Fund Highlight: Virginia Page – Page Family Fund

As a descendant of one of Branford’s founding fathers, Virginia “Ginny” Page continues a tradition of supporting her hometown with the Virginia Page – Page Family Fund.

Established in 2017, the unrestricted fund will assist BCF in providing a nimble response to emerging community needs. BCF can also combine certain percentages from several different unrestricted funds to create an even bigger charitable impact, Ginny notes.

“This is the fit I was looking for; a fund that can provide for general needs in the community as they arise,” says Ginny.

As president of all-volunteer Branford Historical Society (BHS), Ginny experienced just such a need. In 2016, the society, which had been leasing the historic 1724 Harrison House for over 30 years, was notified the house would be sold. Ginny turned to BCF for help with a fundraising effort to quickly purchase and preserve the iconic red clapboard, which is Branford’s only historic house museum.

BCF responded by issuing a $35,000 challenge grant which was rapidly matched with community contributions. With help from BCF and the community, the society saved the Harrison House.

“When I first started the campaign with the historical society, I didn’t know much about Branford Community Foundation and the kind of impact it has,” says Ginny. “The foundation really stepped up to help the historical society with the purchase of the house and the campaign. It was amazing.”

When it came time to chart her own philanthropic course, Ginny turned to BCF to establish a legacy fund.

“I was drawn to do this because of the impact I see that Branford Community Foundation has in the community,” says Ginny.

For over 370 years, many Page family members have contributed to Branford’s betterment. As a Branford native and lifelong resident, Ginny says she’s honored to have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps.

“The Page name goes back to 1645 in Branford, with George Page. I’m just one small branch of the Page tree. I wanted to set this fund up not only for my branch, but for the whole family tree,” says Ginny. “My ancestors were a part of settling Branford, and I hope that this fund will continue to be a part of keeping Branford strong and vibrant.”