Westport Weston Family YMCA Announces

In March of 2015, the Westport Weston Family YMCA received a very generous gift from the estate of Ruth T. Bedford. Ms. Bedford, a YMCA trustee emeritus, a philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the YMCA continued the family legacy with her gift. Her grandfather, Edward T. Bedford, established the first Westport YMCA in 1923. In 1944, Edward’s son, Frederick T. Bedford and his wife (Ruth’s parents) provided the funding that made it possible to buy Camp Mahackeno, the YMCA’s summer day camp where the current facility is located. Ms. Bedford was instrumental in helping the YMCA to renovate and expand its original downtown Westport location during the 1980s. Ms. Bedford’s gift will continue to allow the YMCA to be a leader in the community and change lives for the next 100 years.

In 2015, the YMCA Board of Trustees established the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund (the “Fund”) to give back to the community and carry forward the legacy of Ruth Bedford. The initial endowment of the Fund was $5 million and earnings from this endowment will support one-year grants to one or more local programs, which will be selected through an annual grant process.

The purpose of the Fund is to provide grants to organizations that focus on closing the “achievement gap” in education. Grants are intended to enhance educational opportunities in a transformational way and, as a result, may include a wide range of programs.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is excited to announce that the 1st Annual grants will be distributed in December of 2016. Organizations that are a 501 (c)(3) and located in Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk or Wilton can apply by completing the grant application by September 23, 2016.

For additional information, please visit the Westport Weston Family YMCA website at http://westporty.org/our-focus/bedford-family-social-responsibility-fund/. To apply, fill out the BRSRF Preliminary Grant Application, located at the bottom of the page, save it and email it together with all attachments to bfsrf@westporty.org.

About the Westport Weston Family YMCA
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization that enriches the community by developing and nurturing the potential of every child, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The Family YMCA emphasizes the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in its programs and services. An affiliate of the YMCA of the USA, the Westport Weston Family YMCA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of community volunteers. As a private nonprofit serving a public purpose, the YMCA endeavors to provide financial assistance to those who qualify. For more information, please visit www.westporty.org.

Contact:
Pat Riemersma
CEO
(203)226-8985 x107

priemersma@westporty.org