Sometimes you have to let your name be put on something to motivate other people
to give. So, if someone sees Morsani on something, maybe they’ll think, ‘if he gives,
I can give, too.’ By being an example, you’re teaching and inspiring.”
As a matter of personal choice,
the Morsanis give to organizations
that are sustainable or may need
stabilizing to serve the greater
good. “Our gifts to TBPAC now
the Straz Center and the Dali
Museum were to help them
stabilize. Once we decide to give,
we give and let it go. We don’t say
what the organization has to do
with the money.”
“If we’ve picked good stewards,
they know what to do with it,”
he says. “We give, in some ways,
to set an example for others who
have a lot but aren’t giving back. If
you have resources, you can’t take them with you,” he laughs. “So, give them in your
lifetime. Carol and I know most of our assets will be given away in our lifetime.”
The Morsanis base their philanthropy philosophy on the power of personal
relationships, like they did with their supremely successful car dealerships that
drove their accumulation of wealth. “In this area, we were isolated and insulated
for a very long time though that is changing now. The challenge was to break down
barriers. We got involved, we got other people involved in the community to create
that connection. The connection creates caring that sparks giving,” Frank says.
“It’s cultivating people, cultivating
connections. Relationships are very
important.”
We have had a wonderful
relationship with Frank and Carol
for more than two decades,
counting them more as family
than as donors. They have served
The Straz in many ways, and we unabashedly adore their presence in our mission
and in our theaters. In fact, when Frank stepped down as Chairman of the Board
of Trustees at The Straz, we took it upon ourselves to whip up Frank Morsani the
Musical, complete with quick rehearsals, which we performed during his farewell
event in tribute to his contributions — not just to us but to so many non-pro ts
in Tampa.
Though Frank Morsani the Musical will never make it to Broadway, we are indebted
to Frank and Carol for all they have done to bring Broadway to Tampa, to help us
grow as an organization and to support our commitment to arts education and vestar
performing arts programming.
Carol Morsani Hall at The Straz Center
“Give back to your community.
That’s the way we were raised,
that’s just what you were
supposed to do.”
“Our area needs more citizens to take part in philanthropy,” Frank says. “Many of
the new citizens take advantage of our assets — sports, the arts, medical services
and our beautiful beaches. But, they don’t participate in the progress of these
things. We need more people to take ownership of our great assets.”
Cheers to Frank and Carol for walking the walk as community-changing
philanthropists for the Tampa Bay region. We consider ourselves fortunate to be
among the organizations they’ve helped cultivate.
Photo by Rob Harris Productions, Inc.