“You always give more than you take.” These are words that Jeff Moore lived by and became one of the many lessons he imparted to his children. Jeff was a family man and resident of Liberty, Missouri. He became a board member of Bahamas Methodist Habitat and began visiting Eleuthera in 2004, forming lasting bonds with its residents. He and his wife, Rae traveled to the island every chance they got and also invited their Eleuthera friends to visit their family in Missouri. Jeff realized a kindness and potential in the people of James Cistern, Eleuthera in particular and aspired to provide opportunities to help them improve their lives. His relationship with the residents of Eleuthera endured and remains through The Jeff and Rae Moore Scholarship Fund (TJRMSF). The fund, something he passionately spoke of during his visits to the island, was established by his family and friends after his passing in 2016. The intent of the fund is to provide financial aid to young residents of James Cistern who are interested in further education and training. Because of Jeff’s support and confidence in the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF), it was decided to name OEF as the managing organization of the scholarship fund.
Micah Bethel, age 21, of James Cistern, is the first scholarship recipient. He has been accepted to East Mississippi Community College for January 2019. Micah plans to pursue a career in engineering and hopes to pursue his passion of playing baseball. He dreams of one day playing in the Major League. Micah was presented with his scholarship on December 12, 2018 at the One Eleuthera Foundation’s office in Rock Sound. He was elated when the scholarship announcement was made. “I feel good and excited. This will help me get closer to my dreams. I’m very grateful for it”, expressed Micah. His mother, Avis Bethel, added, “I really want to encourage persons out there that are desiring to further their education and are having issues with finances to please don’t give up. A big thank you to The Jeff and Rae Moore Scholarship Fund and also to the One Eleuthera Foundation for making this possible for Micah.”
Rae Moore continues her husband’s work on the island and expressed her joy at Micah’s award, “It makes my heart happy that Jeff is living on earth while doing other great things in heaven! I know he is overjoyed that he is making a difference in his beloved Eleuthera.”
Applicants are invited who have been accepted into a tertiary education programme and who reside in James Cistern, Eleuthera. For further information on scholarship eligibility or to contribute to the fund please email grants@oneeleuthera.org or call (242) 334-4700.
Source: OEF
