The Difference You Make
The impact of philanthropy at Mystic Aquarium
W I T H
A L L
T H E I R
H EART Following their son’s death, Pam and Brad Horn find renewal in philanthropy
“In our opinion, science education will be our savior.” – Pam and Brad Horn
Pam and Brad Horn have long believed that caring for the natural world is both a responsibility and a source of joy. As lifelong environmentalists, they have spent decades supporting organizations dedicated to protecting biodiversity and preserving healthy ecosystems. But after the devastating loss of their son, Taylor, their philanthropy has taken on an even deeper personal meaning. Pam and Brad look for ways to honor their son and his love for wildlife. For Pam and Brad, philanthropy is most meaningful when it reflects both personal values and tangible impact. Earlier in life, while building Brad’s business, their charitable giving consisted largely of modest yearend donations to a variety of environmental causes. As their ability to give grew, so did their desire to direct their philanthropy toward projects that embodied Taylor’s passions and principles. Raised in Vermont, Taylor and his brother, Ansel, spent their childhoods immersed in the outdoors. As Taylor grew older, his curiosity expanded far beyond Vermont. Whether feeding giant pandas in China, observing iguanas in Mexico, diving alongside cuttlefish near Mystic, or protecting a vulnerable fawn from a circling coyote, he approached the natural world with wonder, compassion, and urgency. Though his academic studies focused on political science, international relations, and public policy, conservation remained central to who he was.
Mystic Aquarium held a special place in Taylor’s heart. He especially loved penguins. When Mystic Aquarium proposed creating an endowed fund in Taylor’s name to support staff conservation work in South Africa — helping protect endangered African penguins and their habitat — the Horns saw the opportunity as a perfect tribute. Pam and Brad understand that environmental progress often unfolds over generations, and they may never fully witness the ultimate impact of the work they support. Still, they remain motivated by the hope that their contributions will help restore habitats, protect wildlife populations, and create a healthier planet for future generations. They also value measurable outcomes, looking toward indicators such as expanded conservation efforts, healthier ecosystems, and thriving animal populations as signs of meaningful progress. Smaller, mission-driven organizations can create uniquely powerful philanthropic partnerships according to the Horns. Through Mystic Aquarium, they have found opportunities not only to support science and conservation, but also to build relationships with staff, share Taylor’s story, and witness children discovering the wonder of marine life firsthand. To them, that blend of education, science, and joy is essential. “In our opinion,” said Pam and Brad, “science education will be our savior.”
$6,000,000
GRANT FUNDING
$5,000,000
2022: $5,882,546 2023: $5,913,603
$4,000,000
2024: $2,952,249 2025: $3,943,305
$3,000,000
TOTAL PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORT
$2,000,000
2022: $2,361,452 2023: $1,856,302
$1,000,000
2022
2023
2024
2024: $1,814,199 2025: $3,084,461
2025
ANNUAL FUND SUPPORT 2022: $448,720 2024: $682,135 2023: $488,890 2025: $998,586
$1,000,000 $800,000 $600,000 $400,000
ANNUAL FUND GIFTS OF $10K+ 2022: $117,187 2023: $104,900
$200,000
2022
2023
2024
2025
2024: $320,750 2025: $591,980
Students from 75 to 80 percent of all Connecticut towns and cities are educated through visits and programming. More than 60,000 people participate every year in conservation activities such as beach cleanups.
More than 250 schools and community organizations in Connecticut bring children and teens to Mystic Aquarium annually.
Nearly 4,000 students annually engage in workforce and STEM career development through Mystic Aquarium. Mystic Aquarium admitted 31 seals for rehabilitation in 2025; 13 more were disentangled from fishing gear and immediately released.
29 sea turtles were rehabilitated and released in 2025. The seal population at Block Island’s North Light is surging. Since 2022, the average daily count of seals hauled out on the beach has grown from 100 to 1,300. Mystic Aquarium receives 500 to 700 calls annually for stranded marine life.
M y st i c Aq u a r i u m’s e d u c a t i o n programs put science into the hands of thousands of students The hands-on curriculum that Mystic Aquarium creates for classrooms across the state has transformed science education at Windham Middle School. The difference, according to educators there, is in giving students firsthand experience of a concept rather than relying on textbook instruction. “They learn about ecosystems, but a lot of students don’t get to be out in them,” Danna Irons, a dual language team leader at Windham Middle School said. “Now, they’ve actually been there and they’ve seen that.”
