Maine Winter Sports Center Announces Major Gift

A Presque Isle native has given a gift to the Maine Winter Sports Center that, if matched, could generate up to $900,000 to see programs continue.

Mary Smith, who now lives in California, has offered a $100,000 gift and an additional $400,000 matching grant, according to MWSC President and CEO Andy Shepard.

"The steps are now in place to secure operations for next year," said Shepard. "While this is a critical first step, it is just that-a first step. Mary is hoping this gift will encourage the entire state of Maine to embrace the importance of what we do and to understand that our future success will depend on a lot of helping hands. We will need to secure the matching gifts in the next 2 months to get the job done."

Earlier this month, the Maine Winter Sports Center announced a reorganization that would require it to secure a new source of funding for its programs beyond April 30.

"The Libra Foundation has been a remarkable partner for 15 years," said  Shepard. "The legacy of that support can be seen in the world-class venues that continue to bring the world to Maine and in the world-class programs that are impacting thousands of kids and their families across the state. The time has come for Libra to focus on other initiatives around the state and for the MWSC to define a new funding model for our programming. Mary's remarkable gift is a major step in that direction."

Brian Hamel, Chairman of the MWSC board said, "We are extremely grateful to have had an opportunity to work closely with the Libra Foundation over the years and thank them for putting us in a position to succeed in the future. Thank you also to Mary Smith for allowing us to take the next step in ensuring our programs will benefit Maine families for generations to come."

Smith has made other significant gifts within the Presque Isle area over the years, including the soon-to-be-completed construction of Northern Maine Community College's Rodney Smith Wellness Center. The Center is named in honor of Smith's late husband, a pioneer in the semiconductor industry.

If you would like to help the Maine Winter Sports Center in its fundraising effort, please contact Andy Shepard at 207-232-3304, or go to this link to donate: http://goo.gl/Hsk30k