Nikki LaFaye, Carver’s Director of Philanthropy, stands (third row, left) with the other 2019 grant recipients
In 2015, the Westport Weston Family YMCA Board of Trustees established the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund to give back to the community and carry forward the legacy of Ruth Bedford. The endowed Fund supports one-year grants to local programs, such as Carver.
Carver has benefited from this grant program since its inception, something for which the we are deeply grateful.
In March of 2015, the Westport Weston Family YMCA received a $5 million gift from the estate of Ruth T. Bedford, which established the new named endowed Fund. 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 allows the YMCA to be a leader in the community and change lives for the next 100 years.
Carver is proud to be named a 2019 grantee along with these other great organizations.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA grant to Carver is building lifetime achievers
A Better Chance of Westport
Achievement First Bridgeport Academy
Adam J Lewis Academy
Carver Foundation of Norwalk
Central CT Coast YMCA
Connect-Us, Inc.
Family & Children’s Agency, Inc.
Hall Neighborhood House
Horizons Greens Farm Academy
Horizons at Sacred Heart University
Human Services Council, Inc.
Kids Empowered by Your Support
LifeBridge Community Services
McGivney Community Center
Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc.
Neighborhood Studios
New Beginning Family Academy
Norwalk Grassroots Tennis & Education
Norwalk Housing Foundation
Project Morry
Riverbrook Regional YMCA
Shepards, Inc.
Silvermine Guild of Artists
Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee, Inc.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Urban Impact of Black Rock, Inc.
Wakeman Memorial Association
