GoFundMe Page Launched for Renovations to Westport's Toquet Hall

WESTPORT, CT - Toquet Hall, Westport's teen-created student coffeehouse, has launched a GoFundMe page to raise funds to help pay for renovations to the facility, located at 58 Post Road East.

As of June 7, just over a week since the page went live, it has raised $1,050 toward a goal of $35,000. To help spur more donations, the Toquet Hall Enhancement Group of the Westport Downtown Plan Implementation Committee and Toquet Hall Teen Governing Boards will host another public open house at the center on Saturday, June 18, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The two groups were scheduled to host an open house on May 30 just after the town's Memorial Day festivities, some of which was rained out.

As listed on the GoFundMe page, the renovations to the center include:

1) Rehabilitate the stage and construct steps from it in order to reduce noise impacts to the retail space downstairs

2) Put down gym-style flooring to help with overall acoustics and reduce noise impacts to retail neighbors

3) Renovate the current snack bar by improving the flooring, adding appliances, and updating the plumbing and electrical to allow for a greater choice of refreshments such as french fries and smoothies

4) Build a storage closet above the stairs, which will help to maximize space on stage for more musical performances, movies and plays

5) Improve signage in alleyway leading to Toquet Hall to improve access and visibility

Westport Youth Services Program Director Kevin Godburn said in a statement, “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s initiatives and excited to work with the community to make these enhancements a reality for our students.”

Photo of Toquet Hall via GoFundMe