A Legacy of Giving
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the MOODY foundation A legacy of giving. BIENNIAL REPORT 2014–15 the MOODY foundation The Moody Family 8 The Foundation 16 Letter from the Chairman 18 201 4–15 G ra n t s 21 Financial Report 53 BIENNIAL REPORT 2014–15 Empowering Texas communitiesOUR to thrive our mission our mission 2 MISSIONand prosper 3 Building OURa bigger, better future our vision our vision 4 VISIONfor Texans 5 >3,500 What We Fund Grants to Date $1.2 billion Awarded to Date 12% Arts, Humanities $13 million 20% Awarded in Moody Scholarships and Religion to over 5,000 students Health and Science Community 27% and Social THE Education 41% at a glance at at a glance at 6 MOODY 7 FOUNDATIONat a glance The Moody Foundation was established in 1942 by William Lewis (W.L.) Moody, Jr. and Libbie Rice Shearn Moody. The Moodys were prosperous, and their enterprises initially flour- ished on Galveston Island. Their commercial interests included banks, newspapers, cotton, ranches, hotels and insurance. Over the years, their efforts continued to expand across Texas, helping to shape their vision for the Foundation of building a bigger, better future for Texans. The Moodys’ wish for the Foundation was an ever- lasting commitment to present and future generations of Texans. For more than seven decades, the philanthropic heritage of the William Lewis Moody, Jr. Moody Family has been at the forefront of the Foundation. There’s a charitable spirit that seems to pass from generation to generation, growing stronger over time. After W.L. Moody, Jr. died in 1954, his oldest daughter, Mary Elizabeth Moody Northen, took over at the Foundation. Serving for more than 30 years, she was instrumental in the historical resto- ration movement in Galveston in the 1970s and focused on improv- ing colleges and universities across Texas. Upon her death in 1986, Robert L. Moody, grandson to W.L. Moody, Jr., landed at the helm of THE Libbie Rice Shearn Moody the Foundation as the chairman. Robert followed in his predecessors’ footsteps with his commitment and tenacity. He was able to build on their strengths and strategies the moody family as he served for three decades as a dedicated trustee, savvy financial strategist and creative thinker for the Foundation. His lifelong friend and devoted colleague, Buddy Herz, said, “Under Bobby’s leadership, the Moody Foundation’s significance grew expo- the moody family nentially to become one of the most meaningful sources of charitable Building on giving in Texas.” 8 MOODY 9 Robert L. Moody retired in December 2015, and our report honors him for his innovative efforts, his notable achievements and the a legacy of giving long-term success he cultivated for the Moody Foundation. And the momentum at the Moody Foundation continues with Frances FAMILY Moody-Dahlberg as Executive Director and Chairman. “When Dad got an idea, he was going to get it done. And he was going to make sure it benefited as many people as possible. He believed in investing in the greater good.” — Ross Moody, son and Trustee of the Moody Foundation (Right) Robert L. Moody since 1986 and son, Robert, Jr., 1961. Being true to himself the moody family Robert is known to friends, colleagues pushes “to get the best out of you.” Many and loved ones as Robert, Dad, Bobby, Big are fond of his eccentric nature, especially Bobby, Mr. Moody and even “Dr. Moody.” when he plays the role of “Dr. Moody”— Some of these same people describe offering advice and sometimes even cures him as gifted, determined, ambitious, for all kinds of ailments. the moody family shy, driven, loyal, unassuming, practical, This “dreamer and doer” is loved, respected humble, strong-willed, focused, accepting 10 ROBERT and admired by many, for good reason. He 11 of others and able to absorb knowledge like leads by example with his strong work ethic, a sponge. He’s a person who “soldiers on,” uncompromising values and relentless and maybe that’s because he was the top perseverance. Robert’s visionary spirit and cadet upon graduation in 1953 from Valley deep empathy for others has helped create Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania. many innovative programs benefitting civic L. MOODY Some admire him for being a financial and charitable organizations that focus on genius, some wish they had his tough, but education, medicine and social services. fair business sense, while others love the kindness he shows after he persistently Values, virtues “ Robert Moody, personally and through his and devotion Values,position as trustee of the Moody Foundation, has directed more charitable giving than Virtues,possibly any other person on the planet to support the research, the science and the Devotionrehabilitation services for those suffering from traumatic brain injuries.” Ross Moody, Robert’s son and trustee of — Buddy Herz, lifelong friend, colleague since 1965 the Moody Foundation, said, “The driving and General Counsel for the Moody Foundation force for my dad creating the TLC was his thinking, ‘What I can do for my son, I can do for others.’ My brother and thousands of others are living a healthy, functioning life because of the work my dad did to ensure they received the treatment they needed.” the moody family After a traumatic brain injury—the result of Robert was instrumental in setting up the an automobile accident in the early ’80s— construction, development and operations Russell Moody, son of Robert L. Moody, for the center, but he also gave so much of was in need of treatment, rehabilitation his personal time. He took trips to England and physical therapy. But this type of help and to Sweden researching the latest treat- was not readily accessible during this time. ments and cutting-edge technologies that the moody family would assist patients in regaining their 12 With a focus on the greater good, Robert 13 cognitive and physical abilities. created the Transitional Learning Center (TLC), a post-acute brain injury rehabili- Robert’s loyalty and commitment to the tation facility offering patients physical, TLC didn’t stop there. His determination, occupational and vocational therapies to focus and resourceful nature pushed him transition back into their daily lives. For to develop the Moody Endowment, which more than 30 years, the TLC has been at supports the expenses and the operations the forefront of research and treatment of the TLC so that its work is self-sustain- to improve outcomes in the aftermath of ing and endures. traumatic brain injuries. The Transitional Learning Center was created in 1982 under the direction of Robert L. Moody to serve patients who have sustained traumatic brain injuries. “ Bobby would not look at a snapshot. “ Robert’s game face will He would look at the whole picture. He stay with me forever—the would say, ‘Ok, this is today, but what’s way he closed one eye and tomorrow?’ His brilliance was that he looked at you with the other. It was as if he was would take it all in to see where we are and examining you.” where we are going to be.” — Doug McLeod, brother-in-law, friend, colleague since 1962 and Chairman of the Board of Directors for Moody — Sonny Milos, lifelong friend, colleague since 1965 and Gardens, Inc. since its inception in 1983 member of the Oversight Committee for Moody Gardens, Inc. Rick Perry, Ann and Robert L. Moody at Moody Gardens for the dedication of the rainforest glass pyramid, August 1992. Giving back to his roots Robert, like his grandfather before him, In 1992, the pyramids of Moody Gardens loves Galveston, Texas. It is the place were erected, and Robert’s vision of seeing where he grew up and the place that helped Galveston as a more thriving, successful the moody family shape who he is. He has a deep-rooted and economically advantaged city was commitment to his community that acts achieved. as a guiding principle for his giving spirit. The $600 million development welcomes Robert wanted to create thousands of jobs more than 2 million visitors annually and and add millions of dollars to Galveston’s employs more than 1,000 people. Thanks the moody family economy to ensure it prospered year- to Robert’s forward thinking and funding 14 round. So, in the early ‘80s, he commis- from the Moody Foundation, the complex 15 sioned an economic impact study to houses a rain forest, science exhibits, a determine what should be built on the MG 3D Theater, one of the country’s larg- island to create jobs, entice visitors and est aquariums, a hotel, a waterpark, ropes increase tourism demand. courses, a paddlewheel boat and seasonal attractions. The facility also puts an eco- logical spotlight on conservation, environ- mental education and marine life rehabili- tation. After the Alamo, Moody Gardens is the second leading tourist attraction in the state of Texas. THE MOODY Staff ADMINISTRATION AND PROGRAMS Frances Moody-Dahlberg FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Gerald J. Smith PROGRAM OFFICER Samantha Seale SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS DIRECTOR The legacy of the Moody Foundation continues Trustees John Kirwin TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR as new generations build on the solid foundation Robert L. Moody CHAIRMAN EMERITUS Patsy Coburn of the past. The organization remains true to EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Frances Moody-Dahlberg CHAIRMAN Kathy Buchanan its mission and vision while finding new and RECEPTIONIST AND OFFICE ASSISTANT Ross R. Moody innovative ways to better our communities. VICE CHAIRMAN Jamie G. Williams the foundation HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR Elizabeth L. Moody The Moody Foundation is governed by a board of three trustees SECRETARY-TREASURER charged with taking action on all grant requests, determining operat- FINANCIAL ing and investment policies and acting on all business matters.