The Canandaigua YMCA has announced a $13.5 million gift from the Sands Family Foundation toward a new facility in the greater Canandaigua community. 

The gift includes $12 million for the construction of the new building, with a 2:1 match for fundraising purposes, and up to $1.5 million in operational support. In recognition of the gift, the facility will be named the Sands Family YMCA.

Marvin Sands, founder of Constellation Brands, donated 13 acres of land to enable the YMCA to remain within the city limits of Canandaigua. Groundbreaking on the 75,000-square-foot facility is expected to take place this spring, and the facility is expected to open in Fall 2023.

“The importance of providing safe outlets for families was something instilled in me by my parents,” said Richard Sands, executive vice chairman of the Constellation Brands board of directors. “That is why we knew it was essential to help with creating a modern-day YMCA to serve Canandaigua families and the greater community.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/recep-bg)