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Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fund for Veteran Wellness
Empowering Veterans with Tranquil Spaces

Our mission is to enhance the well-being of veterans by creating serene environments through the installation of immersive nature films and live music performances. By fostering relaxation and mindfulness, we strive to promote mental health awareness and improve the overall quality of life for those who have served our country.

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Celebration of Life Donations Help Veterans 

The Kwik Trip gas card given by the Chippewa County Republican Party at Marilyn’s Celebration of Life was donated by Erv Thoms to Giving Mac to be used for Marilyn’s Memorial fund for Veterans Wellness.

 

This was made possible by Amanda Radle, Erin Borlfka, Leigh Palmer, Bob Billen, Lowell Jacobson, and Dave Balow.

 

Giving Mac then donated the gas card to Lien Hall at the Veterans Housing Recovery Program.

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Thank you all that made this possible. Every bit helps!

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To learn more about the mission of the Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fund, please continue reading.

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We are excited to announce that Camp Victory, Inc. has been selected as the focus of our fundraising efforts to receive an atmosphere System through Giving Mac, Inc. Please join us in reaching our goal to support our veterans.

Marilyn Thoms

10-5-1949 to 2-20-2024

Marilyn Therese (Peterlik) Thoms, resident of Lafayette township, Chippewa County passed from this earthly dwelling on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Marilyn was born on October 5, 1949 in Chippewa Falls to George & Dagmar (Anderson) Peterlik. She grew up in Cadott (Crescent/Drywood area) on a second-generation family farm where she resided with her parents, her paternal grandfather and five brothers. Marilyn attended parochial and public school in Cadott, graduating in 1967. Following high school she attended University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and on a weekend getaway to Butternut, Wisconsin with a friend, Marilyn met her future husband, Ervin "Erv" Thoms Jr.. Erv is a veteran of the US Army.


Marilyn transferred to Chippewa Valley Technical College and received her Associate Degree in Secretarial Science as she and Erv continued their courtship. Marilyn and Erv were married on October 12, 1974 at St. Anthony's Church in Drywood. They resided in Menomonie for a short time while Erv completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. They moved to Eau Claire Wisconsin after Erv's graduation and a Uniroyal employment, where Marilyn started working for the State of Wisconsin Dept. of Revenue and the opportunity to begin her career as a Real Estate Appraiser. Upon Erv taking a new employment position, they relocated to Wausau where Marilyn worked at the Dept. of Transportation in Wisconsin Rapids obtaining several levels of licensing in Appraising and Review before retiring in 2008.


Throughout their years together, Marilyn and Erv maintained many long-lasting relationships with family, classmates, co-workers and friends, and enjoyed yearly camping trips with these cherished people. They enjoyed their travels, taking them to many states, often to warmer climates in the winter months, and many trips to Mexico and Caribbean locations. A number of other international vacations were enjoyed, including a trip Marilyn did with her mother and an aunt to see Norway and spend time with distant cousins there.


Upon retirement, Marilyn and Erv came back to the Chippewa Valley, building their dream retirement home in Lafayette on a beautiful two acres of an old apple orchard, which they nurtured and eventually started their farmer market business, "Our Red Apple Orchard". They enjoyed meeting new and familiar acquaintances during each fall's harvest. Sadly, and shortly after settling into retirement, Marilyn began her battle with breast cancer, which she fought with courage and determination over the past seven years with Erv by her side at every step.

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Marilyn's family wishes to extend a special thank you to her many caregivers at Mayo Hospital and Cancer Center in Eau Claire, and the wonderful staff at Mayo Hospital in Osseo where she spent her final days. Also, a special thanks to all who provided encouragement and love to Marilyn as she fought her battle these past years and lived her life to her fullest through the years of medical care and treatments.

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As avid outdoor enthusiasts who cherished their apple orchard and shared a deep commitment to supporting veterans, Erv is determined to carry forward their shared passion by utilizing atmosphere immersive nature films in their ongoing support for veterans, all in Marilyn's honor.

Erv's dedication to supporting veterans is unwavering. Having served from 1964 to 1966 in Bamburg, Germany, with the 82nd Engineers, 540th Group, 7th Corps of the 7th Army, he intimately understands the challenges veterans face. His own experiences in Vietnam further deepen his empathy for those in need of support.

Introduced to "atmosphere" at MacMan a couple of years ago, Erv immediately recognized its potential to bring healing and relaxation. The immersive nature films displayed on large format screens spoke to him on a profound level, tapping into the scientifically-proven power of Biophilia — the connection between humans and nature.

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Erv's vision for installing atmosphere systems in facilities catering to veterans has long been his aspiration. Inspired by the memory of his beloved wife Marilyn, who shared his passion for supporting veterans, Erv initiated the creation of the Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fund for Veterans Wellness.

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Marilyn stood steadfastly by Erv's side, witnessing firsthand the sacrifices veterans make and the enduring commitment of military spouses. Through this memorial fund, established in honor of Marilyn Thoms, donations to Giving Mac will be dedicated to expanding their shared mission by installing atmosphere systems in facilities supporting veterans.

