Clearwater Marine Aquarium Announces $1Million Gift and Major Expansion Plans
(l-r) CMA CEO David Yates, CMA Chairman of the Board Tom Orr, CMA Board Member Frank Chivas and $1 Million Donor Dick Jacobson CLEARWATER - Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is pleased to announce a $1 million matching gift from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation. The money will initially allow CMA to finish its dolphin and turtle stranding rehabilitation areas, and Winter the dolphin's new home. Plans for a major expansion, including the purchase of additional land and the construction of a second facility are also in the works. This is the largest gift in CMA history. "This is a great day in CMA history," said CMA CEO David Yates. "This will allow us to continue to grow our important mission of helping sick or injured marine life. We are very grateful to the Jacobson Foundation for supporting our cause and believing wholeheartedly in our work." The grant is broken down into two parts as follows: $250,000 in two installments ($125,000 each) to be used for capital improvements to animal care, including the completion of Winter's new home, and stranding and turtle rehabilitation areas. o $750,000 for acquisition of the property next door for expanded facility to enhance CMA's mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals and to enhance public education on the preservation of the marine environment. CMA staff and board will raise a minimum of an equal amount of funds committed to by the Jacobson Foundation. Once the funds are raised, the Jacobson Foundation releases its portion of the commitment. Winter's new home will include a 145,000-gallon dolphin pool. She and Panama (her adopted mother) will live in the new pool, but it will also double as a new quarantine pool when stranded marine mammals are brought in. Winter and Panama will be viewable to the public through underwater windows. Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit working animal hospital committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick or injured marine life.
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