2025 IMPACT REPORT STORY

Anthropologist Margaret Mead is often credited with the quote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Mead’s research took her around the globe during the twentieth century, but she just as easily could have been speaking about a group of eleven thoughtful and committed supporters of The Guilford Foundation (TGF) who quietly came together in December 2024 to ensure that the Foundation has a lasting home for the next 50 years and beyond.

Andy Eder doesn’t seek the spotlight, but he did, in fact, host a “small gathering” to discuss the property donated by Ascend Bank (formerly Guilford Savings Bank) and the need to update and adapt the building at 44 Boston Street.

“It can be difficult to raise money for capital improvements when helping the community is the priority,” Eder explains, “but we recognized the need to revitalize the building to meet the expanding demands of the Foundation, and to do it quickly.”

“We first reached out to Joan and Barry Richter and together hatched a plan to gather a dedicated group of donors who have supported TGF for years, knowing they would understand and embrace the need to renovate the building,” Eder recalls.
David Jaffe gave the first donation of $50,000. Within 48 hours, the gathering secured the $230,000 needed to renovate the building and expand the Foundation’s office and meeting space.

“What was amazing to me,” Eder adds, “was the feeling in that room — something I can hardly describe. These were Guilford people who truly care about Guilford and the Foundation’s role in the community. They recognize that we’re all in this together, which is what I love most about this town.”

The timing proved ideal. As TGF prepared to launch its 50th Anniversary Community Campaign in July 2025 with a goal of raising $500,000 to honor five decades of impact and ensure a strong future, the renovation funding provided both momentum and confidence. The upgraded space allowed staff to fully utilize the building during this milestone year of celebration and growth.

“Ascend Bank’s extraordinary gift of 44 Boston Street, combined with the generosity of these 11 donors, gave our Board and staff tremendous confidence as we entered our 50th anniversary year,” said Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of The Guilford Foundation. “It wasn’t just an investment in a building; it was an investment in our capacity to serve this community well into the future.”

The generous donors who made the 44 Boston Street renovation possible include:

• Mary Stevens & Jock Akin
• Eileen & Andrew Eder
• Kristen & Johan Eveland
• Bob Jaeger
• Amy & David Jaffe
• Delaney & Bruce Lundberg
• Martha & Terry Maguire
• Roslyn & Jerry Meyer
• Joan & Barry Richter
• Pamela & Sandy Stoddard
• Town of Guilford