Has the Developer made Significant Charitable Contributions

[mickey100]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

[gomoho]

And just why would that be any of your business???

[pooh]

And why is this of any importance? Really. Just because anyone has worked hard and earned money, why are they obligated to do something that we have to know about? Do we really know what they do with their money? Why do we have to know....just so we can either feel badly towards them or smug about ourselves and what we, as non-millionaires, might be doing to help others? We really don't know their personal financial dealings and mere speculation might make some feel good or bad, but it is only that, speculation.

[mickey100]

And why is this of any importance? Really. Just because anyone has worked hard and earned money, why are they obligated to do something that we have to know about? Do we really know what they do with their money? Why do we have to know....just so we can either feel badly towards them or smug about ourselves and what we, as non-millionaires, might be doing to help others? We really don't know their personal financial dealings and mere speculation might make some feel good or bad, but it is only that, speculation.

It may not be important to you, but it obviously is to some people. Charitable contributions are considered a good thing in our society. Society looks askance at stingy people and values those who give their time and money to others in order to make the world a better place. In age of technology it is so easy to find public records of the many wealthy people and their contributions, I found it curious that nothing comes up for the Morses. Of course he is not obligated to contribute to the world's well being like some of the other billionaires have done.

[Mack184]

This thread is just another attempt to try to bash Gary Morse & his family.

[getdul981]

It appears there are more people that could care less that the one that does. I personally think that if they do make contributions, it is of no concern to anyone but them.

[Biker Dog]

:cus:It may not be important to you, but it obviously is to some people. Charitable contributions are considered a good thing in our society. Society looks askance at stingy people and values those who give their time and money to others in order to make the world a better place. In age of technology it is so easy to find public records of the many wealthy people and their contributions, I found it curious that nothing comes up for the Morses. Of course he is not obligated to contribute to the world's well being like some of the other billionaires have done.
:cus:I really think it is none of your business what he does with his money.

[Taltarzac725]

I applaud those billionaires and others from the Top 1% who do give to charities but the Morses have provided many Villagers with what seems to me to be wonderful retirement experiences. That is a kind of service to people IMHO.

I would bet that they do make charitable contributions however to whatever causes they believe in. These have great tax benefits so I would assume that their tax advisors have them making some kind of contributions.

[pooh]

Nothing comes up that we can see, but again, contributions could be made anonymously. Really, at least in my estimation, it boils down to emotions, we feel good when those with, give to those without and if those with, don't do as we feel they should, we feel badly towards them. No individual is obligated to provide their funds to others...doing so is a wonderful thing for those who benefit....but we have no idea what goes on financially with our community developer and to be perfectly frank, we don't have the right to know his financial obligations, contributions, etc. In my opinion, this situation with "them" and "us" is more emotional than anything else......people need scapegoats, makes them feel better about themselves and their situations. Mike and I worked hard for what we have....the Morses have done the same. All here have worked over the years and have decided, of their own choosing, to move to TV to enjoy what a hard working family has brought together. It isn't a country club, a resort, it's our home. Nothing is free, it wasn't where we left. Why do some expect that just because the builder has earned $$, he owes? Not picking on you, Mickey, you asked a legitimate question. It just gets tedious hearing the I'm/we're "owed" so often. Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now....:laugh:

[Madelaine Amee]

And just why would that be any of your business???

Why are so many people so hung up on The Family? You live here in a development they built, you do whatever you want to do, you join and participate in clubs and entertainment that probably would not have been available in your home town. I presume you are enjoying your life here! Then, get over it, get on with your own lives and leave them alone.

[sunglow]

I think that's a good question. Why don't we see anything about contributions from the Morse? I hear they do make huge political contributions but I wouldn't call that a benefit to our society.

[perrjojo]

And just why would that be any of your business???

Just what I was thinking!

[bkcunningham1]

mickey100, is there a particular website(s) you used to search for the charities Morse or his family use for contributions?

[graciegirl]

Perhaps we don't "see" any charitable contributions made by the Morses because they don't make them.

Or perhaps they do it far out of the public eye.

I did find that his wife who died of cancer and for whom The Sharon Morse Hospital was named was involved in charity.

See here;

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1999-12-31/news/9912300410_1_gary-morse-morse-home-sharon

I will add that it seems to ME that Gary Morse and most of his family avoid any public appearances and do not seek attention to themselves. I would guess that would or could spill over to any good works that they MIGHT do perhaps privately.

It does look like I am a shill, doesn't it Mickey?

[mickey100]

mickey100, is there a particular website(s) you used to search for the charities Morse or his family use for contributions?

I did a general google search for morse, the villages and their corporation. There may be stuff out there and its just not coming up, who knows; I just wondered if anyone else was aware of anything because I can't seem to locate anything, which is rather strange.

[mickey100]

I think that's a good question. Why don't we see anything about contributions from the Morse? I hear they do make huge political contributions but I wouldn't call that a benefit to our society.

No, I would consider that a personal thing.

[Bonny]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

Why would we want to know this & why would we care ?

[mickey100]

Nothing comes up that we can see, but again, contributions could be made anonymously. Really, at least in my estimation, it boils down to emotions, we feel good when those with, give to those without and if those with, don't do as we feel they should, we feel badly towards them. No individual is obligated to provide their funds to others...doing so is a wonderful thing for those who benefit....but we have no idea what goes on financially with our community developer and to be perfectly frank, we don't have the right to know his financial obligations, contributions, etc. In my opinion, this situation with "them" and "us" is more emotional than anything else......people need scapegoats, makes them feel better about themselves and their situations. Mike and I worked hard for what we have....the Morses have done the same. All here have worked over the years and have decided, of their own choosing, to move to TV to enjoy what a hard working family has brought together. It isn't a country club, a resort, it's our home. Nothing is free, it wasn't where we left. Why do some expect that just because the builder has earned $$, he owes? Not picking on you, Mickey, you asked a legitimate question. It just gets tedious hearing the I'm/we're "owed" so often. Okay, I'm stepping off my soapbox now....:laugh:

No one said anyone "owed" anything, or implied it. But I do have so much respect people of wealth who are trying to make our world a better place by using their wealth to do wonderful things like give vaccines to children in poor countries, helping education , etc,. I look at the Gates Foundation and have to applaud their generosity. It is human nature to look favorably upon people who try to do good in the world.

[Chazz]

I don't know if the Morse family contributes to charities, or not. Just because it is not common knowledge as to their degree of generosity, does not mean that they do not contribute generously. They may choose to do so discretely, for whatever reasons that they do. Regardless, I consider it to be none of my business, and it has no bearing on my charitable contribution choices.

[skip0358]

Who cares IF he donated to charity. He built a wonderful place for us to live, he built the Hospital we go to, the cancer wing that was added. He paid for road construction outside the Villages, he built a great Charter School, he's putting up money for Moorse Blvd to connect with Florida Tpk etc. I believe all these things that we know of have been quite charitable. As to WHAT charity he may or may not support I could care less and I'm certain many others feel the same way.

