Highlights From The Friends’ 3rd Annual Spring Breakfast

April 21, 2026



Dear Friends,

Over the past three years, the Friends’ Spring Breakfast has shown just how deeply our community is committed to investing in future scientists. The JMZ is truly a community gem where children can explore, discover, and develop a lifelong curiosity for science and the natural world.

At the same time, we know that access to hands-on science education is not equitable across our region. This is why each year, we come together to share the mission of the Friends and the impact that our work brings to children in underserved communities. 

Thanks to your generosity, this year’s event raised more than $60,000—funding engaging, hands-on science lessons for over 3,000 elementary school students. Through these experiences, students will not only build foundational science knowledge, but also gain confidence and begin to see themselves as scientists.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our panelists, board members, and ambassadors, whose contributions made our event both meaningful and memorable. If you would like to further support this work, we invite you to make a gift today. 

Warmly,

Lauren Angelo 

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

On March 29th, we hosted our third annual Spring Breakfast, welcoming new and longstanding supporters of the Friends. This was the first time the event was held at the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park, and the abundance of blooming florals and greenery certainly put the spring in Spring Breakfast! As guests arrived, they were greeted by Friends Ambassadors – Lee Harper, Kat Burton, and Jasmin Ibarra Cortes – who introduced guests to some of our scaly and furry friends.

Friends Ambassador Lee Harper introduces a guest to Kermit, a bearded dragon.

Pallavi Rao, Friends Board Member and Co-Chair of the Access & Inclusion Committee, opened the program by reminding us why we gathered on this beautiful morning: to ensure that every child has the opportunity to explore, discover, and imagine what is possible through science. While the JMZ is an invaluable resource for many families, access to these types of experiences is not universal. By funding the JMZ’s Science Outreach Program in underserved schools, we are proud to bring high-quality, hands-on science education directly to students in East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and Redwood City.

Spring Breakfast guests are immersed in the program and the panel's conversation.

Our panel of science and education leaders were introduced by Neeta Kannan, Friends Board Member and Development Committee Member. Neeta moderated a dynamic discussion with Eco Wonder School Director Amina Burrell, Technology and Education Investor CeeCee Schnugg, and the Principal of Addison Elementary School Jeff Downing. The panel shared how their respective early experiences shaped their passion for science and nature, highlighted how their work in science and education builds a sense of  curiosity and discovery for children, and explained the importance of investing in STEM education. Their insights underscored a central theme: early exposure to science can shape confidence, open pathways, and expand what children believe is possible.

Neeta Kannan and the panel engage in a discussion on early STEM experiences.

To close out our morning, Friends Board Members and Event Committee Co-Chairs, Sally Loverro and Rebecca Bridges, introduced The Wonder Circle, our new donor appreciation program, which will officially launch in July. The program will recognize several giving levels, each offering opportunities for engagement, recognition, and unique experiences with the JMZ, as your philanthropic investment grows. Stay tuned for additional information!

Sally Loverro and Rebecca Bridges thank guests for attending Spring Breakfast.

We are deeply grateful to the many supporters who helped make this event possible. Special thanks to Brian Krippendorf for generously providing photography that captured the spirit of the morning, and to Anu Roy for designing the beautiful centerpieces featuring greenery from the JMZ’s California Dinosaur Garden.

Centerpieces featuring greenery for the JMZ adorn each table.

Because of your continued support, we are able to expand access to joyful, hands-on science learning for children across our region. If you would like to invest  in our future scientists, please make a donation today.