SAN DIEGO — An anonymous donor will bring the joy of learning to tens of thousands of underserved children. In this Zevely Zone, I went to the San Diego Natural History Museum where one of our stories led to a memorable phone call.
One of the most rewarding parts of the Zevely Zone is connecting San Diegans and in this case, we have 150,000 new reasons to smile. Last October, we told you about Bucks 4 Busses.
It's a program that brings a record-breaking number of underserved students to Balboa Park. After that story aired, people called the Patrons of the Prado offering to help. "They were saying they wanted to be a part of it," said Julie Cowan.
One particular phone call delivered an anonymous donation bigger and brighter than the Patrons of the Prado themselves who always wear yellow. "One hundred and fifty thousand dollars. We were so excited," said Julie.
The anonymous donor had two conditions; the money had to help underserved children from the East County and take them someplace where they could explore nature and natural science.
"One of the best phone calls of 2023 let me tell you," said Judy Gradwohl, President and CEO of the San Diego Natural History Museum. Judy couldn't believe a donation as big as a dinosaur fell out of the sky on their 150th Anniversary.
"It was kismet," laughed Judy. The NAT just happens to be building a new Native Plant Garden that will circle their building. "We really see our job here as connecting San Diegans to nature," said Judy.
Most of the children will come from Title One schools and Bucks 4 Busses hopes to bring 100-thousand students to Balboa Park this year.
The donation will not only transport children to the Natural History Museum but provide free admission.
Yet another example of how San Diego County is filled with good people no bones about it! It's a donation that'll have children yelling, "Dinosaurs!" said Judy.
Since Bucks 4 Busses was launched in 2012, 356,484 San Diego schoolchildren have been sponsored by Patrons of the Prado to explore the arts, culture, science, historical archives and to attend live theatre in Balboa Park.
With a gift of $400, you, your family, or your organization can support a field trip as well. For more information click here.