[Trish Crocker]

Would you mind opening up your finances and investments to the rest of us and then allowing us to see if a large enough percentage of YOUR income was given to charity. I would also like to see your tax returns for the past 7 years. If you would be so kind, please give us your account numbers and all of your pin numbers so we can verify everything. By the way..you did ask for a receipt each time you put some money into the red canisters at Christmas time, didn't you? Give me a break.

[Madelaine Amee]

Who cares IF he donated to charity. He built a wonderful place for us to live, he built the Hospital we go to, the cancer wing that was added. He paid for road construction outside the Villages, he built a great Charter School, he's putting up money for Moorse Blvd to connect with Florida Tpk etc. I believe all these things that we know of have been quite charitable. As to WHAT charity he may or may not support I could care less and I'm certain many others feel the same way.

Agree -- done more for the surrounding areas than anyone before him!

[Bonny]

Of all the threads on TOTV, this one bothers me more than any of the ones I have ever read. To think that some would Google to find out if someone has made any charitable contributions just because they have made a lot of money. This is truly something that is VERY personal and definitely non of anyones business !! Who is next to be Googled ? :ohdear:

[Taltarzac725]

Who cares IF he donated to charity. He built a wonderful place for us to live, he built the Hospital we go to, the cancer wing that was added. He paid for road construction outside the Villages, he built a great Charter School, he's putting up money for Moorse Blvd to connect with Florida Tpk etc. I believe all these things that we know of have been quite charitable. As to WHAT charity he may or may not support I could care less and I'm certain many others feel the same way.

Well put. Still believe the Morses' tax lawyers would have them giving to charity for the tax benefits it provides. Probably something like their alma maters or local schools and universities, hospitals, etc.

[nkrifats]

Agree, not any of my business and not changing my way of thinking.
Not any of my business what they do with there money.

[coconutmama]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

When I donate to charity I feel it is a private matter. Perhaps, as others have noted, they feel the same. However, you have every right to ask the question without a tons of bricks coming down on you. I would hope anyone would be able to feel comfortable asking a question on this forum.

I do admire folks who give back, without financial gain to themselves. Don't most of us? You made some good observations regarding other billionaires.

Have a Blessed St Patrick's Day.

[Cisco Kid]

William Hutton



“I have come to the conclusion that charity is only charity when you give goods, services or money without personal gain, benefit or recognition of any kind. True charity is anonymous.

[jblum315]

Families with that kind of wealth tend to set up charitable foundations ans you don't hear a lot about the specifics. It's really nobody's business and as long as the IRS is happy no one else needs to know. Do you give 10% of your income to your church? is it any of my business and how exactly does it affect me?

[mickey100]

When I donate to charity I feel it is a private matter. Perhaps, as others have noted, they feel the same. However, you have every right to ask the question without a tons of bricks coming down on you. I would hope anyone would be able to feel comfortable asking a question on this forum.

I do admire folks who give back, without financial gain to themselves. Don't most of us? You made some good observations regarding other billionaires.

Have a Blessed St Patrick's Day.

Thank you. How funny and sad, really, that a simple question about the Developer's philanthropy has raised such ire and meanness from "the friendly" Villagers.

[Parker]

Well, as a fellow billionaire, I want to say a few words in defense of the Morse's and myself....What?....wait....I'm not a billionaire?.....not a millionaire?....just, gasp, middle class?!!! Oh dear, you sure know how to take the wind out of a person's sails. (But I still defend both of our rights to privacy)

[KatieDidNot]

My apologies to the OP. America's Friendliest town. Could not tell from this thread.

It was a simple question, one that obviously had some thought put into it and I believe deserved a respectful answer and if you don't have one, don't say anything. Sometimes not saying anything is a more powerful message...please note the number of times I have posted.

As for my 2 cents, I would say to the OP, outside of Florida, most do not know the Morse Family and a lot of wealthy and those of us that are not so wealthy like me give to charity anonymously. I too have a lot of admiration to those that give big to charities, but there is also something to be said about doing it in a quiet and humble way.

Best regards-Katie

[duffysmom]

I haven't read anyone being mean in commenting on the OP's question, but when you ask a provocative question you will get strong opinions back. I agree with those who say it isn't any of our business. Why is it people with wealth are held to a different standard? I certainly don't want anyone snooping into my finances and judging me, good or bad, it's none of anyone's business.

[Cisco Kid]

My apologies to the OP. America's Friendliest town. Could not tell from this thread.

It was a simple question, one that obviously had some thought put into it and I believe deserved a respectful answer and if you don't have one, don't say anything. Sometimes not saying anything is a more powerful message...please note the number of times I have posted.

As for my 2 cents, I would say to the OP, outside of Florida, most do not know the Morse Family and a lot of wealthy and those of us that are not so wealthy like me give to charity anonymously. I too have a lot of admiration to those that give big to charities, but there is also something to be said about doing it in a quiet and humble way.

Best regards-Katie

Welcome to the forum
Your 1st post
Your 1st day. just now signed up. ?

[Bonny]

My apologies to the OP. America's Friendliest town. Could not tell from this thread.

It was a simple question, one that obviously had some thought put into it and I believe deserved a respectful answer and if you don't have one, don't say anything. Sometimes not saying anything is a more powerful message...please note the number of times I have posted.

As for my 2 cents, I would say to the OP, outside of Florida, most do not know the Morse Family and a lot of wealthy and those of us that are not so wealthy like me give to charity anonymously. I too have a lot of admiration to those that give big to charities, but there is also something to be said about doing it in a quiet and humble way.

Best regards-Katie

I'm sorry. I really disagree ! Any time people start Googling people about their money, it's not right. I can't imagine wondering what you do with your money anymore than anyone should wonder what I do with my money or what the Morse's do with their money.
BTW, welcome to the forum. :)

[Bogie Shooter]

...

[blueash]

On the broader topic of charity... Wouldn't the most charitable donations be given to organizations or persons with no connection to your own family or faith? Giving to your own church or to a medical organization researching a disease you have or the symphony or zoo you regularly visit is wonderful. Giving to some distant and non-personal charity, IMO, is more credit worthly. Charity in making the world a better place with no other benefit for yourself seems to be the highest form of giving. It needn't be money. Sometimes your time is the best gift to give. However, in Western culture there is a tradition of the nobility being expected to give back to the less well off (noblesse oblige). That is what the OP was asking. Carnegie built libraries, Rockefeller created the Rockefeller Foundation to promote the well-being of humanity. The OP listed several present examples of the wealthy giving back to the general well being, not just to charities that give the donor a direct benefit. It was in that spirit that I hope the question was asked and not that the "family" strongly financially supports the political party which promotes a decreased role of govenment in supporting the less fortunate with the burden to be taken up by private charities and organizations.

[Bonny]

:popcorn: Be careful this thread doesn't turn political.

[leenie24]

I believe it is more important to be concerned about what "I" am doing to make the world a better place then what others or doing or not doing.:)

[Cisco Kid]

Hey I googled my name & charitable contribution.
Nothing came up
How can that be.
Sarah Mclachlan alone gets in my wallet on a regular bases.
Can it be that the internet / google ain't the end all know all.

