For Dan, retirement wasn’t
what he expected. After decades in construction and raising a family, he found himself adrift—bored, isolated, and unsure of what was next. That changed when he walked into the Thompson Center on Lourdes, soon to be known as the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center.
What started as a hobby, restoring antique clocks, led Dan to join a woodcarving class at the Center. That one decision reignited a childhood passion and gave him an environment where he could continue to refine his skills. Today, he shares his growing talent with his grandchildren, his aging father, and fellow community members.
Dan’s story is just one example of how the Thompson Center transforms lives every day by offering older adults the opportunity to connect, grow, and rediscover purpose.
Now, the Center is calling on the community to help make even more stories like Dan’s possible and reduce isolation for our older community members.
The Thompson Center on Lourdes is raising $6.5 million to create a new, state-of-the-art activity center for adults 50+ in the Fox Cities and has raised 80 percent of its capital campaign goal and just over 50 percent of the $400,000 matching gift challenge issued by campaign champion Mary Beth Nienhaus.
The new Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center is designed specifically to serve the rapidly growing senior population in the region, which is expected to be one in three residents by 2027. Scheduled to open in June 2025, the new facility will feature:
Social isolation among older adults is more than a quality-of-life issue. It’s a serious public health concern. Studies have shown that isolation and loneliness are linked to:
To help fuel this next chapter, campaign champion Mary Beth Nienhaus has pledged $2 million, including a $400,000 matching challenge now underway. Every gift made now will be matched dollar-for-dollar—doubling the impact.
“Dan’s story is what this campaign is all about,” said Executive Director Dawn Gohlke. “It’s about giving our older community members a place that is just as vibrant as they are. A place to laugh, learn, move, and connect. A place that fosters friendships and nurtures interests.”
Donations are tax-deductible and can be pledged over up to three years. Gifts of $1,000 or more will be permanently recognized on a Donor Wall in the new facility.
To learn more or make a gift to the campaign, visit www.thetcol.org/celebratelife or contact Executive Director, Dawn Gohlke, at (920) 939-3088 or dawn@thetcol.org.
About the Thompson Center on Lourdes:
The Thompson Center on Lourdes, soon to be the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center, is a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities for adults 50+ to stay socially, physically, and intellectually active. With a mission to help older adults live well and stay connected, the center offers programs that promote wellness, lifelong learning, and community engagement. To learn more, visit their website at www.thetcol.org or follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn.