This partnership with Windham Middle School began in 2018, and the lesson plans are a favorite among students and teachers. In addition to conducting field work along area marshes and the shoreline, students visit Mystic Aquarium and meet with our experts. The program has become a powerful example of how experiential learning can inspire curiosity and deepen understanding. For educators like Danna Irons and Martha Woods, an academic coach at Windham Middle, the impact of the program is evident not only in student engagement, but
“What students get from it and experience, it’s well worth your time”– Danna Irons Windham Middle School
D. Irons. – Windham Middle
A CURRICULUM FOR THE REAL WORLD
M. Woods – Windham Middle
working with scientific tools, students begin to see themselves as participants in science rather than passive observers.
also in the way students connect academic concepts to the world around them. “This is currently our most used resource,” Woods said of the curriculum provided by Mystic Aquarium. The lessons explore topics such as algae blooms, photosynthesis, ecosystems, and water salinity, helping students see scientific principles at work in real environments. That experience is especially meaningful for middle school students, whose enthusiasm often grows when learning becomes interactive. By collecting samples, exploring shoreline habitats, and
The lessons foster curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and engage more deeply with environmental issues affecting their own communities. Woods, a longtime educator in Windham, sees the partnership as increasingly important in an educational landscape shaped by technology. While digital tools expand access to information, Woods believes they cannot replace the value of tactile, real-world learning. Looking through a microscope, examining marine specimens, or handling a horseshoe crab offers students a level of engagement that screens alone cannot provide, she said. Those moments of discovery help bring science to life in ways that are memorable and lasting. The program’s success also reflects the commitment of Mystic Aquarium to making educational opportunities accessible. In addition to curriculum support, the aquarium provides grant funding that offsets transportation
costs and supplies materials for classroom instruction. According to Amy Gollenberg, director of school programs at Mystic Aquarium, this pool of funding is a critical factor in whether a district is able to participate. “The grant funding is so important to every district we work with,” Gollenberg said. “If budget cuts have to be made in a school district, these are always the first things to go.” With the support of donors and grantors, Mystic Aquarium can ensure that students continue to have access to meaningful, highquality science education.
“The grant funding is so important to every district we work with” – Amy Gollenberg
Director of Education Mystic Aquarium
REWARDING
Connection Deb Pazzaglia can’t wait to see the smile on your face
“As a vet, you work on animals. As a trainer, you work with animals.” – Deb Pazzaglia Assistant Supervisor
For more than 25 years, Deb Pazzaglia has dedicated her career at Mystic Aquarium to creating meaningful connections between animals and the people who come to know them. Since joining Mystic Aquarium in 2001, she has spent every day working alongside California sea lions. Her work is driven not only by science and expertise, but by a genuine love for the animals in her care and a deep belief in the power of inspiring others to protect them. “As a vet, you work on animals. As a trainer, you work with animals,” Pazzaglia said, hinting at a philosophy that captures the partnership at the heart of her work. Before finding her home at Mystic Aquarium, Pazzaglia worked with primates and small mammals in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That breadth of experience has helped her to become a trusted mentor, and one of the aquarium’s most respected animal care professionals. Among the many sea lions she has cared for at Mystic Aquarium, Maia holds a particularly special place in her heart. The bond they have developed over the years is earned through countless shared experiences. When guests can see that relationship firsthand it is so rewarding, according to Pazzaglia, because it offers a glimpse into individuality of the animals. “The things we can learn are going to help animals around the world,” Pazzaglia said. “We’re not just presenting the animal; we’re presenting
why conservation matters.” Pazzaglia is also passionate about animal enrichment, believing that every animal deserves opportunities to explore, learn, and express natural behaviors. She leads Mystic Aquarium’s enrichment committee, bringing together staff from across departments to create engaging experiences tailored to each species. Whether designing puzzles, introducing new sensory experiences, or transforming habitats, she is constantly searching for ways to enhance the animals’ physical and mental well-being. Pazzaglia has also contributed to research that reaches far beyond Mystic Aquarium. Her work has helped advance cataract treatments for sea lions and deepen scientific understanding of how sea lions use their whiskers to distinguish one another. These discoveries continue to benefit marine mammal care around the world. Through every training session, guest interaction, and research initiative, she hopes visitors come to a deeper appreciation for the role aquariums play in protecting wildlife and advancing conservation. “It’s when guests say, ‘thank you,’” she said, with emotion in her voice. “That’s so rewarding. When you can see it matters to someone else, that is so rewarding.”
