In 1992 our leadership team, then Herb and Nancy Stoller, established lasting stewardship principles. The people we work with-employees, customers, suppliers-aren't just business associates; they are our business family and community. This perspective inspires us to create brilliant workspaces for customers and to give back to the communities we serve. In the last decade, we've donated time, money, and furnishings to more than 125 non-profit organizations.
Non-profit organizations give so much of themselves in order to achieve their missions, often leaving little or no budget for office furniture. In order to recognize these unsung heroes, we've developed Widmer Wish, a unique program that awards a local non-profit organization with office furnishings, courtesy of Widmer Interiors.
Congratulations Christian Center, our 2023 Winner!
We're excited to announce the recipient of the 2023 WidmerWISH is The Christian Center!
The Christian Center began its ministry on July 1, 1948 under the direction of founder Dan Demmin in an old house located at the corner of Perry and Hamilton in downtown Peoria, IL. The dream was to provide a place where Christians could grow and the lost could find Christ.
After just one year at this first location, the Center was relocated to a more spacious home at 2000 N. Knoxville Ave. and was opened to the public on October 7, 1949.
After many years of expanded programs and activities, the land was purchased to build a much larger multiple-use facility. On February 18, 1962, the new Christian Center was dedicated at the current address of 4100 N Brandywine Dr.
It was only fifteen years before the need for additional space prompted an expansion project. Completed in 1979, the new bowling center and office space made possible even wider community outreach.
Throughout the years, the dream of their founder has remained steadfast: to provide a place where Christians can grow and the lost can find Christ. This local missionary effort is made possible by the prayers, volunteers, and finances of area evangelical churches and interested individuals. Multi-denominational in usage, support, and ministry, The Christian Center has continued to provide facilities, programs, and activities as a means to share Jesus Christ.
Previous Recipients
Giving Back
Widmer sponsors Maui Jim's Maka Maka benefitting the Peoria Friendship House and we also walk in it annually
Widmer team members volunteering at Midwest Foodbank
Jeff and Win ringing bells for The Salvation Army
Win volunteering in the Dominican Republic
Spycie helping out at the crisis nursery
Dell helping to rebuild after a hurricane
Widmer Recycling Program
Since inception Widmer has recycled over 880,569 pounds of cardboard, wood, and metal!
Our Partners are Green too!
In order to offer the most earth-friendly products, we partner with industry leading green manufacturers including environmental pioneer Herman Miller. Herman Miller is the only furniture company to be a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council, and they incorporate green principles into every product they design.
Herman Miller is also a founding member of NextWave Plastics, a consortium working to develop the first global network of ocean-bound plastic supply chains. By integrating this transformed plastic into our products and processes, they're reducing the volume of plastic waste, little by little.
An estimated 234 metric tons of ocean-bound plastic diverted from the ocean annually. (That's the equivalent of 23 million water bottles!)
