Minor league tribute raises $10,252 for Friends of Big Bear Valley in Jackie's honor

The Ontario Tower Buzzers turned a Sunday evening home game into a community memorial, partnering with Friends of Big Bear Valley on Aug. 23 to hold a "Fly High, Jackie" tribute at ONT Field in Ontario — sending a wave of support back to the mountain nonprofit that made the Big Bear bald eagle a household name.[1]

The event raised $10,252 for Friends of Big Bear Valley, with additional funds still expected to come in from ongoing presales of commemorative "Fly High, Jackie!" shirts.[1] Fifty percent of ticket proceeds purchased through a dedicated donation link went directly to the nonprofit, which operates the continuous 24/7 livestream cameras that brought Jackie — and her mate Shadow — into the lives of eagle-watchers everywhere.[1]

The tribute was equal parts celebration and farewell. Pregame video clips of Jackie played on the scoreboard, skywriters traced "Fly High Jackie" above the stadium, and fans could write messages on a commemorative board or take home "Fly High, Jackie" t-shirts and eagle plush toys.[1]

Buzzers General Manager Allan Benavides said the team felt a responsibility to give Jackie's fans a proper place to grieve and celebrate. "As stewards of the Inland Empire community, we wanted to provide those who were touched by Jackie and Shadow's story with a place to celebrate Jackie's life at our game," he said.[1]

Jackie's decline began in mid-July, when she was found grounded for hours after a fight with two younger eagles. She was taken to the Ojai Raptor Center in Ventura County for almost a month of care before she passed. The center reported she had suffered large blood clots in both wings and a kidney; the official cause of death has not yet been determined.[1]

Friends of Big Bear Valley could not be reached for comment on what the fundraising total means for their operations or for Jackie's legacy — Big Bear News will update this story when the nonprofit responds.

Those wishing to contribute can still purchase "Fly High, Jackie!" shirts through the Friends of Big Bear Valley donation link. Anyone with information about the nonprofit's next steps for the livestream program is encouraged to reach out to Big Bear News.