Horizons receives large donation

May 14—WILLIMANTIC — When the Mansfield Training School, a state- run facility for mentally retarded individuals, closed down in 1993, it was a key moment for then-Gov. Lowell Weicker.

The closure of the state- run facility was prompted by a 1978 federal class action lawsuit filed by the Connecticut Association for Retarded Citizens, who claimed residents were being abused and living in poor conditions.

Weicker's advocacy for intellectually and developmentally- disabled individuals is being recognized through a new facility being built by Horizons.

During the gala on May 7, local philanthropist David Foster announced a $250,000 donation from the Lester E. Foster and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation for the construction of the facility, which will be called the " Lowell P. Weicker Arts and Wellness Center at Horizons."

"David and Marilyn's gift really solidified how much they believe in what we do at Horizons and how much they care about quality programs for people with intellectual disabilities," Horizons founder/ Chief Executive Officer Chris McNaboe said. "It's a huge vote of confidence."

Weicker's wife, Claudia Weicker, and their son, Sonny Weicker, attended the gala, which was called " A Splash with Panache: Together 40 More, Take 2."

The 2020 gala was canceled and the 2021 gala was held virtually.

Weicker was a champion for intellectually and developmentally- disabled people.

In 1975, he passed Public

HORIZON, Page 4

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