[CFrance]

I'm sorry. I really disagree ! Any time people start Googling people about their money, it's not right. I can't imagine wondering what you do with your money anymore than anyone should wonder what I do with my money or what the Morse's do with their money.
BTW, welcome to the forum. :)

I might like to contribute to some of the charities the Morses do because... well, they might be areas I am interested in, or I might like to support charities he is interested in because I think he has done a great job and I could join him in his areas of charitable interest.

There are many reasons why someone might Google what charities a wealthy person contributes to, and I don't think it's wrong to do so. In fact, I might try to find out if he supports anything in MI, since he's from there. I might find a charity in like to, since we have lived there since 1987 but didn't hear about him till we came down here.

JMHO

[CFrance]

And furthermore, this was an easy Google search result, first page.

Developer Pays So Others Can Play
By Herky Cush of The Sentinel Staff, April 18, 1999
LADY LAKE - One million smackers.Gary Morse, developer of The Villages, is putting up big bucks for a charity tournament today featuring three of the top LPGA golfers. Hall of Fame golfer Nancy Lopez will be pitted against Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson in the $1 million Villages Charity Challenge.The three will tee off at 10 a.m. at the Tierra del Sol Golf and Country Club. Tickets for the event are $10.The tournament will be televised on a tape-delayed basis by FOX Sport Net from 2 to 4 p.m. June 26 and rebroadcast at another date to be determined.

[Bogie Shooter]

And furthermore, this was an easy Google search result, first page.

Developer Pays So Others Can Play
By Herky Cush of The Sentinel Staff, April 18, 1999
LADY LAKE - One million smackers.Gary Morse, developer of The Villages, is putting up big bucks for a charity tournament today featuring three of the top LPGA golfers. Hall of Fame golfer Nancy Lopez will be pitted against Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson in the $1 million Villages Charity Challenge.The three will tee off at 10 a.m. at the Tierra del Sol Golf and Country Club. Tickets for the event are $10.The tournament will be televised on a tape-delayed basis by FOX Sport Net from 2 to 4 p.m. June 26 and rebroadcast at another date to be determined.

The players also donated 90% of the prize money to charity. Also from a Google search.

[Mack184]

Would you mind opening up your finances and investments to the rest of us and then allowing us to see if a large enough percentage of YOUR income was given to charity. I would also like to see your tax returns for the past 7 years. If you would be so kind, please give us your account numbers and all of your pin numbers so we can verify everything. By the way..you did ask for a receipt each time you put some money into the red canisters at Christmas time, didn't you? Give me a break.
Amen!!! :bigbow:

Jesus made it very clear that you should NOT do your good works just to be seen of other men. You should do your good works in private.

[Polar Bear]

I care about one thing with respect to TV and the developer...am I getting value from the money I spend. (And I feel like that's up to me or I shouldn't spend the money in the first place.) If I am, then I don't care how much money the developer makes or what he does with it.

[Bonny]

I care about one thing with respect to TV and the developer...am I getting value from the money I spend. (And I feel like that's up to me or I shouldn't spend the money in the first place.) If I am, then I don't care how much money the developer makes or what he does with it.
:BigApplause:

[Topspinmo]

IMO Do you really think billionaire's give there money away? They contribute for leverage and control the money they get tax deductions for and probably kickbacks. Wake up very few people are truely Charitable and very few Charities have small overhead which means most of the money donated don't really trickle down to the ones that need it. Gates, Buffet, Turner and Bloomberg not donating there money for no reason they also get something out of it. I like how buffet said his secertary pays more taxes than him! Da!! that's cause she don't have room full of lawyers stealing from the government cheating on taxes. If he was really concerned and half the man he thinks he is HE WOULD PAY HIS FAR SHARE and keep his mouth shut, But that has no advanage for him.

[KatieDidNot]

Welcome to the forum
Your 1st post
Your 1st day. just now signed up. ?

Thank-you.

Yes, my first post, but I signed up earlier this month because I was going to comment on a Veterans Post, but someone had already offered some good advice...so there was no point adding the same info.

I am really a just a lurker...who reads the forum every once in awhile. I only added my opinion on this...well...I just wanted someone to be polite and did not want the OP to feel bad.

Cheers-Katie

[Mack184]

I really doubt that anybody buys into TV on a whim. Very few people come here for any other reason except to retire. I'm guessing that people either visit or rent first and then make their decision to buy after some careful consideration. To buy into the concept of "The Viilages" is to buy into the vision and offering of Gary Morse & his organization.

Nobody has a gun to their heads to buy into TV. So it makes me wonder if someone has a serious problem with Gary Morse, his operations, his politics, his charitable giving and whatnot, WHY in the world would somebody buy in and thus enrich Gary Morse? It makes no sense. It's hypocritical.

If somebody's got a serious problem with how Gary Morse runs HIS empire, then there are lots of choices right within this area. Stonecrest..Spruce Creek South, Spruce Creek Golf Club, Legacy of Leesburg, Top Of The World and so on. None of these other communities as far as I know are CDD communities.

Del Webb was a rich man who built lots of 55+ retirement communities. Was he a bad man because he risked HIS capital to build? If not, then why does Gary Morse garner so much static for doing not only the same thing..but doing the same thing better? He risked HIS money, HIS name and HIS reputation to build this enterprise. So apparently HE does not deserve the financial reward for the risks HE took?

Gary personally may be a creep. He might be as much fun as a barrel of monkeys. Many people who are geniuses are VERY odd people. Many of them are not fun to talk to because they are obcessed with whatever it is that they are good at and can't talk about anything else. Had McDonalds been left to the operations of the McDonald brothers, it is likely that McDonalds would have been nothing more than a regional southern California burger chain. It took the vision of Ray Kroc to make McDonalds what it became. However, Ray Kroc was a miserable human being who had a bad habit of stealing the wives of his franchise owners. Gary's father may have started The Villages Project, but it took Gary's genius & vision to take the original Villages from a collection of small trailer parks into what it is today.

HE risked the capital, HE had the vision and HE put in the work to make it come to reality. HE gets to reap the rewards. As far as I can see he doesn't owe anybody an explanation of how much he makes, what he owns, what or what he does not give to charity or whether he wears boxers, briefs or goes commando.

[Bonny]

I really doubt that anybody buys into TV on a whim. Very few people come here for any other reason except to retire. I'm guessing that people either visit or rent first and then make their decision to buy after some careful consideration. To buy into the concept of "The Viilages" is to buy into the vision and offering of Gary Morse & his organization.

Nobody has a gun to their heads to buy into TV. So it makes me wonder if someone has a serious problem with Gary Morse, his operations, his politics, his charitable giving and whatnot, WHY in the world would somebody buy in and thus enrich Gary Morse? It makes no sense. It's hypocritical.

If somebody's got a serious problem with how Gary Morse runs HIS empire, then there are lots of choices right within this area. Stonecrest..Spruce Creek South, Spruce Creek Golf Club, Legacy of Leesburg, Top Of The World and so on. None of these other communities as far as I know are CDD communities.