2025 ORGANIZATIONAL DONORS $750,000 to $1,000,000
General Dynamics Electric Boat
$150,000 to $350,000
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Foxwoods Resort Casino National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Schmidt Family Foundation
$75,000 to $100,000
The Champlin Foundation
$25,000 to $50,000
Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation Heidenreich Family Fund Hilton Mystic Janice Spencer Calkin Foundation Paul and Patricia Kuehner Family Foundation Reese Family Charitable Fund Reworld Waste, LLC SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc.
$10,000 to $24,999
A Beautiful Company, General Contractors, LLC The Artac Seel Company Automated Business Solutions The Barnes Foundation, Inc. Cannonball Management Inc Carlin Construction Company, LLC Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast Dressel Family Foundation Edward & Mary Lord Foundation Event Network Eversource Energy Foundation The Kitchings Family Foundation
Liberty Bank Mystic Transportation Naktenis Family Foundation North Star Foundation Orchard Farm Foundation Packer Family Charitable Giving Fund The Petit Family Foundation Pfizer R.J. Forbes Painting Contractor Rhode Island Foundation Animal Welfare Program Rousseau Family Charitable Foundation Stoneridge Senior Care, LLC Valenti Auto Mall Wireless Zone
$5,000 to $9,999
Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc. ASA Environmental Products, Inc. AT&T Beth Collins MD Cascade Asset Management Chelsea Groton Bank The Feinstein Foundation, Inc. Goodway Technologies Corporation Green & Sklarz, LLC The Hillery Company Holstein Foundation Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc. Mizzy Construction Mystic Coffee, LLC Nixon Peabody LLP The Normandy Group The Patten-Wright Group at Morgan Stanley READCO Property Management, LLC Robert and Joanna Williams Family Foundation The Roosa Fund
Stifel Financial Corp Sutton Family Charitable Fund Toyota Motor Sales Westerly Health Center Wireless Zone Gives
$2,500 to $4,999
Asahi / America Inc. Benjamin Jepson Magnet School Berkshire Bank Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation CohnReznick, LLP Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation First Pic, Inc. Gordon Food Service Grey Sail Brewing Company, LLC Professional Planning Group Rogin Nassau, LLC The William W. Backus Hospital
$1,000 to $2,499
Ann Luedke Lobdell Family Foundation Ben-Veniste Grell Family Foundation BL Companies Breachway Building Co., LLC CWPM Dell Technologies Dixon Family Charitable Fund Elsie A. Brown Fund, Inc. Essex Meadows Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce Immotion Group Men of Action Mystic Diner Nicholas & Allison Moore Fund Quinlan Enterprises, LLC Whelen Engineering Company Inc.
