Gratitude in Ridgefield is more than a passing feeling. It is part of the rhythm of life here, as familiar as the glow of storefronts along Main Street on a winter evening or the voices of neighbors greeting one another at the market. It lives in the small gestures that bind us together and in the traditions that make this town feel like home.
At Founders Hall, gratitude is something we see every day. It is in the curiosity of our members, the care of our staff, and the extraordinary generosity of those who support our mission. As the season of thankfulness arrives, we reflect on the way our community has shaped us, and how Founders Hall, in turn, has become an essential part of Ridgefield’s story.
It all begins with our members. Founders Hall is Ridgefield’s own campus for lifelong learning, a place where adults 60 and older expand their minds, strengthen their bodies, explore creative passions, and form lasting friendships. Their resilience and curiosity bring life to every class, lecture, and concert.
We are equally grateful for our staff. They do far more than plan programs—they create an atmosphere where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Their dedication transforms classrooms into communities and activities into experiences.
A remarkable part of the Founders Hall story is accessibility. There is no membership fee, and thanks to the generosity of donors, 70 percent of program costs are covered. This support ensures that programs remain affordable and open to all. Again and again, members not only benefit from Founders Hall but also give back to it, stepping forward as volunteers, donors, and even instructors. That circle of giving is gratitude in action.
One member, Carolyn McAdams, shares her story:
“When my husband of 56 years was hospitalized for what I did not expect would be his last month of life, my sons encouraged me to attend my evening Founders Hall music class with Michael Lankester. They felt their dad would have wanted me to go, and they were right. Michael’s class helped me navigate this life crisis. I am thankful for the Founders Hall community.”
Our gratitude extends to Ridgefield itself. The town recognizes that Founders Hall is not just a resource but also a gathering place and an economic driver. Families move here knowing Ridgefield offers something rare: a welcoming home for parents, grandparents, and future generations alike. Businesses thrive when newcomers are drawn to a community that values every age.
Each year, the Town of Ridgefield affirms this commitment with a generous contribution that sustains our programs.
“Founders Hall is a jewel in Ridgefield,” says Rudy Marconi, First Selectperson of Ridgefield. “It enriches the lives of older residents while strengthening the fabric of our entire town. When you support Founders Hall, you are not only helping their members, you are investing in the kind of community that makes Ridgefield so special.”
Partnerships with local organizations also deepen our impact. Founders Hall does not stand alone. Collaborations with Ridgefield nonprofits and businesses bring experiences that connect people across generations.
A favorite example is the upcoming Founders Hall-iday Light Fight on December 5–14, 2025, our annual holiday tradition that has quickly become a highlight of the season. Families pile into cars, map in hand, to drive through town admiring the creativity of their neighbors. Children gaze wide-eyed at the lights while grandparents share stories of holidays past and join in the wonder.
Donations from votes go directly toward sustaining our mission. The Light Fight is more than a festive event; it is a reflection of Ridgefield’s generosity, spirit, and community pride. This year, we invite households to light up their homes for this community event or businesses to join as sponsors. To participate or sponsor, please contact our Director of Philanthropy, Stephanie Campbell, at stephanie@founders-hall.org.
Other events, like Ridgefield Night Out, connect us to the community in equally powerful ways. These evenings bring together a local restaurant, another nonprofit partner, and Founders Hall for food, fellowship, and purpose. Collaborations with Gallo and The Ridgefield Playhouse, The Benjamin and The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, and 850 Wood Fired Pizza with The Ridgefield Historical Society have all shown that partnerships enrich not only Founders Hall but Ridgefield itself.
None of this would have been possible without the vision of our founders, Steven and Liz Goldstone and John and Elanie Couri. In 2002, they imagined a place where older adults could continue to learn, create, and connect. More than twenty years later, that vision has grown into something extraordinary. Their foresight created a space that Ridgefield has not only embraced but elevated.
“Founders Hall has far surpassed what any of us originally envisioned,” shares Steven Goldstone. “It has been a privilege to witness the profound positive impact it has had on our Town.”
Founders Hall today is a testament to what can happen when vision meets generosity, when individuals invest in something larger than themselves, and when a community responds with gratitude. As we look ahead, we ask you to keep us in mind this December 2 for Giving Tuesday. Every gift, no matter the size, helps support our mission. We invite you to save a place for Founders Hall in your giving plans and make your donation through our website.
At Founders Hall, we live by four guiding principles: learn, live well, create, connect. These are more than pillars. They are a promise to our members and to the town we proudly serve. Ridgefield is at its best when we come together, across generations, to learn from one another, to care for one another, and to give thanks for the community we share.
This is Founders Hall. This is Ridgefield. And for all of it, we are deeply grateful.
“Founders Hall is a jewel in Ridgefield. It enriches the lives of older residents while strengthening the fabric of our entire town.” — Rudy Marconi, First Selectperson of Ridgefield