Appleton Downtown, Inc., along with its 501(c)(3) affiliate, Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc. is excited to announce the launch of a fundraising campaign to refurbish and maintain the iconic Avenue of Angels decorations on College Avenue. The beloved tradition of displaying the angels in the intersections and on the street posts down College Avenue brightens Downtown Appleton and brings joy to residents and visitors. The angels now need community support to ensure the legacy lives on.
About the “Avenue of Angels”
The Avenue of Angels is a cherished holiday display that transforms College Avenue into a magical place during the holiday season, from November to January. With beautifully crafted, angelic decorations and sparkling lights, this display has become an essential part of Downtown Appleton’s holiday celebrations. However, after years of use, the decorations have once again begun to show signs of wear and tear, and the maintenance costs have increased.
The Avenue of Angels have adorned College Avenue for 65 years. The angels have been refurbished and replaced several times throughout the years; even taking a 13-year hiatus before being brought back to life after an extensive fundraising effort in 1990. In 2002, it was once again time to address the maintenance of the angels. Philanthropist, Frances Burstein, stepped in to donate $30,000 to the refurbishing efforts.
Dr. Penny Krampien, the daughter of the late Frances Burstein still feels the magic of the angels and the legacy that her mother left behind, “There isn’t a day that goes by when the angels are up that my friends and acquaintances or those who knew my mom don’t say how much they love the angels and how they can’t imagine Appleton without them” says Krampien. “Many people will tell me that they always think of my mom when looking at the angels and how she was willing to do whatever it took to keep them when they were in jeopardy in the early 2000’s. I recall during interviews with my mom shortly after her donation and many people were referring to her as an angel herself and her response was… “ohhhh noooo! I am just a friend to the angels”.”
Since 2003 we have continued to attempt to maintain the angels’ beauty. Since then, Appleton Downtown, Inc. (ADI) has helped maintain and repair the angels and partners with the City of Appleton for installation.
“For generations, the Avenue of Angels has illuminated Downtown Appleton with the warm glow of memories.” said Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director for Appleton Downtown, Inc. “This cherished tradition is more than just holiday décor; it’s a legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit of this one great place we call home.”
Why We Need Your Help
To preserve this beloved tradition and ensure their beauty for years to come, Appleton Downtown, Inc. & Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc. are launching a community-driven fundraising campaign called, Avenue of Angels Legacy Fund. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to refurbish the existing decorations and cover ongoing maintenance and storage costs. Your generous contributions will help us:
- Replace two sets of angels at the intersections of Appleton Street and Oneida Street
- Testing of the anchors and cables to ensure the safety and durability of the displays
- Replacing the pole angels garland and bulbs as needed
- Additional storage facility
- Ongoing storage and maintenance fees
How You Can Contribute
An anonymous donor has offered to provide us with a $25,000 match, so we’re relying on the generosity of the community to come together to raise $25,000 in 25 days so that we can receive the full match.
Visit our website to donate directly to our fundraiser through PayPal: https://appletondowntown.org/avenue-of-angels/
“The support of the community will be critical to reach our goal.” said Jennifer Stephany, Executive Director with Appleton Downtown, Inc. “Maintaining this tradition is important to Downtown and to the Fox Cities. We are optimistic the community will respond. Together, let’s keep the “Avenue of Angels” shining bright!”
For more information, contact Appleton Downtown, Inc. Marketing Director, Abby Novak, by calling 920-954-9112, or email [email protected]. Jennifer Stephany will be available for media interviews on Monday, January 13 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., please contact Abby directly to set up.
Media Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1TaBcSKLDEqL_PmRjinF_Ne2A1T8ri5h?usp=drive_link
ADI is a non-profit advocacy source for the businesses and merchants of Downtown Appleton, presenting the weekly Downtown Appleton Farm Market and a host of other events. For more information about ADI and/or a complete listing of upcoming Downtown happenings, visit ADI’s website, www.appletondowntown.org, or check them out on Facebook at the Appleton Downtown.
