolicited gift to the Laboratory in his estate plans, doing himself what he encourages others to do.
Tom has energized the Mote Legacy Society to join major donors in support of Mote's mission to sustain a viable marine ecosystem worldwide. Donors hail from all over the world and include Mote's own staff and the 1,600 volunteers who already donate their time to the Aquarium or the Laboratory.
There are many ways to support the long-term vision of Mote. You might consider a charitable gift annuity or charitable trust, which provide you dependable payments for life while still providing for Mote's future. To learn more about these and other options, please contact Ann Hayes at 941-388-4441, Ext. 309 or plannedgiving@mote.org. As director of major gifts and planned giving, Ann is very knowledgeable about how your legacy can help Mote.
And, of course, Tom is always happy to sit down and speak with you about the ocean legacy you would like to leave! Contact him at (941) 388-4441, Ext. 352.