Mary Beth Nienhaus’s $400K challenge match fuels final fundraising push for new Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center
Longtime community champion, Mary Beth Nienhaus, has announced a $400,000 matching gift challenge to help propel the Thompson Center on Lourdes—soon to be named the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center—to the finish line of its $6.5 million capital campaign.
This bold matching challenge means every donation made now will be doubled, dollar-for-dollar, up to $400,000—an opportunity for the community to collectively raise $800,000 in support of the new activity center for adults aged 50 and better. To date, the Thompson Center on Lourdes has raised 75 percent of its $6.5 million goal, thanks to the incredible generosity of community members, donors, and campaign supporters.
“This is more than a building. It’s a place where older adults can connect, belong, and thrive,” said Nienhaus. “I believe in the mission of the Thompson Center and I’m challenging the community to step up and match this gift. Together, we can finish this campaign strong and give older adults in the Fox Cities this place that matches their vibrant lifestyle.”
The MBN Activity Center will be located at 3000 E. College Avenue and will feature pickleball courts, wellness and fitness spaces, tech-equipped classrooms, and flexible gathering areas. These amenities aim to provide older adults with opportunities to stay active, informed, and connected. The new Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center is scheduled to open its doors in June 2025.
“This campaign isn’t just about building a facility,” said Dawn Gohlke, Executive Director of the Thompson Center. “It’s about building a future where our parents, grandparents, neighbors, and friends have a place to belong—a place where they can thrive, connect, and continue living with purpose.”
Since opening, the Thompson Center has welcomed nearly 7,000 registered patrons, offering programs and services designed to fight one of the most serious issues facing older adults: social isolation. Research has linked isolation to increased health risks, including depression, cognitive decline, and higher medical costs.
By 2027, one in three Fox Cities residents will be 55 or older, creating urgent demand for a space that supports community engagement, wellness, and lifelong learning.
All contributions are tax-deductible and can be pledged over the course of up to three years. Donors who give $1,000 or more will be honored on a permanent Donor Wall in the new center.
To learn more or donate, visit www.thetcol.org/celebratelife or contact Dawn Gohlke at [email protected].
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.