$500 to $999
85th Day Food Community ABC Photo Lab Ace Home Center American Express Boyden Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association Defender Industries Dog Watch Cafe Dominion Energy Goldman Sachs Louis F. & Mary A. Taglietala Foundation McQuade’s Marketplace McRoberts Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. Mystic Fitness Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa New England Pinto Horse Association Oak View Group Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce PC Restoration Pine Point School River Valley Periodontics Salem Stone Design Simply Majestic Skurnik Wines & Spirits Submarine Officers’ Spouses’ Association Sullivan & LeShane The Whaler’s Inn Toast + Tonic Creative Kitchen Wizard of Paws
2025 INDIVIDUAL DONORS $100,000 +
Pamela and Brad Horn Kate and Nick Kishfy Carol and George Milne
$25,000 to $50,000
Susan and Alex Casdin Michelle and David Ebersman Deborah Holmsen and Brian Leedom Michelle and Thomas Marra
$10,000 to $24,999
Stephanie Ackler and Peter Chapin Mary Barravecchia Christopher J. Berman Guy Carver Judith and Martin Daly Adriana DeGabriel and Edward Cassidy Shonah and Peter Drakos Anonymous Donor Joli Gross Muriel N. Hinkle Dr. Sarah Kelly and Ken Sigel Deborah and Richard Kollmeyer Alisa Macneille and Peter Kuhn Rajmonda and Alex Marku Fatima Matos and Hans Rollema Bill Middleton Carol and Charles Moakley Suzanne and Craig Packer Ana and Jeffrey Schneider Stefan Kaluzny Elisse Rosen Patricia and Bob Thavenius Susette Tibus and Chuck Sneddon June and Robert Valenti Melissa and Daniel Verdier Kathleen and Andrew Worthington Laura and Andrew Wyeth
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous Mitzi and Ron Barhorst Kristen and Del-Bourree Bach Victoria and Rob Christian Renate and Peter Gleysteen Fran and Craig Haines Cecilie and Mike Jedlicka Patty and Matthew Luxton Jane and Dan Meiser Cynthia Ryan and Raymond Mott Alicia and Thomas Settle Carol and Michael Toner Deborah and Robert Valenti Theresa Wilson Sandra and Brian Worth Dan Wu and Michael Linhares Jennifer and Bill Zeronsa
$2,500 to $4,999
Ruthann and Paul Ballasy Molly and Stephen Boyle Jamie Connor Joan and John Crawford Alison Davenport and John Moriarty Marion and Steven Dodd Rena and Theodore Greenwood Barbara Holland-Emberton Nicole and Michael Jordan Amy Kirschner and Frank Bernardo Kathryn Lee Sheila and Craig Litty Courtney Minden and Bradford Dolan Heather Nealon-Champagne and Andrew Champagne Robert O’Shaughnessy Katie and Jeffrey Pelczar Peggy Roberts Thomas Sanford Carol and Edward Sauers Susan Schussler Sandy Senior-Dauer and Keith Dauer
Karen and Daniel Strasshofer Karen Stone and David Schulz Waller Walker
$1,000 to $2,499
Anonymous Jill and Jeffrey Aiosa Margaret and Frank Appicelli Howard T. Becker Joanne Bergren and Michael Mirsky Barbara and Vincent Bernardo Martha and John Bradshaw Robert Boris Dionne and Rodney Butler Ellen Capito-Wightman Ysidra and Kevin Carroll Ellen and Richard Cartun Stephanie and Ryan Cassidy Jane and John Connelly Michael Corso and Anja Mertl Heidi and John Curren Lynda and David DeJesus Jackie Desmond Kimberly Dreier and Julianna Rick John Drew Jonathan Duncklee Carol and William Dunn Erika Dworkin and Paul Kuchay Lynn Eglington and Todd Brady Heather and Campbell Field Lorna Gallagher Denise and Thomas Glynn Millicent Gossner Brigid and John Hall Donna and Brian Handley Bonnie Hansen Elisabeth and Lee Harrell Kurt Harrington and Taylor Krusz Lynn and Stephen Hazard Deb and Tory Heindel Laurie and Jack Heflin Barbara Hernandez
Holly and Michael Johnson Joseph Laronga Kara and Michael Lech Nicole and Blaise Lippa Felicia and Perry Lorenz Rita Madison Constance and Terence Markey Gjovalin Marku Kristen and Marc Mascola Lisa and Stanley Mierzejewski Lenore Milner Keith Neilson Peter Nikolaisen Geraldine O’Shannon Tara and Gary Piccone Jason Riek Kateri and Dan Riordan Harry Russell Rachel and Nishant Sahoo Erika and Ari Santiago Rachel Schwartz and Chris Marra Susan and Geoffrey Sewall Matthew Spring Susan and Raymond Slattery Karel and Catherine Steiner Christine Synodi and Gordon Videll Barbara and William Tufts Robert and Deborah Valentine Lindsay and Tyler Van Buren Margaret and Michael Van Vranken Shobha Venkatraman Tara and Scott Watson Karin Whittemore and Peter Kepple Joanna and Robert M. Williams Maxine and Donald Williams Lori Woll Robert Worth Veronica and William Zeronsa
