The Spirit of Manatee – Fueled By Moore Enthusiasm

MANATEE COUNTY, FL – Elizabeth Moore’s involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs began long before becoming a board member for the Foundation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County. Prior to 2007, the Moore family lived in the Boston area, where Elizabeth was first introduced to the Clubs by the Kraft family, one of many prominent Bostonian names involved with Boys & Girls Clubs .

“The first project I helped with was building a gym for the Club in Chelsea,” said Elizabeth. “After being in school all day, the kids needed a place to have fun and burn off energy.”

Elizabeth served on the board of directors for Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston for over ten years. During that time, one of the other things she enjoyed was serving on a development committee to provide better nutrition for the Club members.

Philanthropy is firmly established in the Boston area. That’s where the Moore family’s charitable enthusiasm originated. Along with Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, the Moore family gave their support to area institutions such as the Boston Symphony, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Peabody Essex Museum and various independent schools and colleges. Elizabeth currently serves on the board of trustees for the Museum of Science in Boston.

When the Moore family moved to Bradenton in 2007 they brought their philanthropic spirit with them. Elizabeth soon joined the board of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School, where she led the charge for the world-class Moore Athletic Complex at Turner Fields and the Marine Science Center.

Then, with a recommendation from her friend, Hugh Miller, owner of Pier 22 and one of our foundation board members, Elizabeth joined the board of directors of the Foundation for Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County.

“With my experience with the Clubs in Boston, it made sense to become involved in Manatee County,” said Elizabeth.

When asked what made her want to get involved with the Clubs, Elizabeth replied, “The importance of providing a place for kids to belong, feel ownership and have good role models.” She also shared that, both in Boston and in Manatee County, she heard Club kids say, “The Boys & Girls Club has saved my life!”

Recently, Elizabeth joined the board of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. Marine Science is one of her passions, which she shares with her daughter, Merry. She is supporting the new Mote Coral Reef Restoration Lab in Summerland Key. She and Merry literally dove right in with scientists to help restore reefs. Dr. Michael P. Crosby, President and CEO of Mote, described Elizabeth as the “ideal board member” because of her enthusiasm, influence and generosity.

It is because of her enthusiastic support of these local organizations and beyond, that Elizabeth Moore received the Spirit of Manatee Special Recognition Award in March. We are proud of her and thrilled to have her as a member of our leadership.