Business leader and philanthropist Darla Moore joins team to celebrate America’s 250th

Listen to this article

South Carolina investor and philanthropist Darla Moore will join the newly established America250 Ambassador Circle, a coalition of high-profile leaders who will help represent and amplify efforts to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

America250 is the official nonpartisan entity charged with planning and orchestrating the observance of the milestone over the next two years, culminating in the official semiquincentennial.

Each ambassador on the Ambassador Circle represents a different region across the nation, reinforcing America250’s commitment to creating the largest and most inclusive commemoration in history that engages as many Americans as possible, according to a news release.

 “With the launch of the inaugural America250 Ambassador Circle, I am honored to welcome a distinguished group of individuals from sea to shining sea who share our vision for a commemoration that seeks to engage and include all Americans for our nation’s 250th anniversary,” America250 Chair Rosie Rios said in the release. “From former mayors to business leaders, from cultural icons to legal luminaries, this esteemed cohort of individuals embody the limitless potential of the American spirit. I am so thankful to each ambassador for their dedication and willingness to lend their voices and their platforms to this historic milestone. Their involvement underscores the collaborative spirit that defines our effort, and I look forward to working with them to create a commemoration that truly reflects the diversity and vitality of our nation.”

Joining Moore on the America250 Ambassador Circle are:

• Cory Gardner, former U.S. senator, Colorado
• Ed Rendell, former governor, Philadelphia
• Doris Kearns Goodwin, author and historian, Boston
• Willie Brown, former mayor, San Francisco
• Gloria Estefan, singer, Miami
• Lance Bass, pop performer, Laurel, Miss.
• Mary Smith, president of the American Bar Association, enrolled member of Cherokee Nation, Chicago 

 “I am deeply honored to join this group in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence,” Moore said in the release. “Charleston is one our nation’s most important historic cities, and South Carolina’s pivotal role in our struggle for independence is a story that must be told. I am committed to amplifying our voice in this landmark celebration.”

Ambassadors will work to advance the organization’s mission, engage with more Americans, and build relationships with prospective individual, corporate and foundation partners. In addition, these individuals will provide guidance and strategic input about future America250 programming and initiatives in their local communities and across the nation.

The announcement of the America250 Ambassador Circle follows the commission’s launch of America’s Field Trip, a nationwide scholastic contest designed to engage America’s youth in commemorating the 250th anniversary, the release stated.

Launched in March, America’s Field Trip will provide opportunities for awardees to receive once-in-a-lifetime, behind-the-scenes field trip experiences at iconic historical and cultural sites across the United States. This initiative launched as a pilot program in 2024 that will grow and expand each year, leading up to 2026.

Related: Clemson names new building after couple donates $60M to business college

Related: Former college first lady leaves Converse University a record $10.3M

Related: $30M alumnus gift means new name for engineering college at USC

Moore is a business leader and philanthropist, currently serving as chair of the Darla Moore Foundation. She founded and chairs the Palmetto Institute and Charleston Parks Conservancy, was the first woman on the cover of Fortune magazine and was named one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business. Her board service includes roles with HCA, JP Morgan, Teach for America, and the University of South Carolina, which named its business school in her honor.

She has made some of the most impactful financial contributions in higher education in the Palmetto State. She gave $25 million to her alma mater, the University of South Carolina in 1991 and the university renamed its business school the Darla Moore School of Business. Subsequent contributions to USC amounted to $75 million, according to Philanthropy Roundtable.  She and her late husband Richard Rainwater donated $10 million in her father’s name to Clemson University’s education school, which was renamed the Eugene T. Moore School of Education. Gene Moore was an alumnus and football player who became a career educator as a teacher, coach and principal in Florence County.

America250 is spearheaded by the congressionally appointed U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit supporting organization, America250.org Inc.