Mission Trails Regional Park after rain – clear air and great hiking -- began this full-moon evening party. The surprising quiet of the countryside is found at dusk in this rustic urban oasis, broken only by the calming hum of a hundred or so conversations taking place on the patio outside the Visitor Center. The focus of this gathering: a celebration of the life of Jarrett Meeker, a boy whose affinity with nature and reverence for all creatures, great and small,inspired the creation of The Jarrett Meeker Foundation.

Cause for Celebration: Trek on the Wild Side.

For more event photos, go to: CAUSE.

^{Photo by Cause for Celebration}

Guided by Jarrett’s passion for the outdoors, every facet of “Destination Nature: Trek on the Wild Side,” enabled guests to experience a special connection with the natural world. The Visitor Center housed the evening’s silent auction, and offered attendees the chance to visit an array of interpretive exhibits exploring the park’s history, natural plant and animal communities. The outdoor terrace – framed by majestic Cowles Mountain -- was dry enough for the planned outdoor dinner, where guests took their seats after an hour-long twilight nature walk.

Who Was There?: Scores of supporters – many of them Jarrett’s childhood friends – came together to mark the Foundation’s 23^rd anniversary. Meeker family members, including Jarrett’s parents, Keith and Judy, his sister, Jennifer and brother, John, set a gracious family tone to the festivities. Bryan Cunningham, who counted Jarrett among his best childhood friends, attended with his wife Andrea and their toddler son, who was named for Jarrett. Monica Steele was there (she is Secretary of the Foundation’s board of directors,) along with San Diego River Park executive director Rob Hutsel and Karen Begin, brothers Jeff and Jack Rice, Karen and Jerry Ault, and Oliver Martin and Siri Kramer, who recently celebrated their engagement. Dressed in vintage uniforms, San Diego Police Historical Association Director Mark Mendelsohn and President Rick Carlson posed for photos in front of a 1935 restored police paddy wagon as their wives, Debbie and Paula, mingled with party guests.

The Cause: The Jarrett Meeker Foundation is dedicated to engaging children and young adults in wildlife and habitat conservation programs. The Foundation was established in loving memory of Jarrett Meeker, a little boy with a big heart and a generous spirit, who loved animals and people. Formed by his parents, Ken and Judy, in 1987 after Jarrett’s accidental death, the Foundation has invested more than $500,000 in hands-on conservation programs that instill within children a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Goodhearted: The work of the Jarrett Meeker Foundation is powered by the kindness and generosity of a team of hardworking volunteers. Board President Keith Meeker heads up a board of directors admired for its passion, creativity and collaboration. Keith’s colleagues include Lisa Barnett, Connie and John Bley, Peg Harvey-Sweeney, Lisa and Ron Homuth, Linda Rice, Mark Rivaldi, Diana Steele, and Walter and William Weisman. They worked closely with event sponsors Bill and Norma Verbeck, the Scottish Rite Community Foundation, Dr. Skip and Dianne Steele, Ted and Karon Jarrard, the Law Offices of Keesal, Young & Logan, and Edvard and Barbara Hemmingsen to build an event that gave participants a chance to perceive Jarrett’s wide-eyed wonder of the natural world.

The Creative: Guests enjoyed a selection of palette-pleasing beverages provided by San Pasqual Winery, Ballast Point Brewing Company, Karl Strauss Brewing Company, Hart Family Winery, and Rideau Vineyard before tucking into a delicious barbeque dinner prepared by Bekkers West Coast Catering. After dinner, renowned SDSU Professor Pat Abbott regaled the group with tales of local earthquakes and other geological activity, and the nighttime clouds parted just enough for a bit of stargazing.

Get Involved: As an all-volunteer organization, the Jarrett Meeker Foundation relies on the goodwill of San Diegans to continue its inspiring mission. To learn how you can help the foundation extend the reach of its nature-based educational programs, please call 619-660-1274.

(For more event photos, go to: CAUSE.)