Who is JMF? The Jarrett Meeker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. An ALL volunteer organization. Tax ID# 33-0372440.   When was JMF established? In July 1987, in memory of Jarrett Meeker after his accidental death on April 27, 1987.   Who was Jarrett Meeker? Jarrett was an eight-year old third grader at Murdock Elementary School in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District in San Diego County, CA. He was an active, fun-loving little boy who loved nature and all living things and was nicknamed the Little Zookeeper. This affection to nature was not limited to animals; he had a genuine concern for people and in particular, for other children who had less than he had.   What is the meaning of the JMF logo? Our logo originated from a vision that Judy Meeker had the day of her son's accident. She was in the sheriff's car, following the ambulance, when she saw Jarrett, surrounded by animals, doing what he enjoyed—fishing. He told her that he was okay, and not to worry.   Why does JMF exist? Keith and Judy Meeker are grateful they were able to provide Jarrett with the Zoo experiences he grew to love so much. When they lost him, they were inspired by his love of nature and people to give kids that aren’t as lucky the same chance to experience and learn about the Zoo animals as Jarrett had. The foundation and the work it does is Jarrett’s gift – his legacy.   What is the JMF Mission Statement? The mission of JMF is to support educational programs related to wildlife, conservation and the environment for children and young adults throughout San Diego County. The Jarrett Meeker Foundation functions as both an operating foundation and grantor to deserving organizations.   What is the JMF Vision? Our vision for the next 20 years is to continue to expand our support for wildlife and conservation-related educational programs, carefully choose programs that have a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve, and consequently improve the condition of the natural world.   What are JMF’s goals? To expand our support of educational programs to benefit children and young adults throughout San Diego County relating to wildlife, conservation and the environment. To increase and develop our resources to ensure the continuity of our work To broaden our list of beneficiaries. To work with partners who share and support our aspirations.     How does JMF intend to accomplish the above goals? Our enthusiastic and dedicated board members will be completely knowledgeable about JMF and its goals. As ambassadors of JMF, they will be able to tell others they meet about JMF and the work that it does and encourage people to donate and support our efforts. Our board will be comfortable with asking others to help support the work of JMF. JMF will seek out those in San Diego who share our mission to educate children about the environment and who want to partner with us. JMF will continue to increase its support of our Sunset Safari annual fundraising event. JMF will have a strong public relations campaign to let the public know who we are and what we are doing through a newsletter, press releases, video presentations and our ambassador board members.     Who does JMF currently benefit? Polinsky Children Center, temporary shelter for abused, neglected children San Diego City School, Central Elementary Sevick School in El Cajon for preschool children with disabilities Escondido schools Camp Pendleton Mary Fay Elementary School Upper division college students majoring in the sciences     What specific programs does JMF support? Outreach Assembly Programs: These programs are designed by the Zoo to fit the needs of our beneficiaries. a. Polinsky Children Center: They receive a monthly assembly program where Zoo educators comes to them in a specially designed program to introduce these children to a part of nature they have never seen. b. Sevick Center School in El Cajon is a preschool for children with vary disabilities and handicaps. JMF provides two specially designed animal encounter assemblies each year. Central Elementary School’s Night Owls: This year JMF partnered with San Diego Unified School District’s Central Elementary School to sponsor the third grade’s overnight field trip to the Night Owls program at the Wild Animal Park. We funded all of the students who wanted to go. The school raised the funds for chaperones and transportation. Navy/Marine Families: This year JMF is partnered with the San Diego Al Bahr Shrine and San Diego Scottish Rite to sponsor a BBQ at Mary Faye Pendleton Elementary School on the Camp Pendleton Marine Base. We are joining with the school’s PTA to make this family BBQ a memorable event by funding a Wild Animal Park animal presentation. Watershed Stewards Program: JMF, in conjunction with the San Diego Zoo, Escondido YMCA and ECOLIFE Foundation, sponsors two after-school programs and a field experience at the San Elijo Lagoon for children at five Escondido school sites. Upper Division College Scholarship: This scholarship gives financial support to San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, or University of San Diego undergraduate students majoring in the College of Sciences, who plan to pursue a career that reflects the mission of the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. An annual award of $5000 is given to a student or students chosen by JMF. Initial funding of the scholarship was provided through the generosity of William T. and Norma M.Verbeck.     How does JMF raise funds? JMF accepts monetary donations year-round from individuals, families and corporations who want to support our activities. We also hold an annual fundraising event, Sunset Safari.