Del Webb was a rich man who built lots of 55+ retirement communities. Was he a bad man because he risked HIS capital to build? If not, then why does Gary Morse garner so much static for doing not only the same thing..but doing the same thing better? He risked HIS money, HIS name and HIS reputation to build this enterprise. So apparently HE does not deserve the financial reward for the risks HE took?

Gary personally may be a creep. He might be as much fun as a barrel of monkeys. Many people who are geniuses are VERY odd people. Many of them are not fun to talk to because they are obcessed with whatever it is that they are good at and can't talk about anything else. Had McDonalds been left to the operations of the McDonald brothers, it is likely that McDonalds would have been nothing more than a regional southern California burger chain. It took the vision of Ray Kroc to make McDonalds what it became. However, Ray Kroc was a miserable human being who had a bad habit of stealing the wives of his franchise owners. Gary's father may have started The Villages Project, but it took Gary's genius & vision to take the original Villages from a collection of small trailer parks into what it is today.

HE risked the capital, HE had the vision and HE put in the work to make it come to reality. HE gets to reap the rewards. As far as I can see he doesn't owe anybody an explanation of how much he makes, what he owns, what or what he does not give to charity or whether he wears boxers, briefs or goes commando.

Hmmmmm. that commando part sounds interesting. Maybe I'll Google & see if I can find out what he does or doesn't wear. :1rotfl::1rotfl:

[CFrance]

I really doubt that anybody buys into TV on a whim. Very few people come here for any other reason except to retire. I'm guessing that people either visit or rent first and then make their decision to buy after some careful consideration. To buy into the concept of "The Viilages" is to buy into the vision and offering of Gary Morse & his organization.

Nobody has a gun to their heads to buy into TV. So it makes me wonder if someone has a serious problem with Gary Morse, his operations, his politics, his charitable giving and whatnot, WHY in the world would somebody buy in and thus enrich Gary Morse? It makes no sense. It's hypocritical.

If somebody's got a serious problem with how Gary Morse runs HIS empire, then there are lots of choices right within this area. Stonecrest..Spruce Creek South, Spruce Creek Golf Club, Legacy of Leesburg, Top Of The World and so on. None of these other communities as far as I know are CDD communities.

Del Webb was a rich man who built lots of 55+ retirement communities. Was he a bad man because he risked HIS capital to build? If not, then why does Gary Morse garner so much static for doing not only the same thing..but doing the same thing better? He risked HIS money, HIS name and HIS reputation to build this enterprise. So apparently HE does not deserve the financial reward for the risks HE took?

Gary personally may be a creep. He might be as much fun as a barrel of monkeys. Many people who are geniuses are VERY odd people. Many of them are not fun to talk to because they are obcessed with whatever it is that they are good at and can't talk about anything else. Had McDonalds been left to the operations of the McDonald brothers, it is likely that McDonalds would have been nothing more than a regional southern California burger chain. It took the vision of Ray Kroc to make McDonalds what it became. However, Ray Kroc was a miserable human being who had a bad habit of stealing the wives of his franchise owners. Gary's father may have started The Villages Project, but it took Gary's genius & vision to take the original Villages from a collection of small trailer parks into what it is today.

HE risked the capital, HE had the vision and HE put in the work to make it come to reality. HE gets to reap the rewards. As far as I can see he doesn't owe anybody an explanation of how much he makes, what he owns, what or what he does not give to charity or whether he wears boxers, briefs or goes commando.

I agree. I also agree it is okay to Google the man to see what his charitable interests might be, or his other characteristics... the same way you would a politician so you could know as much as you possibly can about the man you are about to put your money/support with. You used to not be able to do this so easily before the internet. I think the web has helped people gain more knowledge, for their own personal good. And I will defend the right to gather information. If you are a person of integrity, you will not use it to anyone's detriment.

It's all out there on the web. You can hear about it on TV, read about it in People Magazine, or look it up on the internet. Nothing illegal about that, and we all should be careful what information we put out there.

And that's all I'm going to say on this subject.

[gerryann]

IMO Do you really think billionaire's give there money away? .

Yes, sometimes I think they do for no other reason than to feel good about themselves. A relative married into the family of one of the top billionaires in the country. His worth $3.1 Billion. He is extremely generous. Trips for the entire family around the globe, use of all yachts, gifts, etc, etc. I don't believe any is done for any reason other than personal satisfaction.

[Mikiem]

and just why would that be any of your business???

it's not any of my business, however i also am courious. I am a firm believer in helping others if at all possible.

[Lark7]

Frankly, what the Morse's do with their wealth is none of my business just as it is none of my concern as to what anyone does with their wealth. If one did know, then there would be a discussion as to the merits of any charitable contributions made by the family. Some seem to be curious because of the level of wealth but to me it is a matter of privacy. We should respect others' privacy just as we would want our own privacy respected by others. I am now stepping off the box.

[graciegirl]

I might like to contribute to some of the charities the Morses do because... well, they might be areas I am interested in, or I might like to support charities he is interested in because I think he has done a great job and I could join him in his areas of charitable interest.

There are many reasons why someone might Google what charities a wealthy person contributes to, and I don't think it's wrong to do so. In fact, I might try to find out if he supports anything in MI, since he's from there. I might find a charity in like to, since we have lived there since 1987 but didn't hear about him till we came down here.

JMHO

This was a much smaller place in 1987 and so was the place in Michigan that Gary Morse hailed from. His dad came I think from the Chicago area and he is the one that started the original trailer park.

No one really knows much about them, but it doesn't seem like the family were builders or civic planners or decorators or architects or Disney Dreamers.

Somehow they learned to do all of those things and built a much better mouse trap than anyone else. The quintessential American Dream. What we were all raised on.

What if the Morse family was just like our own family with pride in what they accomplished and could get their feelings hurt with these kinds of criticisms? What if they were REAL people and they read this forum. I think I would if I were them. No body knows. It seems just as mean Mickey to assume that they do NOT have feelings just because they have made a lot of money.

To me that is an ugly kind of jealousy and class envy and very mean indeed.

They have become VERY wealthy in the last ten years. They didn't stop being people.

[Cantwaittoarrive]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

I don't know but in my book the fact that all of the people that work either directly or indirectly because of the developer is more than enough contribution. The family that created the dream that is TV has created more wealth for others than 99.9999% of the rest of us have.

[Trish Crocker]

This was a much smaller place in 1987 and so was the place in Michigan that Gary Morse hailed from. His dad came I think from the Chicago area and he is the one that started the original trailer park.

No one really knows much about them, but it doesn't seem like the family were builders or civic planners or decorators or architects or Disney Dreamers.

Somehow they learned to do all of those things and built a much better mouse trap than anyone else. The quintessential American Dream. What we were all raised on.

What if the Morse family was just like our own family with pride in what they accomplished and could get their feelings hurt with these kinds of criticisms? What if they were REAL people and they read this forum. I think I would if I were them. No body knows. It seems just as mean Mickey to assume that they do NOT have feelings just because they have made a lot of money.

