Major push to raise remaining funds for 3Stage Expansion Project begins

By Executive Director Brent Frankenhoff

As you’ll read in our “Year in Review” story elsewhere in this issue, 2024 was a busy, productive year for the Jensen Community Center. Beyond all of the events and activities, the Center launched a capital campaign to fund the 3Stage Expansion Project. With the generous help of businesses and individuals in the Tomorrow River and surrounding communities, the first two stages of the project — the International Bank of Amherst Terrace and a fire alarm and sprinkler system, respectively — were fully funded by year’s end! The terrace construction was completed in October with a ribbon cutting held November 13. The fire alarm and sprinkler system installation is underway and expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025.

Funding for Stage 3 of the project — additional space added to the stage in our theater as well as additional storage areas — recently received a boost from the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, who awarded the Center a $25,000 Major Projects Grant.

Jensen Center Board of Directors President Sandra Lynne Schmutzler said, “This grant will allow us to move forward with the last stage of the 3Stage Expansion Project and lends greater credibility to our enhancement project and its donors.”

Community Foundation Board Member and Grants Committee Chair Rachel Pekowsky said, “I am very excited to see the Community Foundation having the opportunity to partner with the Jensen Center because it allows them to meet their goals and help the communities they serve. The major grant cycle really allows the community members and organizations a voice in where the funds are best used. As a grant committee member, it is so rewarding to be a part of the process and see those organizations continue to grow and make a positive impact in the community.”

Plans are in development for this final part of the 3Stage Expansion Project, and having the funds available or pledged to this phase will be instrumental in determining the scope of the final design and our timeline. Fulfilling the basic needs of the theater include a 24-foot by 24-foot extension of the west wing of the stage, which is currently only approximately eight feet deep, allowing more performers and props to be in that area; a 12-foot wide by 70-foot long “passageway” on the north side of the theater for easier, discrete movement of performers from one side of the stage to the other; and an additional 24-foot by 24-foot storage area on the west side of the building to accommodate other theater and soccer items.

With these updates to the Center, we expect to increase rentals, events, and activities.

The community’s financial support for the first two phases of the project has shown how strongly committed the area is to the Jensen Center’s mission to enrich our community by providing opportunities for all individuals to connect, learn, and grow through diverse and engaging activities, programs, and events.

Additional financial support in any amount is needed to complete this final phase of the project, and all donations are appreciated. Donors who wish to be acknowledged publicly are listed on our Gratitude List in each issue of the Spirit, and those donating $1,000 or more over the two-year capital campaign will be listed on a permanent recognition wall near the terrace after the projects are complete. Levels of giving can be increased by cumulative donations over the course of the fundraising, which is scheduled to end later in 2025. For more information, visit the Jensen Center’s website at jensencenter.org or call (715) 824-5202.

The 3Stage Expansion Project’s funding progress thermometer continues to fill.

Plans for Stage 3 of the expansion project show the three separate areas to be attached to the existing stage area and an exterior view of what the completed expansion will look like on the northwest corner of the Center.