February 5, 2021 3:30 a.m. 

The Oregon Coast Aquarium has been awarded a $500,000 challenge grant from the Marcia H. Randall Foundation for Phase 1 of the organization’s capital campaign.

Director of Marketing Julie Woodward said the aquarium will use the grant to construct an admissions annex, remodel and expand the entry, great hall and café, and connect with the new children’s nature play area.

The foundation will match all gifts and pledges made to the construction costs of facility’s masterplan capital campaign from December 1st of last year to March 31st of this year at a 1 to 1 ratio, doubling the impact of each dollar that people donate.

Aquarium President/CEO Carrie Lewis the goal to complete Phase 1 is $5.3 million. So far, $2.3 million has been raised from foundations, businesses, and individuals throughout Oregon and beyond.

Go to www.aquarium.org to make a donation to the campaign.