What a day! We’re still reeling over our first-ever Potter the Otter Day in partnership with Santa Clara Family Health Plan! More than 3,000 kids, family members, partners, and champions came together at the Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose to celebrate what matters most: giving every child a strong, healthy start. From story times and dancing, to hands-on activities and joyful moments across the museum, the day was filled with connection, learning, and pure magic. And at the heart of it all? Our beloved Potter the Otter, reminding us that healthy habits can be fun and simple!
We celebrated our newest book, Potter the Otter Grows a Garden, created in partnership with the California Department of Public Health and our friends at Veggielution, helping children learn where food comes from and build healthy habits that last a lifetime. And with the help of some of our providers, we launched a new teaching guide to supplement the new book! Thank you to Elizabeth Garcia, Parinjini Gosai, Michelle Melendez, Bhavani Mummidivarapu, and Hemaxi Solanki for bringing the teaching guide to life!
We were especially honored to celebrate incredible leaders in our community with our Champion for Children Awards:
Local Business Champion for Children: Tony & Alba’s
When families faced uncertainty during the pause in SNAP benefits, this local business stepped up immediately—providing free, healthy meals to children and inspiring others across the Bay Area to do the same. A true example of compassion in action.
Community Leader: Mario Galvan
A beloved SEEDS coach and child advocate, Mario dedicated his life to supporting early educators and strengthening programs for children and families. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched—with kindness, encouragement, and unwavering commitment.
And in a powerful moment, thanks to the leadership of Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, Supervisor Betty Duong, and City Councilmember Pamela Campos, the City of San José and the County of Santa Clara officially proclaimed April 25th Potter the Otter Day!
We’re so grateful to all of our amazing sponsors, community partners, volunteers, and visitors who made Potter the Otter Day a splashing success!
View and download photos on our website at FIRST5kids.org/PotterTheOtterDay
A day filled with smiles, discovery, and meaningful connections. What a day!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2026 FIRST 5 Santa Clara County and
Earth Day is on April 22, 2026, a special day to celebrate
