MV Community Services Campaign Chair Gary Foster is honored to announce a new lead capital donation from Jacqueline Morby, joined by her daughter Michelle Morby and son Andrew Morby, to the organization’s Space to THRIVE campaign. This record pledge of $3 million propels the organization’s building project toward its on-schedule plan for breaking ground early in 2025. To date, more than $11 million is committed toward MVCS’s $17.5 million building budget. Upon completion in fall 2026, the new universally accessible two-story main community service center will be named for the Morby Family. In the words of Gary Foster, “This act of generosity, takes our breath away — and sends a loving message to every Islander in need: We care about you!”
Jacqui Morby and her late husband Jeffrey, who passed away in September 2023—and in whose memory this $3 million gift was made—are nationally known for their leading-edge philanthropy as co-founders of the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. As a young couple, they first met at Stanford University, married, pursued MBAs at Harvard and Simmons, and undertook distinguished careers in banking and private equity. At TA Associates, Jacqui Morby was a pioneering venture capitalist in a field that had few women leaders in the 1970s.
Devoted seasonal residents of Martha’s Vineyard, Jacqui and Michelle Morby describe their family’s gift to MVCS as a “passion project.” In Jacqui’s words, “My late husband and I always believed in giving back—and a great joy of our lives had been working with scientists to improve the human condition, a cause to which I am still devoted. Supporting MVCS holds added meaning for me: as an undergraduate, I majored in psychology before finding my way into finance. It means a great deal to be able to make a difference in the quality of life for families and to know that what we invest in today, together, will enhance mental health and other services for new generations—in space designed to foster wellness.”
Michelle adds, “It is a normal part of the human condition that there are times when help is needed beyond what family and friends can provide—that is, we all need a wider net of support. That is why my mother and I feel honored to help facilitate, and elevate to the fullest, what MVCS is already doing. As “ summer people,” we especially want Islanders to thrive year round, because Martha’s Vineyard gives so much to our family when we are here. For us there is no more meaningful legacy to one’s community than to leave it even better than when one found it.”
The Morby’s $3 million naming gift to MV Community Services for its new main facility is the second of two recent landmark contributions: earlier this summer, the organization recognized Jim and Susan Swartz for their $2 million gift that named the Paul & Sandra Pimentel Early Childhood Center at MV Community Services.
As the new construction commences in 2025, the full range of services and programs of MV Community Services will continue to be provided on campus without interruption—as the capital campaign continues through achievement of its full goal. Islanders will have the opportunity to celebrate the Morby gift and others at a groundbreaking ceremony in 2025 and on future occasions as the campus transformation comes to fruition.