Alan Pomatto and Alison Jones-Pomatto, Ocean Legacy Circle donors since 2007
An exceptional act of generosity
Alan Pomatto and Alison Jones-Pomatto, two long-time supporters of the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Ocean Legacy Circle members, felt compelled to help when the Aquarium closed its doors in March 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. After meeting with their financial advisors, they determined the best course of action—the one with the biggest impact for the Aquarium—would be to terminate their charitable remainder trust. By doing so, they were able to make a significant outright gift to the Aquarium’s Endowment Fund for the Future of the Ocean, foregoing the trust’s life income for themselves. This exceptional act of generosity allows Alan and Alison to see the impact their giving has on the Aquarium’s mission and well-being during their lifetime. In this way, they also model their values about philanthropy for their children.