Beyond Words Capital Campaign Launches with $1,658,200 and a $700,000 Pooled Challenge Gift to Build New Fall Creek Public Library & Village Center

Fall Creek, WI – The Beyond Words Capital Campaign officially launched its $3.75M capital campaign on May 8 at the Fall Creek Fire Station, marking a significant milestone in the journey to build the Fall Creek Public Library & Village Center. The new facility will house the Fall Creek Public Library, Village offices, an outdoor amphitheater, programming area and public meeting spaces, serving as a vital community hub for future generations.

A highlight of the event was the announcement of a $700,000 pooled challenge gift from several major donors aimed at accelerating fundraising efforts and encouraging community participation.

Since the campaign’s silent phase began early in 2025, volunteers have secured $1,658,200M in pledges and gifts and a $4.25 million Flexible Facilities Grant, bringing them closer to their overall $8 million goal.

“This campaign is about more than raising funds; it’s about building a community treasure,” said Richard Ziemann, Campaign Co-Chair. “Every contribution helps create a space where our community can connect, learn, and thrive.”

The launch event welcomed guests who gathered in support of the project and the future of Fall Creek.

Pooled Challenge Gift Announcement

During the program, John Kuehn, Library Board President and Campaign Co-Chair, unveiled the $700,000 Pooled Challenge Gifts and encouraged community members to maximize their impact.

“Generous donors are challenging others to step up by offering a pooled gift challenge match, up to $700,000,” said Kuehn. “Every gift made by August 8—whether a one-time donation or a pledge over three years—will be able to have double the impact.”

The Beyond Words Capital Campaign will fund the complete construction and development of the Fall Creek Public Library & Village Center, with key budget allocations as follows:

• $6.125 million – Building Construction

• $625,000 – Site work

• $450,000 – Design Costs

• $425,000 – Library Fixtures, Furnishings, & Equipment (FFE)

• $85,000 – Village Center Fixtures, Furnishings, & Equipment (FFE)

According to Karen Strasburg, campaign co-chair, “With strong momentum following the campaign launch, we are optimistic about reaching our fundraising goals, which is required under stipulations from the $4.25M grant by the state.”

Jared McKee, Village Administrator, emphasized the importance of community support, “We are incredibly grateful to the donors and supporters who have already contributed to the Beyond Words Capital Campaign. If you haven’t yet, now is the time—let’s make the most of this incredible pooled challenge gift and bring this monumental change for our village and the area.”

WEAU

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Crescendo Fundraising Professionals has been honored to be part of this project. If you’d like to learn more about how Crescendo Fundraising Professionals can support your nonprofit organization or municipality, feel free to contact us at ellen@crescendollp.com or 507-459-1989. Or, visit our website, crescendoconsultingllp.com.