Our Mission, Vision, and History

Mission of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation is a faith based organization that will partner with non-profits dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children, youth and families and will assist those who suddenly find themselves in need.  The Foundation is dedicated to supporting education, preserving and protecting the environment and fostering opportunities for leadership development.

Areas of Interest:

• meet the needs of the community and surrounding areas by helping those in need working their way up or those who are victims of a tragedy
• church
• children
• families
• students
• leadership training for those in business
• natural resources conservation and agriculture
• local/community projects
• programs that encourage people to volunteer

 

Vision of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation will partner with the community to impact lives.  It will work to encourage a caring community where people are responsible to and for each other and where business and the environment are respected. 

History of the Mason G. Smoak Foundation

The Mason G. Smoak Foundation was started in 2008 after the tragic death of Mason G. Smoak.  Mason was a third generation Floridian from Lake Placid, Florida.  As the youngest son in a large citrus and cattle family, Mason took his work in agriculture, his love for his family, and his responsibility to serve those around him seriously.

Mason’s leadership abilities and servant heart were evident to anyone he met.  His Christian character and values led him to consistently help people in need to get back on their feet.

He participated actively in agriculture, leadership, church, and community.  He served on the boards of the Highlands County and Florida Farm Bureau, Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher program, Highlands County Citrus Growers Association, Heartland Agriculture Coalition, Florida Citrus Mutual’s Federal PAC, the Agriculture Advisory Board of South Florida Community College, and University of Florida’s Alpha Gamma Rho Education Foundation.

In 2005, Mason received the Horizon Award from the University of Florida’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences for his contribution to agriculture and natural resources.   He completed the University’s Wedgworth Leadership Institute for Agriculture and Natural Resources.   He has been inducted posthumously into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame as a 2009 recipient of that honor.

Mason was active in his church, Memorial United Methodist Church in Lake Placid, as well as many civic activities.  He co-piloted for Agape Flights to deliver items to missionaries.  His family and friends consistently remember how when Mason saw a need, he did not just contribute money to a cause, he rolled up his sleeves and got involved to help people.

Despite the numerous activities that vied for Mason’s time, his family remained his top priority.  He loved outdoor activities with his boys and spending time with his wife and daughter.  His wife Tracee, sons Gabe and Landon and daughter Ellie, will now keep Mason’s legacy alive for generations to come.

Mason Smoak was tragically killed in a plane crash in June of 2008.  The accident happened while Mason was assisting Dr. David Maehr with a University of Kentucky conservation study of the Florida black bear population, one of the programs that was close to Mason’s heart.

 

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