WESTPORT — The Westport Woman’s Club has raised $300,000 for the town to purchase a new ambulance for the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.

An anonymous member came forward to finish the fundraising drive with a $150,000 contribution this week, after $150,000 was bequeathed to the club through Erhardt Ruegg, who grew up in Westport.

“We wanted to make a big impact for the town,” said Donna Richardson, WWC Community Services chair, explaining that the Ruegg family has a long history of donations to the club through longtime member Lea Ruegg, Erhardt’s mother.

“Mother and son were very close,” she said, noting that Lea joined the WWC in 1976.

“Everyone loved the idea of helping to buy an ambulance, which helps so many in our town,” she said. “Then a member came forward and wanted to give the $150,000, so that the club would buy not half but all of an ambulance.”

The club, which runs the Yankee Doodle Fair and is known for its philanthropic efforts, intends to hold an upcoming celebration soon to honor the contributors.