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Below,

Sgt. Erv Thoms

Co. B 8th Combat Engineers

1st Air Calvary Division

Republic of South Viet Nam  1966–1967.

Phu Mei 1966, LZ Uplift

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What we are raising funds for.

atmosphere Systems are ProAV Systems for Health, Wellness, and Hospitality

Experience a transformative journey with the atmosphere platform—elevating guest experiences and alleviating anxiety in one seamless solution.

Systems from single displays, multi-display walls to custom video walls. 


Create the right immersive experience for your audience.

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atmosphere Systems are sold and distributed by MacMan, Inc., the founders of Giving Mac. Stop by their office to experience atmosphere first hand. Or, visit their website to learn more about atmosphere at atmosphereSystems.com

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4677 Keystone Xing • Eau Claire, WI. 54701

Immersive Films in 4K
30 plus hours of content

Ambient Films in 4K 
35 plus hours of content

Live Music in 4K
600 plus live music titles

atmosphere-Healthcare (Immersive) films soothe the mind, body, and spirit by replicating natural environments. They reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance overall well-being. Learn more

atmosphere Ambient films blend soothing music with captivating nature scenes for a seamless and enjoyable experience.  Watch sample below.

atmosphere live music films infuse an entertaining dimension, crafted for either a cinematic widescreen display up to 105" or four screens hung in portrait-mode, ensuring an unparalleled and unique experience. Made for Hospitality. Learn more

Donate in honor of someone you know.

Donations made to Giving Mac are tax deductible.

Your donation plays a crucial role in supporting the installation of atmosphere systems for veterans. These systems, with their immersive nature films, offer therapeutic benefits proven to promote relaxation and well-being. By contributing, you directly enable the expansion of this initiative, ensuring that more facilities catering to veterans can access these healing environments. Your generosity helps create spaces where veterans can find solace, rejuvenation, and a sense of connection to nature, ultimately enhancing their overall wellness and quality of life.

Checks can be sent to:

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Giving Mac, Inc.

In care of Marilyn Thoms Memorial Fund

4677 Keystone Xing

Eau Claire, WI. 54701

We are excited to announce that Camp Victory, Inc. has been selected as the focus of our fundraising efforts to receive an atmosphere System through Giving Mac, Inc. Please join us in reaching our goal to support our veterans.

Donate to Veterans

Program Overview

Goal:  Raising Funds for an atmosphere System for Veterans Facility

 

Mission Statement:  Our mission is to enhance the well-being of veterans by creating serene environments through the installation of immersive nature films and live music performances. By fostering relaxation and mindfulness, we strive to promote mental health awareness and improve the overall quality of life for those who have served our country.

 

Atmosphere System Overview:  The Atmosphere System is a ProAV solution designed for health, wellness, and hospitality. It offers a transformative experience by alleviating anxiety and elevating guest experiences. Our goal is to install this system in a veterans facility to provide a calming and immersive environment for our veterans.

 

System Features: 

Display: 105" Planar 5K commercial display with flat wall mount

Mac mini M2 bundle used to run the atmosphere software and films

Content:  Initial two year subscription to the Music Library, Ambient & Moods Library, and Immersive Film Library (over 110 hours of content)

Support:  Two-year premium support to handle updates, new films and all remote and phone support needs

Installation:  Delivery, mounting of display, installation of needed hardware and training to customize playlists. Power must be provided by the facility

 

Fundraising Goal:  To raise $25,000

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Benefits for Veterans: 

Relaxation:  Immersive nature films and music create a serene environment.

Mindfulness:  Promotes mental health awareness and mindfulness.

Quality of Life:  Enhances the overall quality of life for veterans by providing a calming and therapeutic atmosphere

 

Call to Action:  Join us in our mission to support our veterans. Your contribution will help us install an atmosphere System that offers a sanctuary of peace and relaxation for those who have bravely served our country. Let's work together to make a difference in their lives.

 

Thank you for your support!

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How Veterans Facility can Apply

Apply to receive an atmosphere System from Giving Mac in honor of Marilyn Thoms.

Remodeling or working with an existing space? Would you like to add an immersive space to your facility for the betterment of our veterans and your employees and volunteers that support them? 

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By supporting mental health initiatives, we're enabling individuals to enhance their resilience, cope effectively with challenges, and pursue their aspirations with clarity and purpose.

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Let's not forget!

L.Z. Lambeau 5-22-2010 - Welcome Home Wisconsin Vietnam Veterans

Photo Opts taken 5-22-2010 by E.Thoms ( Vietnam Veteran 1966-1967).

There were 165,000 Wisconsinites who served during the Vietnam Conflict from 71 of the 72 Wisconsin County's. The empty white chairs in an Arlington arrangement in the below picture depicts the 1241 Wisconsin Vietnam War Veterans of the 57,000 total KIAs of the entire war who donated and sacrificed everything.

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