What do sunflowers, a former NFL Commissioner, and the Y have in common? On Thursday, August 22, they were all part of the celebration of the legacy of the Tagliabue family’s long-time stewardship of the Boothbay Region YMCA. The Y dedicated the Tagliabue Studio, a light-filled multi-purpose space that was built during the first phase of A Greater Impact campaign in 2023. The Tagliabue Studio supports a variety of Y programs, including yoga and aerobic classes, Y-Arts rehearsals and performances, LiveStrong programs, and community forums. The Tagliabue Studio is indeed a space that embodies the Y’s principals of healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

Healthy living has always been a priority for Chan and Paul Tagliabue who switched from a daily run to walking together every day starting in 1974. They have busy lives and fitness has always been a priority for them. He and Chan live in Maryland most of the year but are seasonal residents and have been coming to Squirrel Island for fifty-one years. Paul participates in the Y’s “Rock Steady” boxing program twice a week and enjoys the classes and the people he meets. Chan is a big believer in exercise —and it runs in her family. As she shared about organizing her aunt’s recent memorial service in Georgia, “My aunt was 102 when she passed away, but she went to the Y every day to swim and play tennis until she was well into her 90s. She’s a great role model and I personally think that YMCA’s can extend life expectancy for sure!”

In addition to flexing their physical muscles, the Tagliabue’s exercise their philanthropy through their support of a very grateful YMCA. The three generations in their family count the Y among their top philanthropic priorities. Chan and Paul’s son, Drew, who also summers on Squirrel said, “My parents, my sister, and my sister’s children all have a process to discuss organizations that are important to us in the places where we live. The Boothbay Y is a unanimous choice among us because we see what good it is doing in the community. We are so impressed that the Y has offerings for every stage of people’s lives, from the youngest infants at the Child Enrichment Center to the oldest members. We are very happy to support this beautiful space, and this organization, that impacts so many people on the peninsula.”

The Tagliabue family is one of the members of a group of generous donors who have collectively contributed to a matching challenge called Impacting our Next Generation. Drew shared, “One of the reasons that it feels so good to us to support this Y is because all of us in the family are deeply involved in education and we understand first-hand that the Y has an impact on educating young people. We hope that others will join us and support this current project so that we can all be part of making that impact.”

The current and final capital projects include renovations to the Child Enrichment Center and McEvoy Lodge at Camp K—both spaces that support working families and their children. These remaining improvements represent the final phase of The Greater Impact campaign and construction will begin in earnest after the Y completes fundraising. In all, there is only $546,950 remaining—a mere fraction of the Y’s total $14 million in improvements. For those donating to help the Y reach its goal, pledges and gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar. “We

love the Y and appreciate the community of friends we have made every summer,” said Paul, “and we’re glad to be able to support it so that everyone can participate.”

The joy of giving. The generational connection. The willingness to support others. The Tagliabue family are true role models for heart-centered philanthropy.