Thompson Center on Lourdes announced the public phase of its $6.5 million Celebrate Life Capital Campaign on December 9 to support the renovation and expansion of their future home at 3000 E College Avenue in Appleton next year.

The Thompson Center is a nonprofit organization providing opportunities for people 50+ to participate and connect through enriching activities. The new 20,000 square foot inclusive space will unite all their programs under one roof featuring six multi-purpose rooms, a welcoming social area, and two pickleball courts designed to better meet the needs of their growing community and more diverse aging population.

Construction work to remodel the space begins January 2, 2025, with completion by early Summer 2025. Thanks to generous community support, $4.5 million has been raised, which includes several grants awarded from charitable funds with the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region. In addition, $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding was awarded from the City of Appleton to support the Thompson Center during its campaign.

Beginning January 16 and continuing for a limited time, every donation, regardless of size, will be a part of a $400,000 matching challenge, thanks to the generous support of Mary Beth Nienhaus, Campaign Champion and Center board member. “I believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting our seniors who have given so much to society,” said Nienhaus. “My deep passion for living an active and full life brings me the joy of seeing smiles on the faces of our seniors every single day.”

Tammy Geenen, Santa, Mary Beth Nienhaus, and Dawn Gohlke

With one in three adults expected to be 55 and older by 2027 in the Fox Cities area, the Thompson Center is a source of companionship, support, and vital resources. Through their key pillars of wellness, education, socialization, and collaboration, activities and programs are directly geared to combat loneliness, depression, and isolation of older adults.

Dawn Gohlke, Executive Director of the Thompson Center, says one of the big issues facing seniors in our community is isolation with 20- 40-percent of older adults considering themselves to be moderately to severely socially isolated. Working with community partners, the Thompson Center leverages a wider range of knowledge, resources, and expertise to help older adults access such things as healthcare resources, learning experiences that are inclusive and relevant to participants, and build connections through social activities, events, and group outings.

“Our community deserves an accessible, inclusive facility where older adults build connections and reimagine aging,” said Gohlke. “As we launch the public phase, we are reaching out to the public for support for the first time. We invite everyone to be part of shaping a bright future for our community. With your support, we can create a space that truly embraces connection, wellness, knowledge and growth for generations to come.”

According to the Administration on Aging, senior centers are community focal points and the foremost source of vital social and wellness support that help older adults remain independent. To learn more about the Thompson Center on Lourdes and support their Celebrate Life Capital Campaign, visit thetcol.org/celebratelife or call 920.939.3088.