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Philanthropic Endeavors
The Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation's mission is to exemplify excellence, leadership, and vision in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people of all ages throughout the world.
Barbara's Carousel
When Barbara Barrington Jones presented the idea of a carousel at Thanksgiving Point, she spoke of a ride that inspired her in her youth to explore her passions and develop curiosity. The Carousel at Thanksgiving Point highlights her vision – and brings it to life so other kids and families can be inspired. Tickets to this magical experience can be found HERE!
Museum of Natural Curiosity
The Museum of Natural Curiosity at Thanksgiving Point began construction in 2012 and opened spring of 2014. This museum has and will continue to change the lives of generations to come through its unique approach to family learning. The exhibits of science, engineering, art and creativity inspire the children of today to become the innovators of tomorrow.
Curiosity Museum
Butterfly Biosphere
Butterfly Biosphere
The Butterfly Biosphere at Thanksgiving Point opened its doors in January 2019. The interactive museum and beautiful butterfly conservatory was built in honor of Barbara's mother Hilda Ruth Harrell, who was known as “The Butterfly Lady.”
Distinguished Young Women
The BBJ Family Foundation is proud to be helping young women reach their potential through its national sponsorship of the Distinguished Young Women program. Barbara hosts and trains the DYW State Winners in her home to prepare for National Finals.
Ballet West
Barbara’s passion for ballet has led her to a wonderful association with Utah’s Ballet West. In August of 2014, the Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation sponsored the new Ballet West Academy at Thanksgiving Point. The Foundation supports their I CAN DO program, which gives children the opportunity to experience dance first-hand. Barbara currently sits on their Board of Trustees and has performed as the Queen in their rendition of Sleeping Beauty as well as the Queen Mother in Swan Lake.
UVU'S Wee Care Center
A highlight of 2013 for the foundation was the opening of Utah Valley University’s Wee Care Center, a child care center enabling mothers to attend classes. President Matthew S. Holland, President of Utah Valley University said, “Your gift for the building of a new Wee Care Center will allow young mothers to reach their educational goals. When individuals thrive, our communities thrive. The beautiful ripple effect of your gift will bless generations to come.”
Wee Care Center
Steve Young Foundation
Barbara and the Barbara Jones Family Foundation proudly donate to Sophie's Place at Primary Children's Hospital in partner with the Steve Young Foundation. These dedicated spaces are music therapy facilities built in children’s hospitals that treat young people suffering from pain, chronic illness, and serious injury.
Primary Children's Hospital
Every summer, hundreds of blankets are made and donated by the Be the Best You Camp participants to the patients of Primary Children's Hospital. These blankets become such a comfort to the young patients at the hospital and the difficult situations and health challenges they face.
Boys & Girls Club
Every year during our Be The Best You Camp, Barbara and our participants have the
opportunity to serve and work with Boys and Girls Clubs all over Utah. The BBJ Family Foundation has had a wonderful relationship with this program for over 20 years.
AMAR Foundation
Barbara and the Barbara Barrington Jones Family Foundation support and work closely with Baroness Emma Nicholson (House of Lords) who is the founder and Chairman of the AMAR Foundation. The AMAR Foundation is one of the leading healthcare and education charities in the Middle East.
AMAR Foundation
Maternal Care Facility
A Maternal Care Facility has been built in Basra, Iraq thanks to donations raised by the BBJ Family Foundation in partnership with the AMAR Foundation
WELL Africa
WELL Africa’s mission is to empower the children working in the cocoa plantations and the communities in which they live through education. The Foundation supports this organization in a variety of capacities and provided the funding to build the Barbara B. Jones School of Freedom in a village in the Ivory Coast. The school broke ground in 2014.
WELL Africa
UVU's Enactus Team
The Utah Valley University Enactus Team from the Woodbury School of Business emphasizes entrepreneurial business innovation. Teams work on creating a sustainable business that has a social impact and sparks social enterprise. Barbara enjoys being a mentor for this Enactus Team, and took them to being National Finalists this year!
Enactus
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