Friends of Big Bear Valley said Friday that the Save Moon Camp fundraiser has surged past its goal, raising more than $10.5 million to buy land near Jackie and Shadow’s nest. The money is meant to stop construction in the area and keep the acres in the care of the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust forever.
The total climbed after Anna and Greg Brockman gave more than $5.5 million, a donation that helped push the campaign over the line. Greg Brockman is the co-founder and president of OpenAI, and Anna Brockman said she and her husband were grateful to everyone who worked to save what she called the home of the majestic eagles, Jackie and Shadow.
The fundraiser began in February and became the most ambitious effort in Friends of Big Bear Valley’s history. Jenny Voisard said smaller donations made up the rest of the total, reflecting support that had built over the past six months. She said the nonprofit was beyond grateful for that support and that they just hope Jackie comes home soon.
That last line is what gives the milestone its edge. The campaign has reached its target, but Jackie is still not home yet. Friends of Big Bear Valley runs the popular livestream of Jackie and Shadow’s nest, so the land deal is not only about preserving open space. Supporters said it was also about protecting rare plants and wildlife from construction, and about making sure the land is not left vulnerable after the purchase.
The trust plans to have the land purchased by next Friday, which puts the finish line in the very near term. After that, any money above the goal will go to long-term care of the land, meaning work tied to keeping the acres protected and maintained over time. For supporters who have followed the fundraising drive since February, the next step is no longer whether the goal can be reached. It is whether the land can be secured soon enough to match the promise that brought more than $10.5 million in the first place.
