Friends News!

• Bobcat Habitat Fundraising Update, May 2008
• The Palo Alto Daily News did a wonderful story about our new campaign to raise money to renovate the bobcat habitat. Please read here.


• Grant News, April 2008
• The Friends are proud to announce that we received 2 grants in support of our Science Outreach Program. This valuable science program provides hands-on classes for East Palo Alto students in kindergarten through 3rd grade at Willow Oaks Elementary School. In 2007-08, we are providing 195 classes to 320 children with grants from the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund ($5,000) and the Rotary Club of Palo Alto ($7,500). The Friends appreciate the generous support of these local community leaders.


• Bobcat Habitat Design, March 2008
• The Friends hired Studio Hanson Roberts (SHR) to design a new bobcat habitat for Rufus and Tule. SHR is an award-winning design firm specializing in creating environments for zoos and educational institutions. We expect to have construction documents ready in July 2008. If you are interested in making a donation to help with the design and construction of the new bobcat habitat, please donate today or call (650) 326-6338.


• Dads & Donuts and Halloween Zoo Night Announcement, January 2008
• The Friends announced the dates for 2 of our most popular events. Dads & Donuts will be held on Sunday, April 6, 9am - 11am and Halloween Zoo Night will be Saturday, November 1, 6pm - 8pm. Both events are "members-only" events so renew your memberships soon! Click here to join.


• Bobcat Renovation Matching Grant, January 2008
• An anonymous donor has issued a $50,000 challenge grant to match funds raised for the bobcat project by June 1st. If we raise $75,000 in Bobcat Habitat funds by June 1, 2008, then the donor will give the Friends an additional $50,000 grant. That means for every $1.50 you are able to donate to this project, the Friends will receive an additional $1. Thus, this is a unique opportunity for YOUR donation to go even further! Please donate today and help us meet this challenge grant by June 1.

City of Palo Alto Update, December 2007
The Friends and JMZ Staff proposed a new partnership agreement with the City of Palo Alto, which was approved by the City Council on December 17. Building on years of cooperation, the new agreement creates the framework for an enhanced and expanded working relationship between the Friends and the City. Aletha Coleman, Co-President of the Board of Directors said, "We are excited about our increased role and we look forward to helping the JMZ with much needed improvements, such as renovating the Bobcat Habitat."


Staffing News, November 2007
The Friends hired Molly McAuliffe as the Director of Development. McAuliffe previously served on the Friends Board for 2 years and in her new role will be responsible for the day-to-day management and fundraising activities for the Friends. McAuliffe has over 15 years experience working with non-profit organizations.


Donor Update, January 2007
The Friends received a $1 million gift from Carmen M. Christensen, earmarked for organizational transition and to seed capital improvements. Mrs. Christensen regularly frequented the Museum from the late 40's and on, and her two daughters, Diane and Karen, have taken their own children for visits and classes. The Friends are extremely grateful to the Christensen Family for this generous leadership grant.

Newsletters

Summer 2007 Newsletter