About the Foundation

Our Mission

The Dawn Brancheau Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children and animals in need, inspiring others to follow their dreams, and promoting the importance of community service.

Dawn was a well-known animal trainer who dedicated her career to caring for marine animals.  However, it was Dawn’s passion for life and true love of others that inspired the formation of this foundation.  The way Dawn lived her life motivates us to carry out her vision for a better world.  We plan to make a difference in our world that surpasses what Dawn could have accomplished on her own.

Through The Dawn Brancheau Foundation, we continue Dawn’s legacy of
helping others, animals, and the environment.

Dawn's Story

For Dawn Brancheau, it all began with a dream.  After watching the Shamu show as a child, she was so moved by the bond shared between the whales and their caretakers that she made it her life’s ambition to become a SeaWorld whale trainer.  Though a thousand miles of land separated this young Northwest Indiana girl from the nearest ocean, Dawn let nothing hinder her from daring to dream.

During her 15 years as a SeaWorld trainer, she not only lived her lifelong dream, she mastered her craft.  Dawn earned love and respect from her colleagues and admiration from the animal-training world.  Dawn inspired millions of park guests to love marine life as she did, and to serve as passionate stewards of their environment.

Dawn savored life and nothing brought her more joy than her husband, family, friends, and her chocolate labs.  Dawn lived each day to the fullest and was always looking for ways to brighten someone’s day through a kind and loving act.  Whether you were a family member, a friend, or a total stranger, Dawn would always make you feel special.  Dawn lived her life with purpose.  In honor of Dawn, we choose to do the same.

News / Media

Leaders & Advisors

Board Members

  • Thomas J. LoVerde, Chairman
  • Scott A. Brancheau, Vice Chairman
  • Diane M. Gross, Secretary
  • Darlyne A. Klages, Treasurer
  • Anthony D. Frogameni IV
  • C. Vincent LoVerde IV
  • Marion M. LoVerde

Staff Members

  • Deborah L. Frogameni, Executive Director