We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you!
The Givens Communities Philanthropy Department is proud to announce that the Givens Highland Farms Brookside Life Enrichment Center is now fully funded! Thanks to your incredible generosity and support from our community, we reached our fundraising goal of $800,000 last week.
Fundraising began in March of 2024, and we are especially grateful to the Givens Highland Farm Resident Association Council, which provided a $400,000 matching gift toward the initial funding of the Life Enrichment Center. Their dedication, alongside the support and contributions of residents and vendors, made this dream a reality and we couldn’t be more thankful!
Givens Highland Farms received the building permit on April 14, 2025, and construction began shortly thereafter. With this milestone achieved, we’re now moving into the final stage of construction to bring this beautiful new space to life.
The Brookside Life Enrichment Center will be a multipurpose gathering space designed with residents in mind as a place to connect, learn, celebrate, and relax. The space will feature a 60-seat meeting and classroom area (also known as the “Brookside Center”) equipped with a large LED screen, sound system, and hearing aid loop. It will also include a spacious art studio with its own large screen TV, two public restrooms, a kitchenette for light refreshments, and a cozy living room-style area for casual gatherings and relaxation.
Jennifer Trent, Resident Services Director, shared her enthusiasm:
“The Life Enrichment Center will hold endless possibilities with programming including New Horizons classes, art classes, parties, or just relaxing in the living room space watching a ballgame with other residents.”
Jennifer has also been exploring furnishing ideas to make the space both comfortable and beautiful, ensuring it feels like a true extension of home.
Jim Boyer, Facility Services Director, expressed his excitement:
“I’m thrilled that we have reached our goal! I’m hoping to complete construction before Thanksgiving, use the month of December for outfitting furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and have the space ready to function in January. We previously had a similar room known as the Brookside Center in a building, nearly on this same spot, that was demolished to build the new Brookside Commons Building. This room will replace the one we have done without for the past 3-1/2 years.”
Brian Guengerich, VP of Philanthropy, shared his gratitude:
“I am so thrilled to celebrate with you all the completion of $800,000 campaign for the Brookside Life Enrichment Center! I am so grateful for incredible generosity, dedication, and support of our residents, the resident council, and friends who believed in the vision of enhancing community life at Highland Farms. This space will not only enrich daily experiences, but it will also provide opportunities for learning, wellness, and joy for so many more years to come. Thank you for your generosity, your patience, and your trust in making this campaign a success.
Brian continued, “I would like to personally thank Ken Kramer for his persistence and commitment to Highland Farms and this project. I would also like to thank all who sat on the Resident Council for their vision, commitment, and financial support to get this campaign off the ground. I truly believe this will honor both donors of the past and current donors for years to come!”
This achievement is a testament to the power of community and the shared vision we all hold for enriching life on campus. Thank you for being part of this journey. We can’t wait to celebrate together in the new Life Enrichment Center!
With deep gratitude,
The Givens Communities Philanthropy Team