WI-FI UPGRADE FUNDRAISER

In early 2022 the Pines Village campus will connect to NITCO’s 100% Fiber Internet with Gigabit speeds. The result will be super-fast, free, reliable, and uninterrupted internet access for all residents and guests to our campus. You can help keep older adults engaged and connected to technology advancements that enhance their lives now and into the future.

This major internet infrastructure upgrade is projected to cost $150,000.  Our goal is to offset some costs through community grants, fundraising, and participating in #GivingTuesday, with Pines Village covering the remaining expense.  

The pandemic challenged us in many ways that drove us to be stronger, nimbler, and adaptable to keep residents, staff, and visitors safe. 

Globally, an unprecedented shift in how we connected with one another unfolded. Doctor visits evolved to telehealth, family dinners became Zoom dates, phone calls became FaceTimes, our Netflix and Hulu consumption increased, and we were generally spending more time online, be it on our phones, laptops, tablet, smart TVs, etc.  

Residents followed this trend. The free, public Wi-Fi that Pines Village offered couldn't handle the bandwidth of everyone being online all the time. Yet this was one of the few things that allowed them to stay connected during the pandemic.

Plans for upgrading Pines Village’s internet connectivity for residents were already in place. However, over $50,000 of unanticipated costs for personal protective equipment, disinfectants, sanitizers, and disposable products to prevent the spread of the virus became the priority. This shift forced us to temporarily postpone our Wi-Fi project at a time when internet consumption was skyrocketing. 

As a nonprofit organization, Pines Village never waivers from the dedication of serving the past, present, and future residents who choose Pines Village Retirement Communities as their home. Beyond our doors, we advocate on issues that are vital for older adults throughout the region. For over 10 years Pines Village has been the meal provider for the Porter County Meals on Wheels clients and the nutrition site at Banta Senior Center in Valparaiso.

Sharing this fundraiser on your social media will expand awareness and make a big difference. Everything helps, and no amount is too small. 

Thank you for joining us in our mission to Celebrate Life by enriching the lives of older adults.