AVENUE OF ANGELS LEGACY FUNDRAISER
History
When most people think of the holidays in Downtown Appleton they picture shopping for the perfect gift, watching the Christmas Parade with friends and family and of course, the Avenue of Angels.
For 65 years, the Avenue of Angels has been a radiant symbol of joy and togetherness in Downtown Appleton, delighting residents and visitors alike. This beloved tradition began in 1960 when the angelic light displays first adorned College Avenue, creating a magical atmosphere that brought the community together during the holiday season. During their initial reign, the Angels were refurbished once, but after further repairs were needed it was decided that a change was needed. The Angels were sold in 1978 and the community replaced them with candle decorations.
After a 13 year absence, the Christmas Lights committee along with the community decided that the candles didn’t have the same charisma that the Angels did, and they needed to bring them back. After extensive fundraising efforts, the angels were brought back in 1990 just in time for the Christmas Parade.
For over 10 years the angels shined bright on our community during the holiday season. In 2006, the Angels faced another budget problem and a guardian angel in her own nature, Frances Burstein, graciously donated the money to have the angels renovated. Minor repairs and new cables followed in 2011, and in 2015, the decorations received an energy-efficient LED lighting upgrade. The display expanded further with the Superior Street intersection set in 2016. In 2019, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to raise funds for the angels hung at the intersection of Morrison and College. This effort was spearheaded by Jeff Geiger and his wife Lisa Geiger and their love for Downtown Appleton, the angels, and their personal connection to the community.
How You Can Help Keep the Legacy Alive
Generations of families have strolled beneath the angels’ glow, making memories that last a lifetime. From festive outings to quiet moments of reflection, the Avenue of Angels has become a treasured part of our community’s history and holiday celebrations. However, as history has predicted, time has taken its toll, and these iconic displays now require repairs, updates, and ongoing maintenance to preserve their beauty.
Since their creation, the Avenue of Angels relied on the generous support of our community to keep the tradition alive, and we asked for the community’s help to preserve their legacy.
To protect this beloved tradition, maintain the angels, and ensure their beauty for years to come, Appleton Downtown, Inc. and Creative Downtown Appleton, Inc.—the organizations that owned and managed the angels—launched a community-driven fundraising campaign called the Avenue of Angels Legacy Fund in January 2025. The goal was to raise $50,000 to refurbish the existing decorations and cover ongoing maintenance and storage costs.
Community contributions helped us:
- Replace two sets of angels at the intersections of Appleton Street and Oneida Street
- Test the anchors and cables to ensure the safety and durability of the displays
- Secure additional storage space
- Cover ongoing storage and maintenance fees
This campaign honored the history, love, and community spirit that kept this tradition glowing for more than six decades. Together, we ensured the Avenue of Angels continued to light up Downtown Appleton—and our hearts—every holiday season.
Thank You to our Generous Donors!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has donated and helped spread the word about the Avenue of Angels Legacy Fund! Below is a list of donors who have generously contributed, alongside many others who have chosen to give anonymously. Your support is what makes this effort possible—thank you for helping us keep this beloved tradition alive!
- Aaron Nagler
- Abby Geenen
- Abby and Andy Novak
- Addis Hilliker Charitable Fund
- Amanda Furman Real Estate, LLC
- Amy Ramponi
- Amy Stedjee
- Angelo Ninivaggi
- Bradford Smith
- Bryant Hintz
- Cari Hopfensperger
- Carol Beard
- Carol Jahnke
- Catherine Brandt
- Charles Heeter
- Cheryl Konkol-Broullire
- Chris Ruchala
- Christina Skowen
- Christopher Allen
- Christopher Gugala
- Crystal Mantzke
- Curt and Melissa Detjen Fund
- Daniel Jozwiak
- Daniel Wessel
- Dan Van Daalwyk
- Dannus Bowman
- David Blatecky
- Dawn Bedient
- Deborah Wetter
- Denise Fenton
- Diane De Roos Bassage
- Elizabeth Mullaney
- Emily Gilbert
- Emily Jenks
- Endres Family Charitable Fund
- Erin Chudacoff
- Farmer Family
- Fawn Rogers
- Fred Panzer and Sandra Langenberg-Panzer
- Gary Dusso
- Gerald & Diane Putzer Family Fund
- Grace Anderson
- Holly Bolton
- Heidi Houk
- Heidi Struensee
- Jan Lucht
- Janet McIntyre
- Jeanne Kanyuh
- Jeff Geiger
- Jennifer Semrau
- Jennifer Stephany
- Jennifer Vander Linden
- Joanne Betke
- Jodi Ann Lavarda
- Joe Lambie
- John and Joyce Green
- Jon Jansen
- Jon Searles
- Joshua Schubring
- Julie Daley
- Karen Bachhuber
- Karen Cannizzo
- Katherine Chicquette
- Kathi Seifert
- Kathleen Ceman
- Kathryn Stadler
- Kathryn and Michelle Zivicki
- Kay Knuth
- Kelly Baier
- Kevin Kaufman
- Kim Mauthe
- Kolby Knuth
- Kristin Alfheim
- Lance Crane
- Laura Henke
- Laura Leininger
- Laura Vargosko
- Lawrence Donatelle
- Lisa Koel
- Lisa Staral
- Lorraine Phelps
- Louise Otis Family
- Marilyn Ossian
- Mary Kremer
- Michael Garvey
- Michelle Paltzer
- Michel and Susan Otto
- Noel and Lou Ann Holinbeck
- Page Adgani
- Paula Hoglund
- Paula Meyer
- Patricia Stephenson
- Patti Meiers
- Dr. Penny Krampien
- Rachael Cabral-Guevara
- Raymond Germonprez
- Rebecca and Jeffrey Esker
- Renee Torzala
- Rick Heinritz
- Rita McComber
- Robert Davis
- Sandra Fontecchio
- Dr. Sandra Mills
- Sandra Sutta
- Sara Rabideau
- Sarah Raasch
- Samantha Zinth
- Schuh Family Giving Fund
- Sheri Fetting
- Susan Marotz
- Susan Wildt
- Tammi & Joe Lambie
- Thomas Sutter
- Tierney Mader
- Tim Bartelt
- Todd & DeDe Heid Family
- Tom Klister
- Tracy Murray
- William Harke
- Willard Jabas