A Half-Century of Dedication
Friends of the Parks (FOTP), an organization dedicated to preserving, protecting, and enhancing public spaces, is proud to commemorate its 50th anniversary with the launch of the campaign “Branch Out & Grow.” Since 1975, FOTP has been deeply rooted in communities, fostering connections to nature while advocating for equitable access to green spaces.
For 50 years, Friends of the Parks has been steadfast in its vision of a well-balanced park system to advance the individual, community, public, ecological and economic health and well-being of our city. FOTP has spearheaded countless initiatives to protect our lakefront, ensure park equity throughout all 77 community areas in Chicago, and serve as the community voice for our parks.
The Vision Behind “Branch Out & Grow”
The 50th Anniversary Campaign, “Branch Out & Grow,” symbolizes the growth and expansion of the organization’s mission. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and policymakers to come together to plant the seeds for a greener, more inclusive future. “Branch Out & Grow” is more than a celebration; it is a movement that looks forward while honoring the foundations laid over 50 years.
Branching Out: A Call for Support
The success of “Branch Out & Grow” depends on the collective efforts of ALL of us who value the importance of public spaces. Together, we can ensure that Friends of the Parks continues its role as the community voice for our parks for generations to come. We invite you to join us in supporting our parks by becoming a Branch Out & Grow sponsor.
Become a sponsor!
Our 50th Anniversary Campaign is both a celebration and a call to action. It honors our roots while planting seeds for a greener, more inclusive future. With your support, we can strengthen our work and ensure that parks remain a vital resource for future generations.
Email branchout@fotp.org to learn more about becoming a Branch Out & Grow sponsor.
Thank you to our generous Branch Out & Grow Sponsors
Canopy Circle $50,000 or Above
Robert Feitler
Susan Schwartz
Pathway Leader $25,000 - Above
Lauren Moltz and John Clement
Dellora A. and Lester J. Norris Foundation
Leaf Sponsor $10,000 - Above
Fred Bates and Ellen Benjamin
Nancy Juda and Jens Brasch
Alicia Pond
Bench Sponsor $5,000 - Above
Anonymous
Faye Blake
Root Sponsor $2,500 - Above
Jim Clement
Linda Corby and Frank Beal
Thurman Foreman
Bronwyn Nichols Lodato
David and Judith Sensibar
Deborah and Harvey Strauss
Seed Sponsor $1,000 - Above
Pat Ballman
DuSable Heritage Association
Diane Heller
Chevy Humphrey
Jewell Events Catering
Pete Leki
Sheldon Lyke
Troy McMillan
Brenda Nelms and John Craig
Franklin Nussbaum
Janet Reali
Revolution Brewing - Brewery & Taproom
*as of 10/30/2025
A Year to Bloom!
The Anniversary celebrations will span from August 2025 to May 2026 and feature a series of events aimed at engaging the public and honoring longstanding advocates of the park’s movement. Key events include:
Winter Social | Tuesday, December 9, 2025
5:30 - 7:30pm
Revolution Brewing, 3340 N. Kedzie Ave.
Join us at this fun, festive, and inclusive fundraiser for the entire Friends of the Parks community.
Learn more about this event and register!
Grow & Glow | May 28, 2026
Come party with us at this annual event to celebrate who we are and what we do.
We will release our city-wide platform for our parks and green spaces in April. Watch this space for more information about our event!
Looking to the Future
As Friends of the Parks embarks on its next chapter, the “Branch Out & Grow” campaign is a reminder of the transformative power of community and collective action. By investing in parks, the organization also invests in stronger communities and a healthier planet.
Join Friends of the Parks as we celebrate our 50 years and take the first steps toward an even greener future. Together, let’s branch out and grow!
For more information contact branchout@fotp.org