When tragedy struck the Annunciation community in 2025, the response was immediate and heartfelt Alongside so many in the community, and far beyond it, Atmosphere asked the simple question: What can we do to help?
For a community built around nurturing excellence, creativity, and faith, the spaces where people gather matter deeply. As Annunciation began the difficult process of moving forward, the best way Atmosphere could support them was not immediately clear. What was clear was the importance of understanding their unique needs and identifying ways to leverage our products and services to create a space that could foster comfort and healing.
Through conversations with Dave Pelner, a member of Annunciation’s facilities committee and a longtime Atmosphere partner, those needs began to take shape. Even though they did not have funds set aside for what came next, they knew what could make a meaningful difference; places of respite where people could gather, pause, and begin to heal together.
“I have had the opportunity of a long-term professional relationship with Atmosphere spanning many years — a relationship built on trust, expertise, a long track record of partnership, and delivering high-quality products and services,” said Pelner. “I reached out having complete confidence in Atmosphere and hopeful for their willingness to graciously donate expertise, product, services, and resources to help us successfully deliver this project. Without hesitation, Atmosphere came forward in support of our needs.”
Finding the Right Place to Begin
Working alongside Annunciation’s leadership, Atmosphere spent time on campus listening and observing to better understand how spaces were being used and where the most meaningful difference could be made.
“After an unthinkable tragedy, our community was in need to not only restore the physical space and improve the environment, but also help a community in healing,” said Pelner. “We wanted to create a welcoming, inspiring, and functional environment that encouraged collaboration, comfort, and engagement.”
While classrooms remain central to daily routines, a set of interconnected spaces in the basement of the adjoining church emerged as a natural priority for this initiative. The administrative office, multi-functional meeting room, Father’s office, teen room, and lower lobby each play a vital role in connecting the school with the broader parish community. With these areas identified, the team had a clear starting point for how the response could take shape.
Preparations began with updates to the church basement, including new carpeting and paint, which provided a refreshed foundation. From there, the team planned how the areas could better support multiple uses, improve circulation, and offer both spaces for group activity and quiet reflection.
Partners Coming Together
Once the plan had a clear direction, the effort began to take shape as a shared commitment. Atmosphere’s partners were eager to step in where their support could make the greatest difference — not for recognition, but as a meaningful way to give back. HON, SitOnIt, and Steelcase donated furniture solutions tailored to the needs of each space, while Emerald Blue provided installation services and donated additional workstations and seating to ensure the rooms would be fully functional from day one. According to Pelner, Atmosphere’s support extended well beyond furniture donations.
“Atmosphere helped address our needs by providing furniture solutions that aligned with our goals for functionality, comfort, durability, and improved aesthetics,” he said. “Their team took the time to understand our needs, how the spaces would be used, and recommended products that supported students, parishioners, and staff. Throughout the process, Atmosphere was responsive, collaborative, and attentive to details, helping us navigate product selection, space planning, and installation. Everything was delivered smoothly and on schedule at no cost to the Annunciation community.”
The result is not defined by a single room or product, but by how the spaces now support everyone who uses them. The refreshed teen room offers a place to come together in ways that feel natural and needed, with space to study, socialize, or simply reflect. Administrative offices and work areas give staff an environment that eases daily tasks and supports focus. Gathering spaces and the lower lobby invite parish members to meet, reflect, and connect during both routine activities and special community moments. “These are multi-functional spaces supporting learning, gathering, collaboration, socializing, and working environments,” said Pelner.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Students, staff, families, and parish members have embraced the renewed spaces, appreciating both their functionality and the welcoming environment they create. For Pelner, the impact of the project is deeply personal.
“As a former student, father of former students, parishioner, and facilities committee member, I saw firsthand how important an inspiring, welcoming, and well-equipped environment is for staff, student, and community engagement,” he said. “Because of these connections, this project was never just about a building — it was about healing and inspiration for the entire community.”
“The compassion, professionalism, and kindness of the entire Atmosphere team have made a lasting impact on our community that will be felt for years to come,” said Pelner, “Annunciation is deeply grateful for your partnership and your commitment to this community. Thank you for helping us rebuild, restore, and move forward together in healing and renewed hope.”
