Lawrence University will bring together campus and community members for Light! More Light! For Menasha, a community fundraising event supporting local tornado recovery efforts, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, 2026, on the Lawrence campus. A rain date is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 13.
Hosted by Lawrence University’s Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership (SEAL) office, the event will feature hundreds of illuminated paper lanterns displayed along campus pathways, each representing a donation to support communities affected by recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities.
All proceeds will benefit the United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund, which supports immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Menasha, Neenah, Fox Crossing, Appleton, and other impacted communities.
Community members can sponsor a paper lantern through the event’s online fundraising page. As part of the sponsorship, donors may request a personalized message to be written on their lantern. Messages can honor loved ones, offer encouragement, share words of hope, commemorate special memories, or recognize those affected by the tornadoes.
“One small light can represent hope, remembrance, encouragement, or support,” Dakota McKee, director of student engagement, activities, and leadership, said. “Together, those lights create a powerful symbol of a community coming together to help its neighbors.”
On the evening of the event, attendees will be invited to walk Lawrence’s illuminated pathways, view the lantern displays, read messages left by community members, and search for their own sponsored lanterns. Complimentary hot cider and cocoa will be available throughout the evening.
McKee emphasized that community members do not need to sponsor a lantern to attend the event.
The initiative was created in response to the widespread impact of recent tornadoes across the Fox Cities. Beyond fundraising, the event is intended to provide an opportunity for connection, reflection, and community support during the recovery process.
How to Participate
Paper lantern sponsorships can be made online at: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/87800/donations/new
Donors will have the opportunity to submit a personalized message on the donation confirmation page. All messages must be appropriate for public display and may be reviewed before placement on lanterns.
Those wishing to make a cash donation may do so through Nov. 6 at the Student Engagement, Activities, and Leadership Office on the fourth floor of the Warch Campus Center, 711 E. Boldt Way, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Event Details
- What: Light! More Light! For Menasha
- When: Thursday, Nov. 6, 2026, 6-8 p.m.
- Rain Date: Thursday, Nov. 13, 2026
- Where: Lawrence University campus, Appleton
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Beneficiary: United Way Fox Cities Tornado Relief Community Response Fund
About the Event
Each sponsored paper lantern represents an individual act of generosity, remembrance, encouragement, or hope. Together, the lanterns will illuminate the Lawrence campus while helping fund recovery and rebuilding efforts for Fox Cities communities affected by the recent tornadoes.
Light a path. Share a message. Support our neighbors.
