Welcome to the Jay's & Webber Wildlife and Education Center, honoring the legacies of the late Jay Poet and Wayne Webber, both avid outdoorsmen. Jay, hailing from Clare, Michigan, turned his hobby into a thriving business, while Wayne, from Thompsonville, Michigan, leveraged his successful business to nurture his passion for hunting and wildlife conservation. Both individuals shared a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment, leaving behind enduring legacies that continue to inspire at our center.
In 2020, Wayne visited Jay's Sporting Goods, where he crossed paths with Jeff Poet. As the story of Jay's unfolded, Wayne discovered a shared passion for outdoor pursuits and a deep appreciation for the legacy of the Sporting Goods Store. This encounter sparked an idea within Wayne—to relocate his museum to a more central location, reaching a wider audience. Clare emerged as the ideal destination for this endeavor. After negotiations, a partnership was formed, and over the course of two years, plans were set in motion to develop the museum in Clare.
Tragically, Wayne passed away in 2021, leaving behind an unfinished dream. However, his legacy lives on through the completion of the building in 2024. Today, the Wayne and Joan Webber Foundation stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to philanthropy. The foundation continues to extend its support to hospitals, schools, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and various community initiatives. Through their generosity, Wayne and Joan's legacy of empowering others and fostering community development perseveres, enriching the lives of countless individuals and leaving an indelible mark on their communities.