Community-driven effort aims to strengthen welcome for more than 130,000 annual visitors
Leadership Folsom’s Class of 2025–2026 has launched a $30,000 fundraising campaign — the largest class project effort in the program’s history — to help revitalize the entrance sign at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
The campaign will benefit the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary and fund improvements designed to create a more vibrant and welcoming first impression for the thousands of families and visitors who pass through the gates each year.
For more than six decades, the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary has served as a beloved community destination, providing a safe haven for rescued animals while offering educational programs that promote wildlife conservation and responsible treatment of animals. The facility welcomes more than 130,000 guests annually and has become a popular place where children and adults alike can connect with rescued wildlife while learning about animal care and stewardship.
Joe Gagliardi, CEO of Choose Folsom, praised the Leadership Folsom class for selecting a project that supports one of the city’s most cherished community assets.
“The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary holds a special place in our community,” Gagliardi said. “I’m incredibly proud of this year’s Leadership Folsom class for choosing a project that will create a warmer, more welcoming entrance and strengthen the connection between the Zoo Sanctuary and the families it serves.”
Organizers say the effort comes at a meaningful time for the Zoo Sanctuary and the broader community. As the City of Folsom continues evaluating long-term fiscal priorities and sustainability measures, discussions in recent budget planning have included reviewing subsidies for various city services and amenities — including the Zoo Sanctuary — as part of broader cost optimization efforts.
While city leaders and community stakeholders continue working to ensure those services remain sustainable, Leadership Folsom members say their project represents a proactive community investment that reinforces the sanctuary’s visibility and long-term support through philanthropic partnerships and local engagement.
“Our entrance is the first interaction families have with the Zoo Sanctuary,” said Jocelyn Smeltzer, zoo manager for the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary. “We’re grateful to Leadership Folsom for investing in an improvement that will inspire excitement and help us continue educating and connecting future generations to rescued wildlife.”
Leadership Folsom instructors say the initiative also reflects the core mission of the program, which brings together emerging leaders from across the community to learn about local institutions while working collaboratively on projects that benefit the region.
“Leadership Folsom is built on the belief that engaged community members — equipped with knowledge, relationships, and purpose — can make tangible, positive change,” said Will Kempton, Leadership Folsom instructor and longtime civic leader. “For years, this program has connected emerging leaders with local institutions and taught us to serve collaboratively. This class project unites us around an investment that both celebrates our community and supports a beloved civic asset.”
Thomas Gruneisen, Leadership Folsom instructor and director of the Folsom Public Library, echoed that sentiment, noting the project highlights how partnerships between local organizations, businesses and residents can strengthen community resources.
The fundraising effort is already receiving strong backing from local partners. Sutter Health has signed on as the campaign’s leading sponsor, reflecting the organization’s continued investment in the wellbeing of the Folsom community. Organizers say a growing coalition of community partners is joining the initiative, demonstrating broad cross-sector support for strengthening the future of the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary.
Leadership Folsom is inviting residents, businesses and corporate partners to contribute to the campaign. Donations of any size can be made online through the Friends of the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary campaign page.
The community will also have opportunities to support the effort through upcoming restaurant fundraisers. Shake Shack at the Palladio at Broadstone will host a one-day “Donation Day” fundraiser on Wednesday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Guests who say “Donation Day” at checkout or use the code DONATE when ordering through the Shake Shack app, website or kiosk will have 25 percent of their purchase donated to the campaign.
Another fundraiser will take place Wednesday, April 15, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Chipotle, located at 1001 East Bidwell Street, Suite 106 in Folsom. Customers who use the code L4P8CNE when ordering will have 25 percent of their meal proceeds directed to the project.
Once the new entrance sign is completed, Leadership Folsom plans to host a community unveiling celebration later this year, bringing together supporters, sponsors and residents to mark the improvement and celebrate the continued impact of the Zoo Sanctuary.
More information about the campaign and donation opportunities can be found at folsomzoo.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/39. Additional details about the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary and its programs are available at folsomzoofriends.org.
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