Mooseheart is a good neighbor

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 number-one 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 plan to annex 470 acres to the city of Batavia to help secure the future of children that will someday come to Mooseheart. We need to generate a revenue stream, if necessary, to ensure a healthy and vibrant Mooseheart.

Mooseheart has always been a good neighbor to Batavia. We sold 22 acres to the school district at a significant loss for construction of the high school. We donated property to the city for the fire station. We gave two miles of right-of-way for construction of Randall Road to connect Batavia and North Aurora. We provide access to our campus for the safe firing of fireworks by the city for its Fourth of July celebration. Daily, we open our campus for use by many of Batavia's civic and service organizations and clubs.

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

Executive Director

Mooseheart Child City and School

Mooseheart