Built on the spirit of sisu—strength, perseverance, and determination—our Finnish-American community is a legacy of those who generously gave their time, talents, and resources for future generations. Now, it is our turn. As Annan Maja faces the challenges of time and unexpected setbacks, we have an opportunity to honor their vision by restoring and renewing this cherished gathering place. Together, we can preserve our heritage while creating a safer, more beautiful, and accessible environment for residents, families, and friends to enjoy for generations to come.
Shaped by the enduring spirit of sisu—strength, perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering determination to overcome life's challenges—our community has always understood that we are stewards of something greater than ourselves.
Those who came before us did not build this community for themselves alone. They built it with a vision that extended far beyond their own lifetimes—for their children and grandchildren, for their neighbors and friends, and for generations they would never have the opportunity to meet.
When they gave generously of their time, talents, and resources, it was not because it was easy, but because they believed in creating something lasting, meaningful, and worth preserving.
Now, that legacy has been entrusted to us.
We cannot always anticipate the challenges that come our way, but we can choose how we respond to them. And when a place as meaningful as Annan Maja faces unexpected setbacks and the inevitable effects of time, we have an opportunity to demonstrate the very values upon which our community was founded.
We can see these challenges as obstacles, or we can embrace them as an invitation to come together—with renewed purpose, shared determination, and the same extraordinary spirit of generosity that has sustained our Finnish-American community for generations.
This is our moment to honor the past while investing in the future.
Will You Help Us Restore and Renew Annan Maja?
We invite our friends, families, community partners, and supporters of Finnish-American heritage to join us in an important effort to restore, enhance, and preserve Annan Maja—not only as a cherished gathering place, but as a welcoming environment where our residents and the broader community can continue to connect, celebrate, and enjoy life together.
Our vision will unfold in two meaningful phases.
Phase I: Restoration, Safety, and Renewal
Our immediate priority is to raise $72,000 to restore the doors and install additional lighting, addressing essential improvements that will enhance the safety, security, and functionality of Annan Maja.
These improvements represent the first important step toward renewing a place that holds special meaning for so many.
Phase II: The Polku Pathway — A Path to Connection, Nature, and Belonging
Looking beyond the immediate restoration, we envision something truly special: a beautiful, wheelchair-accessible pathway winding through the property, creating an inviting outdoor sanctuary for our residents, families, friends, and community visitors.
Wide, accessible walkways surrounded by flowering gardens and butterfly habitats, shaded benches offering peaceful places to rest, reflect, and enjoy conversation. Thoughtfully placed lighting illuminating the pathways and extending opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
For our residents, particularly those with mobility challenges, this pathway would offer something invaluable: greater freedom to experience the beauty of nature, the pleasure of companionship, and the simple joy of being outdoors.
For families and community members attending gatherings and events at Annan Maja, it would provide a welcoming setting that encourages connection across generations.
More than a landscaped walkway, the Polku Pathway would be a living expression of our commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and quality of life.
A place where nature welcomes everyone, where friendships flourish, and where every step is a reminder that community is something we continue to build together.
Your Generosity Can Make This Vision a Reality
Every gift, regardless of size, brings us closer to restoring Annan Maja and creating an environment that will enrich lives for years to come.
A contribution of $100, $250, or $500 will help move this important project forward.
For those who are able, leadership gifts of $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000 will provide significant momentum toward achieving our Phase I goal.
We also warmly invite individuals, families, businesses, and philanthropic partners who share our commitment to preserving Finnish-American heritage and enhancing the lives of our elders to consider a major gift.
Such generosity has the power to do more than restore a building or create a pathway. It can help create a lasting legacy of beauty, dignity, accessibility, and belonging.
One day, future generations will look upon Annan Maja and the community surrounding it. They may never know the names of everyone who helped preserve it, but they will experience the lasting benefits of their generosity.
Just as we are the beneficiaries of those who came before us, others will one day benefit from the choices we make today.
That is the true meaning of stewardship. That is the enduring power of community. And that is the spirit of sisu.
Together, we can restore what time has worn, create what the future needs, and preserve what generations before us entrusted to our care.
Kiitos — Thank you for helping us honor our heritage and build a brighter, more beautiful future.
The Village Legacy Society offers individuals and families a meaningful way to make a lasting difference in the lives of older adults. Whether honoring the memory of a loved one, celebrating a family legacy, or including Finnish American Village in estate plans, every gift helps preserve our tradition of compassionate care.
Through your generosity, we can continue enriching lives with meaningful experiences, exceptional care, and warm, welcoming spaces where residents feel valued, connected, and at home at Finnish American Village in Lake Worth, FL.
Friend ~ $100-$249
Thank you letter, social media acknowledgement, Bronze Tree of Life Leaf
Benefactor ~ $250-$499
+ Acknowledgement at Facility events, website and social media, Recognition on Donor display, Silver Tree of Life Leaf
Legacy Partner ~ $500-$9999
+ Dedicated bench, tree, or garden feature, Gold Tree of Life Leaf
Visionary ~ $10,000+
+ Personalized engraved paver, customized recognition for a garden or gathering area, or approved naming opportunity
(Artistic Rendering)