$500 to $999
Anonymous Amanda Arling and Evan Carlson
Caryn and James Bates Laura Batt and Daniel Hungerman Wendy Benchley Adam Bitker Roberta Bixby Marcela and Carlos Bledt Leigh Anne Bonney and Larry Ritzhaupt Dr. Ann C. Bucklin Carly and Matthew Callahan Stacie Collier Judith and Jon Cook Michael Disco Tracy and Michael Dorsey Brooke and Todd Elmgren Barbara and Ivor Freeman Marjorie and Jeffrey Geiger Barbara and Marc Ginsberg John Godin Donna Grell and Richard Ben-Veniste William Griffin IV Elizabeth and Thomas Halsey Karen and Edward Havrilla Jane and Robert Hottensen Audrey and Jason Marsh Kim McCauley Karen McQuiston Heather and Jon Miller Julie and Thomas Mosey Adelina and Jetmir Mrruku Dennis R. Murray Gail Narita Stephen Norton Debbie O’Brien Olivia Pesch Jennifer and Jeffrey Possick MaKayla and Alex Powden Joni and Gary Raba Denise and Mark Raymond Henry Schaffer Gene Sepe Margaret and Thomas Sheridan Lynette and David Snow
Diane and Allen Steiger Stacy Tattar and Normand Boulanger Kathryn and Anthony Tutino Jane C. and Norman R. Wainwright Phyllis Weaver and Gary Gerstein Ellen and Howard Weiss Cheri and Kevin Williams Debra and Richard Willner Victoria Wolf Frank J. Woods Warren Wunderlich
In Memory of
Carlos Mauricio Bledt Marcela and Carlos Bledt Alderic Doucet Diane Crowley Sam Ebersman Alex Casdin Michelle and David Ebersman Theodore H. Greenwood, V Rena and Theodore Greenwood, IV Jean Hohlfelder Brenda Engel Robert and Madelyn Frink Christine Lacas Nancy and William Layng Laura Kezer Instrumart John Kress Jackie and Kevin Hill Marissa Osborne Charles Cox Catherine Patterson Kathy and Don Patterson Chuck Sneddon, Sr. Ana and Jeffrey Schneider
In-Kind
Cherenzia & Associates Grey Sail Brewing Company
MaKayla and Alex Powden Harry Russell Stanley Black & Decker Veritable Distillery, LLC
BOARD OF TRUSTEES George M. Milne, Jr., Ph.D. (Chairman) Senior Partner, Radius Ventures, LLC John Holstein (Treasurer) Principal & CEO, First H&M Corporation Joli Lyn Gross (Secretary) SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary United Rentals, Inc. Rodney Butler Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Edward W. Cassidy CEO, Saybrus Partners Veronica Dowling COO & CFO, Dowling & Hales, LLC Peter G. Drakos Attorney, The Law Office of Peter Drakos, LLC David Freeman Head of Digital Media, Creative Artists Agency Patrick L. Green, FACHE CEO, University of Florida Health Cecilie Heidenreich Jedlicka President, Heidenreich Enterprise L.P. Richard M. Katz, M.D. Griffin Hospital (Retired) Sarah E. Kelly, Ph.D. Owner, TGIR Consulting (Retired) Peter W. Kuhn CEO, North America OML, Inc. Michael P. Lech President, READCO Portfolio
Alex Marku Owner, A Beautiful Company and Buon Appetito Ristorante Tom Marra Chairman, Federal Life Insurance Co. William Middleton Owner, Cannonball Management Group Steven Perrelli Sr. Vice President of Sales & Marketing Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Northern New England, Inc. Jason Richard Reese Principal, Alinea Strategic Solutions Antonio Roberto Connecticut innovations (Retired) Paul O. Robertson Deputy Commissioner / COO Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Robert Valenti President, Valenti Ford Robert Williams, Jr. Senior Managing Director JH Whitney Capital Partners
TRUSTEES EMERITUS
Terry D. Garcia CEO, Exploration Ventures Carolyn P. Kelly Attorney, Suisman Shapiro Daniel C. Verdier Cirrus Construction Company, Inc (Retired)
Learn more about the difference you can make by giving to Mystic Aquarium Development@MysticAquarium.org | 860.572.5955 x551