For Keith and Judy Meeker, philanthropy means more than giving back. It’s a heartfelt tribute to their son, Jarrett, and a reflection of their deep love for community and the outdoors.
Judy and Keith met on a blind date more than 50 years ago and have been partners in life and purpose ever since. Settling in La Mesa, they made a home for their family.
Their philanthropic journey began in 1987 after the tragic loss of their eldest son, Jarrett, when he was just eight years old.
Determined to honor Jarrett’s memory in a way that celebrated his passion for the outdoors, the Meekers founded The Jarrett Meeker Foundation.
“We both agreed that being miserable isn’t something Jarrett would have wanted us to be,” Keith stated.
“We wanted to create something meaningful,” Judy shared, “something that would help other children experience the joy and wonder that Jarrett found in the outdoors.”
A natural adventurer and compassionate soul, Jarrett loved playing outside and particularly enjoyed his time in the San Diego Zoo’s educational programs, which he knew as Zoo School.
“He was our little nature boy,” Judy recalled fondly. “He loved being outside, learning about animals and caring deeply about others.”
Inspired by these memories, the Meekers launched their foundation with a simple yet deeply meaningful goal: to connect children with nature, focusing on kids furthest from access to San Diego’s great outdoors.
A Community United
From the outset, the La Mesa community rallied around the Meekers and their vision.
Neighbors, local leaders, and organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis Club provided invaluable support. “They truly became family,” Keith said.
“The community just surrounded us during that time where we really needed some strength. They gave us a lot of strength,” Judy recalled.
This spirit of community was central to the foundation’s ability to grow and thrive.
Just three months after Jarrett’s passing, The Jarrett Meeker Foundation sent its first group of 50 students to Zoo School to experience the joy of nature and education.
Honoring Jarrett
Over the years, the foundation expanded its reach, working with schools across San Diego County – from Escondido to Descanso and more – to provide outdoor education opportunities for thousands of children.
One of the most impactful programs was an annual overnight campout for third graders at City Heights’ Central Elementary.
With the help of local Boy Scout troops, teachers and volunteers, the Meekers created a full camping experience where everyone felt like they belonged, complete with tent setup, campfires, nature hikes, animal encounters, stargazing, and, of course, s’mores.
For many kids, it was their first time camping or even stepping outside their urban neighborhoods.
“These were kids who might have never seen the stars or felt safe playing outside,” Judy explained. “It was incredible to see their excitement and curiosity.”
The Meekers were actively involved in every aspect of the foundation’s work, from planning events to cooking meals during the campouts. “We were there, experiencing the joy and impact alongside the kids,” Judy shared.
A Partner for the Future
In recent years, as the couple began considering the future of their foundation, they turned to San Diego Foundation (SDF) for guidance on how best to convert their family foundation into something that could be maintained for the long-term – or even forever.
Their decision to establish an endowment fund with SDF was motivated by a desire to ensure the longevity of the mission of the Jarrett Meeker Foundation.
“We wanted to create a sustainable legacy, something that would continue to support children’s outdoor education forever,” Keith explained.
The Meekers’ endowment fund will support outdoor access programs across San Diego County, allowing more children to experience the natural world in meaningful ways.
“It’s not about us,” Keith concluded. “It’s about the kids and giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have. That’s the legacy for Jarrett we wish to leave.”
Fifty & Forward
Through their endowment fund, the Meekers are partnering with SDF to amplify their giving and create lasting change for the issues they care about most – a direct tie to the SDF Fifty & Forward Campaign.
As SDF celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, we invite San Diegans to join our Fifty & Forward Campaign to help us reach our ambitious goals:
- Granting $500 million to realize our region’s greatest opportunities in three key areas: education, children and families and the environment
- Raising $1 billion to help shape our community’s future.
If you’re inspired by the Meekers’ story, or other stories of generosity, you too can join the Fifty & Forward Campaign.
Whether through an endowment, donor-advised fund, planned gift or online donation, support our efforts in a way that makes the most sense to you.
Let’s take the past 50 years of investment and impact into the next 50 years of possibility and promise.
