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WESTPORT, Conn. Construction of a new Westport Weston Family Y in Westport is $1 million closer to reality thanks to local resident and entrepreneur Robin Tauck. A Y trustee, Tauck gave the Y a $1 million challenge gift to fund and construct its new facility at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
Through the donation, Tauck will match, dollar-for-dollar up to $1 million, other charitable contributions of $100,000 or more received by Dec. 31. She is co-owner and former president of Tauck World Discovery.
"As a resident of Westport for 25 years and of Weston for 10 years, I believe the new Family Y will be among the most significant community projects in the history of our towns, serving over 8,000 people, from youth to seniors," Tauck said in a statement. "The time is now."
Plans for the new Y include a 102,000-square-foot facility that will occupy 5 acres of the 32-acre Mahackeno property. The remaining 27 acres will remain undeveloped as woodlands and open space, Y officials said.
Groundbreaking is expected to begin in September, and the facility planned to open by late 2014.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to thank our fellow Trustee, Robin Tauck, for her extraordinary gift," said Jim Marpe, chairman of the Family Y Board of Trustees. "Her generosity and leadership reflect the financial and stewardship commitment of all the trustees to building a new facility for the Family Y that will enable it to fulfill its mission for the next 100 years.
"I know that Robin's challenge will inspire the community at large, including businesses and foundations, to give even more generously, now as we move forward with our construction plans. It is truly a legacy investment to our communities."
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