Read the Friends' 2025 Annual Report

November 18, 2025



Dear Friends,



With gratitude, I’m excited to share our Annual Report, available here.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, this year the Friends continued its support of the JMZ and its mission, as well as expanded vital community engagement programs including:

• JMZ Science Outreach Program in underserved schools: Funded 469 hands-on science lessons, serving nine schools in East Palo Alto, eastern Menlo Park, and Redwood City.

• Science with a Twist: Expanded to five Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula locations, delivering 118 after-school lessons.

• JMZ Summer Camp Scholarships: Provided 45 scholarships for children who qualify for reduced admission, enabling them to enjoy enriching summer activities at the JMZ and the Baylands Nature Preserve.

• Super Family Sunday: Celebrated its 15th year as a free, welcoming event held once a month for children with disabilities, led by our dedicated team of ambassadors.

• Affinity Events: Building on Super Family Sunday’s model of inclusion, the Friends collaborated with five mission-aligned nonprofits to host after-hours events for their families.

Please mark your calendar for GivingTuesday, December 2, and consider a gift to the Friends of the JMZ Annual Fund at friendsjmz.org/donate. The Annual Fund provides general operating support that allows us to allocate dollars where they are most needed at the JMZ, and to fund programs that expand access to science education in underserved schools.

Finally, the Friends is hiring a Development & Programs Associate to help support our work in the community—please share with anyone who might be interested!

With heartfelt thanks,

Lauren Angelo

President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo