The Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is thrilled to congratulate Mark and Patsy Bates, who were honored on Sept. 19 by the Florida Association of Museums as the Outstanding Philanthropists 2023. This Award, presented during a ceremony at the Henry Plant Museum in Tampa, honors those who have shown exceptional generosity and dedication to a museum, and who encourage others to support museums.
Grace Robinson, Executive Director, said of this award, “Gadsden Arts is honored to have some of our most dedicated philanthropists recognized by our museum peers from across Florida! Even though we are a small museum, our family of committed supporters have invested substantial time, talent, and funding to help Gadsden Arts bring remarkable art experiences to tens of thousands of people. Friends like Mark and Patsy truly make everything we do possible!”
“Broad community support for Gadsden Arts keeps our organization moving forward,” said Robinson. “All of our donors and volunteers are extremely important. It is difficult to single out any donor for recognition like this, but day in and day out, Mark and Patsy’s tireless and comprehensive support over 25 years made them a natural for this nomination. I am pleased to celebrate Mark and Patsy, and shine a spotlight on Gadsden Arts as an organization of many people who are dedicated to enriching quality of life for everyone.”
In 1998, Mark and Patsy gave the historic Bell & Bates Building (c.1912) to Gadsden Arts. The building had been home to the family hardware store business and a community gathering place for 86 years. Mark and Patsy gave generously to the renovation campaign and encouraged family and friends to join the effort.
Since then, they have shown their unhesitating support as leaders in giving for every capital campaign and annual giving program. They were also founding members of the Director’s Circle membership program, and have participated in and rallied support for every fundraising event and nearly every art trip.
While Mark and Patsy have invested substantial financial support over the years, they have also given countless hours as volunteers. Mark serves as longtime Chairman of the Endowment Trust Board and is a Finance Committee member. Patsy serves or has served on the Board of Directors and as Board President, and on multiple committees. Since 2008, Patsy has also helped museum staff every Wednesday as a Development Volunteer, and has guided countless tours for children and adults.
Gadsden Arts is extremely grateful for this recognition from the Florida Association of Museums (FAM), a statewide nonprofit organization that focuses on the empowerment of Florida museums through innovation and inclusivity. FAM supports the education and betterment of over 400 Florida museums and cultural establishments. This award is an inspiring story of philanthropy for museums state-wide.
Gadsden Arts is deeply grateful to Mark and Patsy Bates for their enthusiasm, generosity, and leadership, as we continue the journey of growing a small nonprofit art museum that has become a source of pride for everyone in our community.
Come share what the community has created by visiting Gadsden Arts, located in Quincy. Public hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and free family programs are offered all day every Saturday. Guided group tours are available by appointment, 850-627-5023. Information is at gadsdenarts.org.
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