Help Us Save Dolphin Doctor
Yesterday, we received a heartbreaking letter from the federal government notifying us that our Dolphin Doctor youth outreach program funding has been terminated, effective immediately. This program was inspired by Dr. Sam Ridgway, the original dolphin doctor and our beloved founder, and is the cornerstone of our Community Engagement Program.
We are calling on our community to help keep Dolphin Doctor alive.
Dolphin Doctor provides life-changing learning opportunities for thousands of underrepresented students in San Diego and beyond. We directly connect students with marine biologists, aquatic veterinarians, professional divers, and marine mammals. This fosters a deep sense of belonging in our coastal community and encourages scientific curiosity that helps unlock their potential as ocean and environmental leaders.
We urgently need your help to save Dolphin Doctor. Here’s what you can do:
SPREAD THE WORD.
Help us spread the word about the importance of STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math programs for San Diego youth, especially those that provide hands-on, immersive experiences for children from underserved communities. Share our urgent need with your friends, family, and colleagues that can step up and help out in creative ways.
DONATE.
This budget cut resulted in a loss of more than $600K for the next 3 years, which supports our amazing team of marine mammal educators – Celeste, Brittany, Elizabeth, Danylo, Eric, Adriana, and others. It enables engagement with community partners like the Ocean Discovery Institute, Outdoor Outreach, and the Fleet Science Center. It supports our ability to bring military-connected students to the water’s edge to meet the Navy’s sea lions, inspiring them to become ocean advocates and opening their minds to career paths that can make a difference. DONATE today. Every dollar counts.
SHARE YOUR STORIES.
Tell us what Dolphin Doctor has meant to you. Send us your story here, so we can share it with others. Tell us why it matters and what will be lost if the Dolphin Doctor program goes away.
I have seen what our community can do when we bind together for a cause – with passion, courage, and commitment. So let’s join together now and save this legacy program, for our community, for the kids, and for the animals we love.
Yours,
Dr. Cynthia Smith
President & CEO
National Marine Mammal Foundation
Please Help Us Save Dolphin Doctor
More ways to give:
- Mail a check to 2240 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92106
- Check to see if your employer has a Matching Gift Program
- Become a Corporate Sponsor
- Contribute from a Donor-Advised Fund, Charitable Trust, or Family Foundation. We are qualified to accept gifts from these charitable entities.
- Tax ID (EIN) #: 26-1501109 *Use this number to recommend a grant to the NMMF
Reach out at ex******************@**mf.org to learn more about major gift opportunities