To me that is an ugly kind of jealousy and class envy and very mean indeed.

They have become VERY wealthy in the last ten years. They didn't stop being people.

Perfectly said Gracie!!!!

[justjim]

Thank you. How funny and sad, really, that a simple question about the Developer's philanthropy has raised such ire and meanness from "the friendly" Villagers.

:agree: Mickey I agree. Some of the comments are a bit harsh and I think you ask a good faith question out of curiosity. The Developer has given back to the community i.e. land for the schools and discounted land for churches that I've heard about. What else?? After all charity up to a point is a tax deduction and all good business people are looking for tax deductions. Give Mickey a break....

[Mack184]

IMO Do you really think billionaire's give there money away?
Ahh..where to start? First off in this form billionaires is a plural, not a possessive and does not need an apostrophy. The correct use of (there) is actually (their).

Well let's start the list...The family names of Vanderbilt, Rockefeller, Carnegie, Gates, Buffett, Turner, Ford, Meyerhoff & Wynn come to mind. Quite frankly is doesn't matter WHY they do it. The fact that they do it and the ultimate benefit to the people it goes to is the real matter. I don't exactly care about their political, social or personal reasons. Can your charitable giving equal the percentage of your wealth that these people have given away?

[Mack184]

Thank you. How funny and sad, really, that a simple question about the Developer's philanthropy has raised such ire and meanness from "the friendly" Villagers.
"Friendly Villagers" are reacting to a snide, mean-spirited question that was designed from the get-go to be another opportunity to bash Gary Morse. What Gary does or does not do with his money is 100% none of your business. You started the fire and now you're acting surprised that the fire is burning.

[justjim]

"Friendly Villagers" are reacting to a snide, mean-spirited question that was designed from the get-go to be another opportunity to bash Gary Morse. What Gary does or does not do with his money is 100% none of your business. You started the fire and now you're acting surprised that the fire is burning.

I don't think that OP was trying to "bash the Morse's"---- not at all. That is looking at the post from a negative point of view. By listing the "family" contributions to the Community could be considered something very positive IMHO. I don't see the point of "bashing" Mickey. And I might add----don't have any idea who "Mickey" might be.

[njbchbum]

personally, I find it admirable that gary morse, his family or even anyone here on totv willingly contributes to a personal favorite charity and does NOT seek the limelight of publicity in doing so - as do folks like bates and buffett!

[Xavier]

I don't think that OP was trying to "bash the Morse's"---- not at all. That is looking at the post from a negative point of view. By listing the "family" contributions to the Community could be considered something very positive IMHO. I don't see the point of "bashing" Mickey. And I might add----don't have any idea who "Mickey" might be.

All in fun, too much sun! Wait .... OP could be justjim! ..... hmmmmmm. I personally think OP was stirring the pot and did a mighty fine job at that. "Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble." I'll bet he/she doesn't live here and has never visited. Wait ..... unless he/she got fired by the Developer .... hmmmmm. Tee Time.

Xavier

[ilovetv]

To my knowledge, Gary Morse is not running for public office. That is the only reason I know of why a person should disclose all their holdings/income/contributions/taxes.

But then, very few of the millionaires in Congress voluntarily disclose their wealth and donations:

"...Just 17 out of the 535 members of Congress released their most recent tax forms or provided some similar documentation of their tax liabilities in response to requests from McClatchy over the last three months. Another 19 replied that they wouldn’t release the information, and the remainder never responded to the query..."

Read more here: Most members of Congress keep their tax returns secret | McClatchy (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/07/18/156632/most-members-of-congress-keep.html#storylink=cpy)

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Ahh..where to start? First off in this form billionaires is a plural, not a possessive and does not need an apostrophy. The correct use of (there) is actually (their). .......

"Apostrophe".

Sorry, mack.......I just had to do it. :jester:

Pardon the interruption/hijack everyone- - - - - - carry on! :D

Bill :wave:

[KeepingItReal]

mickey100, is there a particular website(s) you used to search for the charities Morse or his family use for contributions?

Just go to Google and put in Gary Morse and then Mark Morse....a lot of interesting articles there.

[KeepingItReal]

And furthermore, this was an easy Google search result, first page.

Developer Pays So Others Can Play
By Herky Cush of The Sentinel Staff, April 18, 1999
LADY LAKE - One million smackers.Gary Morse, developer of The Villages, is putting up big bucks for a charity tournament today featuring three of the top LPGA golfers. Hall of Fame golfer Nancy Lopez will be pitted against Juli Inkster and Helen Alfredsson in the $1 million Villages Charity Challenge.The three will tee off at 10 a.m. at the Tierra del Sol Golf and Country Club. Tickets for the event are $10.The tournament will be televised on a tape-delayed basis by FOX Sport Net from 2 to 4 p.m. June 26 and rebroadcast at another date to be determined.

And you thiink there was no publicity value considering it was 1999, 14 years ago soon?

[Cisco Kid]

Anyone that pays taxes has contributed plenty.

[KeepingItReal]

I don't think that OP was trying to "bash the Morse's"---- not at all. That is looking at the post from a negative point of view. By listing the "family" contributions to the Community could be considered something very positive IMHO. I don't see the point of "bashing" Mickey. And I might add----don't have any idea who "Mickey" might be.

:bigbow::agree::bigbow:


www.mashable.com/2010/12/09/mark-zuckerberg/

Along with 57 other multi-millionaire and billionaire families and individuals, including Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Carl Icahn, by signing the pledge Zuckerberg promised to give more than half of his wealth to charity, either during his lifetime or after his death.

[Mack184]

"Apostrophe".

Sorry, mack.......I just had to do it. :jester:

Pardon the interruption/hijack everyone- - - - - - carry on! :D

Bill :wave:
Touche! :o

[Cassie325]

The family gives a huge amount of money to the charter school system. Huge!

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

I applaud those billionaires and others from the Top 1% who do give to charities but the Morses have provided many Villagers with what seems to me to be wonderful retirement experiences. That is a kind of service to people IMHO.

I would bet that they do make charitable contributions however to whatever causes they believe in. These have great tax benefits so I would assume that their tax advisors have them making some kind of contributions.

Not only have they provided over 100,000 people with a beautiful lifestyle, but they have provided tens of thousands of people with jobs. They have provided the federal government with millions and perhaps billions of dollars in tax revenue. Where would all those people be working today if not for this development
Think of all the people that work for the Villages, the restaurants, hotels and stores in Villages. All of those people pay federal taxes and spend money in the state paying Florida State sales taxes. What would this area of this state would be like if the Villages didn't exist.
How about the people who own stock in places like Publix and other businesses that have successful branches in and around the Villages. Think of all those people making a few extra dollars on those stocks because the Villages exist.
And don;t forget, all of the aforementioned people not only pay taxes to the various governments but also contribute large amounts of money to charities.

I think that we have to look at all of the charitible donation made by Villages residents and people who work for and in and around the Villages and realize that Gary Morse and his family should get at least partial credit for all that.

[Cisco Kid]

Not only have they provided over 100,000 people with a beautiful lifestyle, but they have provided tens of thousands of people with jobs. They have provided the federal government with millions and perhaps billions of dollars in tax revenue. Where would all those people be working today if not for this development
Think of all the people that work for the Villages, the restaurants, hotels and stores in Villages. All of those people pay federal taxes and spend money in the state paying Florida State sales taxes. What would this area of this state would be like if the Villages didn't exist.
How about the people who oen stock in places like Publix and other businesses that have successful branches in and around the Villages. Think of all those people making a few extra dollars on those stocks because the Villages exist.
And don;t forget, all of the aforementioned people not only pay taxes to the various governments but also contribute large amounts of money to charities.


I think that we have to look at all of the charitible donation made by Villages residents and people who work for and in and around the Villages and realize that Gary Morse and his family should get at least partial credit for all that.

And one poor soul up north a dream.


:pray::pray:

[CFrance]

"Apostrophe".

Sorry, mack.......I just had to do it. :jester:

Pardon the interruption/hijack everyone- - - - - - carry on! :D

Bill :wave:

Bill, are you from Canada? If not, the period goes inside the quotation marks... i.e., "Apostrophe."

Sorry--I just had to do it too!:evil6:

Carry on. :popcorn:

[KeepingItReal]

Somehow they learned to do all of those things and built a much better mouse trap than anyone else. The quintessential American Dream. What we were all raised on.


To me that is an ugly kind of jealousy and class envy and very mean indeed.

They have become VERY wealthy in the last ten years. They didn't stop being people.
************************************************** ****

From another Posters Post: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/mark-morse-kills-veterans-celebration-vietnam-memorial-wall-37261/

Death of The Villages Veterans Celebration and Display of The Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
Since there was NO approval for use of the Polo Field, Mulberry Plaza, Colony Plaza or any other site within The Villages or any other alternate proposal forthcoming from The Developer or any of his organizations, The Villages Veterans Celebration has been cancelled. The Wall is not coming to the Villages.

Since it is quite obvious that nothing goes on within the Developers Organization without Mark Morse knowing about it then it is quite obvious that Mark Morse killed the Veterans Parade and Celebration and The Wall.

Was it because his employees failed to give him the full story, or because he wasn’t making any money from the Veterans Celebration, or a desire to ignore just to ignore those pesky residents who are always asking for something; perhaps the celebration did conflict with the graduation party, maybe it was arrogance, laziness or insensitivity by Mark's advisors?

It really doesn’t matter since if Mark Morse wanted the Veterans Celebration a way would have been found. If Mark Morse cared about bringing the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall to The Villages someone would have checked with The Vendor to fully understand its installation requirements. Maybe if Mark knew someone who was a Veteran, or one of his children was now serving in the Armed Forces his attitude might have been different.

TOGETHER WE CARE – DO THEY?

:throwtomatoes:It's a damn shame the project was killed. By the outline provided much work went into this planned event. I find it hard to believe that with as many families in this community with veteran ties and the size of this community that a site for this great celebration couldn't be found. Sounds similar to the relay for life event. Nothing in it for Moffit no can do. What a damn shame.Just another kick in the teeth for veterans and their families.:grumpy:

[renrod]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

Maybe if you list your income and show how much your charitable deductions are, and list what else you do for the less fortunate without a tax break, then maybe you could start a CONVERSATION. Until then, if the sun is shinning, go outside.

[KeepingItReal]

Originally Posted by mickey100

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses.

Maybe if you list your income and show how much your charitable deductions are, and list what else you do for the less fortunate without a tax break, then maybe you could start a CONVERSATION. Until then, if the sun is shinning, go outside.

Mickey have a big old glass of Village Ice Cold Kool Aid while out there too, maybe two glasses or the whole pitcher, it sure made me feel a lot better!

[gomoho]

I still goes back to my original question to your original post "what business is it of yours"??? Why should the Morse family have to justify themselves to you or anyone else - IT IS NONE OF OUR BUISNESS.

[bkcunningham1]

I did a general google search for morse, the villages and their corporation. There may be stuff out there and its just not coming up, who knows; I just wondered if anyone else was aware of anything because I can't seem to locate anything, which is rather strange.

I just wondered if there is a site that lists charitable contributions. Even one that list contributions made by someone over a certain income. If there is one, I couldn't find it. It probably doesn't exist because giving is a personal thing.

Unless your income taxes become a matter of public record, or you or someone else leaks your charitable contributions to the press, I can't imagine why there would be articles written about what a private person gives to charities.

Why would someone write a news article just for the sake of saying how much or how little a private person donates to charities? That would look pretty petty and snide and invasive.

I don't think it is strange that his donations or lack of donations wouldn't come up in Internet searches. He is apparently a very private person.

[BettyCrocked]

After I came to visit TV the first time, my friends asked me what I liked most. I said that everyone was so happy and friendly.
I hope none of my friends read this forum because there is a lot of bitterness and vitriol here. Seems like people should just not open a thread if they know they don't like the subject.

[downeaster]

I can think of many reasons for not going public with charitable contributions. I can not think of many reasons to go public. There are only two people who know to whom and how much I give to charities and that's me and the IRS.

I have a question for those who think certain others should make their charitable contributions public. Will you make your charitable contributions public?

I think we have hit a new low in demonizing, vilifying, trashing, etc.

[redwitch]

I can see why the question was raised. I admire what the Morses have created; the business acumen shown is extraordinary. I'm not convinced I'm a great fan of the what the family and the man seem to be -- the hunting issues, the tax issues, the previous lawsuit. It would have been nice to hear of some good having been done that has no real benefit to the Morses.

I don't understand the pedestal the family is put on. The Villages wasn't created to make anyone here happy -- it was a business venture that turned out beautifully for all concerned. Bravo and kudos for that!!! (Truly, no sarcasm meant.)

They're all human. They do bad things, they do good things. It would be nice to hear more of the good things (and contributing to the Republican Party is not necessarily a good thing lol).

How about if those who put them on a pedestal try to let them be human and walk on this planet and those who love to bash them try to find some of the good?

[redwitch]

And now for one thing I do know that Gary Morse has done in the past which truly is of little, if any, benefit to him or his family. We have nightly entertainment in the Squares and frequent shows at Savannah Center. We really don't need to be entertained at Church in the Square. Yet, we are and some of it is some of the best entertainment we get and can be quite expensive.

I don't know if Gary Morse still does it, but I believe he does. In the past, he would provide rooms (formerly put them up at the townhouses by Spanish Springs) and food for the entertainers, regardless of the size of the troupe. Considering there have been some sizable choruses, that was probably a sizable expense, plus covering any losses that may have occurred. So, to me, this is a big plus on the good side for Gary and his family.

[dmorhome]

Open your eyes they have put more people to work than you can imagine.and that is good enough for me.

[Challenger]

How does a charitable contribution benefit anyone financially unless they are in a 101% or higher tax bracket?

