Gifford Celebrates 70 years
Published September, 2024
On Friday, September 13, 2024, The Gifford Foundation held its 70th Anniversary Celebration at Sky Amory in Downtown Syracuse.
Board President Meg Tidd (VIP Structures) kicked off the evening’s program by welcoming attendees and expressing her appreciation for Gifford’s small but mighty staff. Gifford Executive Director Sheena Solomon followed, sharing the Foundation’s notable achievements, including that over the last 70 years it has awarded Gifford has awarded $48,970,000 in grant funds. Gifford Assistant Director Lindsay McClung closed the program by highlighting Gifford’s role in the community today.
The event was attended by Gifford’s community partners, including board members, consultants, community activists, non-profit leaders, local representatives like Mayor Ben Walsh, and more. Two new videos produced by Daylight Blue Productions were debuted at the event. One tells the story of The Gifford Foundation’s history and evolution, and the other illustrates the Foundation’s current mission, outlook, and culture.
Other highlights of the night included spoken word poetry by Ruthnie Angrand, music by the Ener-G Band, desserts by Speech Candy and Crave Dessert Studio, and a photo booth by Image Squad. See below for photos from the evening taken by local photographer Laiza Semidey (Legendary Soul Studio).
