Our Mission Statement
To fund education, research and preservation of the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve for the purpose of raising awareness of the unique qualities of the Plateau.

A California Non-Profit / 501 (c) (3) Tax-Exempt Organization

• March 2003. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California informs the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve that the funding for the Third Grade Program will be discontinued after the 2004-2005 school year.
• March 2003. Docents at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve decide to form a foundation to raise funds to continue the Third Grade Program.
• April 15, 2003. First board meeting of the Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation.
• May 2003. Incorporation documents for the Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation are filed with the State of California; election of first Board of Directors.
• May 19, 2003. Application for non-profit status filed with the IRS and State of California.
• First mailing explaining the Foundation and its mission is sent to La Cresta residents.

Highlights of 2004

• Nine Plateau residents open their gardens for the first annual Garden Tour on May 15th. The brainchild of La Cresta resident, Luann Schrock, the tour proved to be a success.
• May 25th – the Foundation holds its first annual meeting and its second election of board members. The Reserves past, present and future are presented.
• The 7th annual Reserve art show is held on July 10th. This year’s theme is “A Landscape’s Legacy”. The Foundation will receive a portion of the proceeds.
• Foundation partners with Albertson’s grocery store through their community partner program. Up to 4% of your purchase total is donated to the Foundation.
• Wayne Kiley of Wildomar Pristine Homes donates $10,000 to the Foundation.
• The Foundation’s second mailing goes to all of the residents of the Plateau communities and the De Luz area.
• Grants received during the year include $1,000 from the Whole Systems Foundation and $5,000 from the Roripaugh Family Foundation towards the continuation of the third grade education program.

Highlights of 2005

• The Foundation receives $2,500 from Stater Brothers Markets to develop a video to part of a marketing package to help raise funds for the Foundation.
• The second annual Garden Tour was held on April 30th. This year five gardens were open for the public. An impressive $4,733 was raised.
• The second annual Foundation meeting was held on May 11th.
• The 8th annual Reserve Art Show had its opening night on July 9th. This year’s them was “Seasons” and 40% of the proceeds from sales went to the Foundation.
• The first annual “Music Under the Oaks” was held on September 24th. Colorado based John Adams & Friends performed a celebration of John Denver’s music. Over $12,000 was raised.
• The Foundation raised more than the $45,000 required to match the funding provided by Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space for the 2005-2006 third grade education program.
• The funding provided transportation for nearly 7,000 third graders to the Plateau to experience the wonders of nature. It also provided for educational materials and staffing.
• The Foundation’s events not only raised the necessary funds but also brought a greater awareness of the Reserve and provided enjoyment to all.
• Santa Rosa Plateau Foundation membership opened to the general public. See the ‘How to Help’ page.

Highlights of 2006

• We are on our way to raising the funds required for the 2006-2007 school year. The monies for the Third Grade Education program have come from memberships, grants, donations and our annual events.
• The 3rd annual Garden Tour, 9th annual Art Show and 2nd annual “Music Under the Oaks” generated $7,988, $1,563 and $15,000, respectively for the program and brought enjoyment to the community. See the ‘Our Events’ page.
• Established a corporate fundraising committee and set the goal of raising $1 million for the endowment fund. This would guarantee the long-term continuation of the Third Grade Program. See the ‘How to Help’ page.