Turtle Bay recently lost a dear friend and a generous founder/supporter, Sherrill Bambauer.

Sherrill was a vibrant example of how philanthropy can positively impact a community. As a founding member of Turtle Bay, Sherrill (with her late husband Dennis, pictured above) was key to making the Park a reality. With a teaching background, both Bambauers championed a commitment to the education of children, which Sherrill steadfastly continued after Dennis’ death.

"We are very fortunate that Sherrill chose to sponsor so many of our exhibitions, especially those with the greatest impact on children and families. She recognized the need for high-quality educational experiences in our community." - Julia Cronin, Turtle Bay Curator of Exhibits & Collections

After leaving the teaching profession, Sherrill built her own business as an incredible Personal Financial Planner, where she worked to help with retirement planning for teachers and non-profit organizations. Throughout her life, she touched many with her advice, planning skills, generosity, care for children, and love for others. Sherrill was a special person, and Turtle Bay was so lucky to have her in our corner, championing both Turtle Bay and the community it was created to support.

“I loved visiting with Sherrill and hearing about her dedication and desire to bring incredible exhibitions to Turtle Bay,” shared Joanne Crosetti, Development Officer at Turtle Bay. “Sherrill was particularly interested in making sure the children of our area would be engaged at Turtle Bay by having fun and learning simultaneously. She was always as sharp as a tack, and when I spoke with her, she listened and responded in very thoughtful ways. She even pulled a good practical joke on me, one of my favorite memories!” - Joanne Crosetti, Turtle Bay Development Officer

Her legacy will live on through the programs that she championed, such as “Little Explorers” and the exhibitions that she generously funded year after year, including this Summer’s Cats & Dogs, and past blockbusters like World’s Largest Dinosaurs, Goosebumps – The Science of Fear, Washed Ashore, and many others.

Sherrill and her late husband, Dennis, were special people. They loved Redding and Turtle Bay and showed it by their involvement in the community and the many sponsored events at Turtle Bay. Sherrill made arrangements to sponsor Cats and Dogs before she passed away. Sherill was on our Board of Regents and helped guide Turtle Bay to the success we have had in recent years. We could not have asked for a better friend than Sherill. Losing her is sad for the community and definitely for Turtle Bay. - Mike Warren, Turtle Bay CEO & President