The Guilford Foundation (TGF) marked its 50th anniversary with an evening of reflection, celebration, and forward-looking optimism, honoring five decades of strengthening the Guilford community through philanthropy, leadership, and connection.

Fifty and Forward: A Celebration of Impact and Possibility, held at the Guilford Yacht Club on November 13, 2025, brought together supporters, donors, current and former board members, and community partners for a night dedicated to the Foundation’s legacy and future.

A Walk Through 50 Years of Impact
Guests experienced a Story Walk, a visual and narrative journey tracing the Foundation’s milestones from 1975 to today. The installation highlighted significant grants, transformative community partnerships, leadership achievements, and the stories of the seven founders, including Betty Stevens, whose vision and stewardship inspired the Foundation’s creation.

The Story Walk also recognized the vital contributions of past presidents, board chairs, and generations of board members whose leadership shaped the Foundation’s evolution, from its humble beginnings of just $8,500 in assets and $3,000 in grants awarded in 1975 to more than $8 million in assets and nearly $400,000 in annual grants supporting Guilford residents today.

“Our founders planted the seeds, and each generation since has helped this Foundation grow,” said Liza Janssen Petra, Executive Director of TGF. “We honored their vision and celebrated how their advocacy and passion expanded over the years to include diverse causes that enrich the quality of life of our friends and neighbors.”

A Video Tribute to The Guilford Foundation
A newly produced video was shown during the event, featuring donors, board members, and grant recipients reflecting on what makes the Foundation special. Their stories echoed themes of generosity, community connection, and the Foundation’s unique ability to bring people together around causes that matter.

Performances that Spotlight Community and Creativity
The evening included performances by local artists and community members:

• Rachael Allen and the Guilford High School Voices opened the celebration with a moving a cappella performance rooted in community.
• Julie Fitzpatrick, performer and writer, presented an original poem honoring the Foundation’s origin story and its spirit of kindness and compassion.
• Board member Stephanie Little Brown shared her passion for belly dancing, weaving cultural artistry into the evening.
• Russell Kleiner, AW Cox music teacher, and his quartet performed throughout the night, adding a celebratory energy.
• The Wave, a TGF grantee, served gelato, highlighting its vocational training program for young adults with cognitive disabilities.

A Living Legacy: The 50th Anniversary Tree
A Swamp White Oak was planted on the Guilford Green on November 14, 2025, honoring the Foundation’s roots while symbolizing its future. The tree’s story connects back to founder Betty Stevens, whose dedication to restoring the Green’s trees decades ago sparked the idea that grew into The Guilford Foundation.

“This tree represents our past, our present, and the legacy we’re building for the next 50 years,” added Petra. “It’s a symbol of the strong roots we’ve established, and the growth still to come.”

Celebrating a Building, a Vision, and a Community of Supporters
Ascend Bank, formerly GSB, honored the Foundation’s anniversary by gifting TGF the building at 44 Boston Street, which now serves as an accessible and welcoming hub for philanthropy and community collaboration.

In the spring of 2025, the Foundation transformed the space thanks to 10 generous donors who contributed $225,000 toward its renovation. Their support enhanced the Foundation’s efficiency, increased community access, and positioned TGF for the next 50 years of service.

Momentum Toward a $500,000 Anniversary Goal
In recognition of its 50th anniversary, TGF established a goal to raise $500,000 to expand its community impact for the next five decades. With tremendous generosity from supporters, the Foundation is nearing that milestone.

“Giving to The Guilford Foundation is an investment in the quality of life for everyone in our town,” said Board Chair Christopher Hodgson. “We are thrilled by the momentum and fully expect to exceed our goal. Reaching this milestone will jump-start the next five decades of impact, leadership, and community investment.”

Looking Ahead to the Next 50 Years
The anniversary celebration honored both the Foundation’s history and its promise. What began with a simple act of caring has grown into a cornerstone of local philanthropy, connecting people who care with causes that matter and ensuring Guilford remains a vibrant, thriving, and inclusive community.

“A spark ignited in 1975 by forward-thinking neighbors has become a powerful force for good,” Petra shared. “The next 50 years will be defined by the same values that guided our first: generosity, stewardship, and deep love for our community.”

Visit our anniversary page to learn more, click here.