[villagerjack]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:
PLEASE list your net worth and your charitable contributions. On second thought, forget it. I don't care what anyone else is worth or what their charitable contributions are/were.,

[Geewiz]

Methinks this discussion occasionally becomes a metaphor that allows folks to explore topics that used to go into "the forum that can't be named" aka the Voldemort/political forum.

No judgement from me...just an observation.

Actually, it got me thinking how many of our divisions find their roots in the old north-south thing...but, I digress.

Love to all.

[The Buckeyes]

Would you mind opening up your finances and investments to the rest of us and then allowing us to see if a large enough percentage of YOUR income was given to charity. I would also like to see your tax returns for the past 7 years. If you would be so kind, please give us your account numbers and all of your pin numbers so we can verify everything. By the way..you did ask for a receipt each time you put some money into the red canisters at Christmas time, didn't you? Give me a break.

:agree:

[graciegirl]

Methinks this discussion occasionally becomes a metaphor that allows folks to explore topics that used to go into "the forum that can't be named" aka the Voldemort/political forum.

No judgement from me...just an observation.

Actually, it got me thinking how many of our divisions find their roots in the old north-south thing...but, I digress.

Love to all.

You aren't just another pretty face, Mr. Wiz. I think that the seat of much of the anger toward the developer is political.

[DougB]

Welcome to the Forum, Katie. You may find you need to put a seatbelt on when posting here. Sometimes it can be a very bumpy ride.

[Polar Bear]

After I came to visit TV the first time, my friends asked me what I liked most. I said that everyone was so happy and friendly.
I hope none of my friends read this forum because there is a lot of bitterness and vitriol here. Seems like people should just not open a thread if they know they don't like the subject.

Don't worry too much about it, Betty. It's the nature of the beast. Internet forums...all of them from my experience...have a lot of negative you have to filter through to get to the good stuff. The percentage of good stuff is higher in the TOTV forums than almost any other forums I've participated in. But some nastiness is inevitable. That doesn't change the fact that you're right about the happy, friendly nature of the people of TV...at least the vast majority of them. :^)

[graciegirl]

Don't worry too much about it, Betty. It's the nature of the beast. Internet forums...all of them from my experience...have a lot of negative you have to filter through to get to the good stuff. The percentage of good stuff is higher in the TOTV forums than almost any other forums I've participated in. But some nastiness is inevitable. That doesn't change the fact that you're right about the happy, friendly nature of the people of TV...at least the vast majority of them. :^)

You are right. If you take a negative post and go back and read the posters other posts, you will usually see that the poster harps on the same negative thing, over and over and over.

You soon will see a posters screen name and think...Now what is wrong with so and so today and what is he going to say negative about this place?

The same is true of positive people. When I see certain screen names, I know that their posts will be fair, well documented, thoughtful and accurate and if they are upset, there is good reason for it.

[CFrance]

You aren't just another pretty face, Mr. Wiz. I think that the seat of much of the anger toward the developer is political.

Mr. Wiz has some good insights. I've talked to him at Crispers. (Sorry to refer to you n the third person, GeeWiz. That's kinda rude on my part.)

[justjim]

Bill, are you from Canada? If not, the period goes inside the quotation marks... i.e., "Apostrophe."

Sorry--I just had to do it too!:evil6:

Carry on. :popcorn:

My English Guru said Bill is correct---0ne word quotation mark goes before period---sentence----quotation mark goes after. Wish I had paid more attention in class instead of looking out the window because I have no idea..... Sorry for the distraction. :popcorn:

[Hancle704]

I could care less what others give to charity. But must wonder was this thread another criticism of the wealthiest not paying their fair share?

[Bonny]

I don't think that OP was trying to "bash the Morse's"---- not at all. That is looking at the post from a negative point of view. By listing the "family" contributions to the Community could be considered something very positive IMHO. I don't see the point of "bashing" Mickey. And I might add----don't have any idea who "Mickey" might be.
I'm sorry, but I definitely think it's a bash to the Morse family. No one has asked anyone else on this forum what they do with their money. I wouldn't even think to ask about you. Would you ask me if I give to charity? I doubt it. Just sayin'.

[Bonny]

personally, I find it admirable that gary morse, his family or even anyone here on totv willingly contributes to a personal favorite charity and does NOT seek the limelight of publicity in doing so - as do folks like bates and buffett!

:BigApplause:

[Bonny]

Not only have they provided over 100,000 people with a beautiful lifestyle, but they have provided tens of thousands of people with jobs. They have provided the federal government with millions and perhaps billions of dollars in tax revenue. Where would all those people be working today if not for this development
Think of all the people that work for the Villages, the restaurants, hotels and stores in Villages. All of those people pay federal taxes and spend money in the state paying Florida State sales taxes. What would this area of this state would be like if the Villages didn't exist.
How about the people who own stock in places like Publix and other businesses that have successful branches in and around the Villages. Think of all those people making a few extra dollars on those stocks because the Villages exist.
And don;t forget, all of the aforementioned people not only pay taxes to the various governments but also contribute large amounts of money to charities.

I think that we have to look at all of the charitible donation made by Villages residents and people who work for and in and around the Villages and realize that Gary Morse and his family should get at least partial credit for all that.

Absolutely !!!!

[CFrance]

My English Guru said Bill is correct---0ne word quotation mark goes before period---sentence----quotation mark goes after. Wish I had paid more attention in class instead of looking out the window because I have no idea..... Sorry for the distraction. :popcorn:

I sorta get what you're saying, but I still disagree. Actually, it wasn't a sentence. I don't think one word would even have a period, unless it is a quoted declarative sentence, as in, She said, "Scram!"... in which case the end punctuation would still be inside the quotation marks.

Need to drag out my Gregg's, but it's up north.

[ilovetv]

Whenever I've bought a car from a dealer, or service of a doctor, dentist or lawyer, I see that they make a whole lot more money than I ever will....and it's customers/clients like me who help to make them wealthy, just like when I buy a house from a developer.

But I've never thought about demanding to see how much the car dealer, doctor, dentist or lawyer gives in charitable contributions. If they sell me excellent quality goods/home/car/services, I don't need to know if they are generous or stingy with charitable donations! That's their private information!

[Bonny]

OMG !!! Really people ! We are on page 10 in just one day worrying about the Morse families money. Why don't we all list the Village we live in, what house model we have, what we make a year & what charities do we all give to. I'm sorry this is really sad to think that this is the most important thing that you need to know in your life today !!!
Someone needs to just start a thread & say what a wonderful life we are living & just how happy we are to be alive & well and stop worrying about other people. Let's just take care of ourselves and enjoy what we have and put this crazy thread to bed !!!

[Geewiz]

Mr. Wiz has some good insights. I've talked to him at Crispers. (Sorry to refer to you n the third person, GeeWiz. That's kinda rude on my part.)

You and Gracie are both too kind.

It's interesting to think about why folks post. I mean this place is heaven on earth for retirees...but, that doesn't mean there aren't valid problems and disturbing questions (a brilliant idea by the Morse family who have been known to dance on the edge of IRS rules/ real estate law for a greenback...and as great as it is...TV is a company town...hopefully, a benign one). Given this concentration of power...a look at the Morse family values isn't as unreasonable as some folks suggest.

