Mooseheart's founder, James J. Davis, and his colleagues purchased more than 1,000 acres to be a home to just 11 children as of the day Mooseheart was dedicated on July 27, 1913. In less than three years, in 2013, Mooseheart Child City and School will celebrate its centennial.
The Moose organization's leadership has stated emphatically that providing for children in need, both the present and future residents of Mooseheart, is one of its primary purposes and missions. The leadership will do what is necessary to ensure the permanent health and operation of Mooseheart.
The members of our great fraternity are our No. 1 asset. It is their membership dues and generosity that enable us to maintain Mooseheart, and today we are financially stable.
However, in their role as prudent stewards, the Moose leadership must plan for any potential and unforeseen impacts to our current financial situation. So, we have undertaken a strategic plan to annex 470 acres of our property to the city of Batavia. This plan is not about short-term financial benefits, but instead about securing the future of children that will someday come to Mooseheart looking for the opportunity and desire to make a difference in this world.
We simply now seek to capitalize on Davis's remarkable farsightedness, to generate a revenue stream, if necessary, to ensure a healthy and vibrant Mooseheart.
Mooseheart has always been proud to be a part of the community. In particular, we have always been committed to being a good neighbor to Batavia and have exhibited this commitment in our actions. We sold 22 acres to the Batavia School District at a significant loss for the construction of the high school. We donated property to the city to enable the construction of a fire department facility. We gifted two miles of right-of-way that enabled the construction of Randall Road to connect Batavia and North Aurora. Annually, we provide access to our campus for the safe firing of fireworks by the City of Batavia for its Fourth of July celebration. Daily, we open our campus for use by many of Batavia's civic and service organizations and clubs. And we continue to show respect and consideration toward all of our neighbors.
Having been a neighbor for almost 100 years, we feel we have a great working relationship with Batavia. We know that the community supports our efforts to secure the lives of the future Mooseheart children. The mayor and his city staff have stated such.
As we approach our centennial, we will look back over the great things we have accomplished. As we recall the profound impact we have had on so many children, we feel the enormous responsibility to continue to fulfill this mission. A healthy and vibrant Mooseheart must be here to welcome kids in need for another century, and beyond.
• Scott D. Hart is executive director of Mooseheart Child City & School.