Ontario Tower Buzzers raise more than $20,000 for Big Bear eagle nonprofit

The Ontario Tower Buzzers raised more than $20,000 for Friends of Big Bear Valley during “Fly High, Jackie Night” on Aug. 23 at ONT Field in Ontario, California. The event honored Big Bear bald eagle Jackie and drew attention to the nonprofit’s conservation and education work, with additional proceeds from a commemorative shirt to benefit the group.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser supports Friends of Big Bear Valley’s wildlife conservation and education work in Big Bear Valley. - The event also extended public attention on Jackie, the bald eagle whose livestreamed life helped make the nonprofit known worldwide. - Additional shirt sales will send more money to the nonprofit, adding to the night’s fundraising total.

What happened: - The Ontario Tower Buzzers raised more than $20,000 for Friends of Big Bear Valley during “Fly High, Jackie Night” on Sunday, Aug. 23, at ONT Field in Ontario, California. - The team honored Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, during its 11-1 win over the Inland Empire 66ers. - Thousands of baseball and bird fans attended the special event. - The evening also recognized Friends of Big Bear Valley and the Ojai Raptor Center. - The grandchildren of Friends of Big Bear Valley board members Teri Ashmore and Shelley Egan threw out the first pitch. - Skytypers Inc. performed a flyover in Missing Man formation. - Skywriting included dozens of messages, including “Fly High Jackie.” - Ojai Raptor Center Executive Director Chris Eksteen and Dr. Kat Rasp, who led Jackie’s treatment, were recognized as part of the club’s Hero of the Game presentation.

The details: - Jackie was believed to have hatched in Big Bear Valley in 2012. - Friends of Big Bear Valley introduced Jackie to viewers around the world through live nest cameras. - Jackie lived in the San Bernardino Mountains with longtime mate Shadow. - The nonprofit has operated its bald eagle nest livestream as a free public resource. - The livestream has educated viewers about bald eagles, local wildlife and the importance of protecting Southern California’s natural habitats. - Jackie died earlier this month after several weeks of intensive care following a period when she was found grounded near Big Bear Lake. - Her death prompted tributes from viewers who had followed Jackie, Shadow and their eaglets online. - Friends of Big Bear Valley is a nonprofit focused on environmental education, advocacy and protecting wildlife, habitats and biodiversity in Big Bear Valley. - The organization installed its first bald eagle nest camera in 2015. - The group also provides classroom educational resources and advocates for environmentally sensitive areas. - Friends of Big Bear Valley works to preserve habitats that support bald eagles and other wildlife. - Fans can buy a “Fly High, Jackie Night” shirt at the event store, with all proceeds donated to Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Between the lines: - The event blended minor league baseball with conservation messaging, using Jackie’s popularity to drive donations and public awareness. - The flyover, skywriting and in-game recognition turned the tribute into a broader community moment rather than a standard theme night. - The emphasis on livestream footage shows how digital wildlife viewing can build a national audience around a local conservation nonprofit.

What's next: - Friends of Big Bear Valley will continue to receive support through shirt sales tied to the tribute night. - The Ontario Tower Buzzers direct fans to team information at www.milb.com/ontario for tickets, schedules and event details. - The team will continue promoting community-focused baseball at ONT Field in Ontario.