But, hey...I can swim all over...attend thousands of clubs...see a discounted movie....and get a nice lunch at Evan's Prairie...all from the relative comfort of my golf cart with the Radiohead sticker on the front - so call me a happy camper. So long as TV stays TV...the Morse family is AOK...I enjoy the fruits of his labor...and watch the whole legal thing unfold with a touch of humor and a bit of concern that all/some of us might end up with a bill in the end.

On a personal note....

Dear Mr. Morris, I will drop all concerns if you make a contribution to my favorite charity..."Help Gee find a new Mrs. Wiz." Please use your vast financial resources/power and introduce me to someone nice with an delightfully twisted streak...but, I digress...:a040:

[jblum315]

Who is Mr. Morris?

[CFrance]

Who is Mr. Morris?

I believe the Wiz, in his excitement over the possibility of finding a new Mrs. Wiz, typed Morris instead of Morse, jblum.

Lord knows since I got my lovely fake fingernails, I type worse than a hunter and pecker. Did you get new fingernails, Gee? Probably not...

[Taltarzac725]

He should get a dog and bring it to Doggie Doo Run Run. Unless he already has one.
I have met a lot of very interesting people at DDRR since I started taking my dog there around January of 2007.
Some of these dog owners come from various Dell Webb communities as well as other suburbs that surround the Villages. Some of these are very attractive single females but there of course is competition for others seeking company via the dog park routine. I go for the pooch though as you do not want to poop where you eat so to speak. If the romance goes bad....

The Villages could do with some larger dog parks that is something that certainly needs doing by the Morses.

Gee Wiz is right that the Villages is far from perfect but it is a Utopia for some especially those who love to golf, get up early, and go to bed by 10 p.m. or so.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Does anyone really think that "build out" will ever be done?

[gomoho]

does anyone really think that "build out" will ever be done?


nope!!!

[Geewiz]

Who is Mr. Morris?

It was late and I was falling to sleep...clearly, not at my best. Humor is best left to the fully awake.

[rockyisle]

I think the original question was one of curiosity, not to pick a fight. While I wouldn't google anyone about their contributions, some would. While the Morse family may or may not have not made "charitable" contributions to major organizations, they certainly have reinvested in this community to insure we have medical care close to us - among many other things.
As for me, I'm personally DONE giving my money to any organization. For instance, the American Cancer Society has many public fundraising events. Rather than give to an organization that is going to skim off large percentages to their staff, I will find someone who has cancer and give my money directly to them.

[CFrance]

He should get a dog and bring it to Doggie Doo Run Run. Unless he already has one.
I have met a lot of very interesting people at DDRR since I started taking my dog there around January of 2007.
Some of these dog owners come from various Dell Webb communities as well as other suburbs that surround the Villages. Some of these are very attractive single females but there of course is competition for others seeking company via the dog park routine. I go for the pooch though as you do not want to poop where you eat so to speak. If the romance goes bad....

The Villages could do with some larger dog parks that is something that certainly needs doing by the Morses.

Gee Wiz is right that the Villages is far from perfect but it is a Utopia for some especially those who love to golf, get up early, and go to bed by 10 p.m. or so.

Our dog would certainly be willing to volunteer to accompany GeeWiz to DDRR and act as chick magnet. Just think of it--no dog food to buy, no vet bills, no groomer costs, and if any subsequent romance goes bad... well, just don't show up anymore.

And yes, we do need a DDRR South. Even a private one. I would pay to play.

[CFrance]

I think the original question was one of curiosity, not to pick a fight. While I wouldn't google anyone about their contributions, some would. While the Morse family may or may not have not made "charitable" contributions to major organizations, they certainly have reinvested in this community to insure we have medical care close to us - among many other things.
As for me, I'm personally DONE giving my money to any organization. For instance, the American Cancer Society has many public fundraising events. Rather than give to an organization that is going to skim off large percentages to their staff, I will find someone who has cancer and give my money directly to them.

There are still some ethical, well-run, low overhead charities in existence. You can check out a charity's financial health at sites like this one Charity Navigator - Financial Ratings Tables (http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=content.view&cpid=48).

I like to support local charities like food banks and supper houses if they are well run. You get a better chance to see where your money goes.

[justjim]

Does anyone really think that "build out" will ever be done?

Commercial "build out" will continue after 2015, however, residential will be complete by the end of 2015. This is according to a good knowledgeable source that I trust. It makes sense because they will run out of land that is contiguous to TV. Sorry off the subject to answer a question.

[justjim]

Several posts for that matter off the subject of this thread the last coluple of pages. It appears to me everyone has given their opinion and it's time to close the thread.

[NIPAS K-9]

The question was raised in another thread about whether or not the Developer had made some contributions for the good of humanity as a whole such as building a new school or hospital which will not directly benefit themselves financially other than maybe being named after them. The post went on to say that maybe we would all feel better if we knew more about the generosity shown by the Developer when it did not directly benefit him/them.

I have never heard about the Morses supporting a charity, and am really curious if they do so. We hear so much about the 4 jets he owns, the multi million dollar yacht, his ownership of the Villages banks, local newspaper, a television channel and an AM radio station. His realty company controls 60 percent of the re-sale market in the Villages. He even owns the utility company. And before someone jumps in and says he deserves it all, he's such a wonderful businessman, don't bother. I agree - he knows his financial P's and Q's. That's not what this post is about. But why do we hear nothing about charitable contributions? The guy is supposedly worth $2.5 billion. If we Google other billionaires we see plenty of charity donations - look at Gates, Buffet. Bloomberg, Ted Turner, and others. But I can't come up with a single charitable donation from the Morses. :undecided:

THAT IS BETWEEN HIM AND GOD......... WE ALL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR OUR DEEDS ON EARTH SOMEDAY...... HIS MONEY, HE CAN DO WITH AS HE FEELS FIT. IT SHOULD NOT CONCERN US. SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO RETIRE, AND STOP BEING CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES MONEY. ............. ITS CALLED BEING NOSEY..........:1rotfl:

[Xavier]

Commercial "build out" will continue after 2015, however, residential will be complete by the end of 2015. This is according to a good knowledgeable source that I trust. It makes sense because they will run out of land that is contiguous to TV. Sorry off the subject to answer a question.

What about the 2,000 acres right in the middle just north of Gracie, I mean 466? Never say never.

Xavier

[NotGolfer]

THAT IS BETWEEN HIM AND GOD......... WE ALL HAVE TO ANSWER FOR OUR DEEDS ON EARTH SOMEDAY...... HIS MONEY, HE CAN DO WITH AS HE FEELS FIT. IT SHOULD NOT CONCERN US. SOME PEOPLE JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO RETIRE, AND STOP BEING CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES MONEY. ............. ITS CALLED BEING NOSEY..........:1rotfl:

I agree with this response!! I'd bet my last child that they do many charitable donations that don't get publized. Folks with integrity, especially will do things anonymously! JMHO!!!