For Immediate Release
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — February 16, 2026 — The Capital Campaign for the new Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center officially kicked off Friday, February 13, with strong community support and an exciting surprise — a $15,000 leadership gift hand delivered by Sam Short, CEO of Southern Bank of Tennessee.
The campaign has already raised $341,877 toward its $500,000 goal, showing tremendous early momentum as the community comes together to help bring the new center to life.
“Our kickoff was special because it felt like the whole community showed up for this project,” said Executive Director Valissa Saindon. “There’s a lot of excitement right now, and people really understand how important this center is going to be for Mt. Juliet.”
Southern Bank of Tennessee’s gift reflects a continued commitment to investing in the people who helped build this community.
“Our bank has always believed in investing in the people who built this community,” said Sam Short, CEO of Southern Bank of Tennessee. “With two of our team members serving on the Center’s board, participating in the capital campaign is a natural extension of that commitment. We are proud to be part of the efforts that help people connect and thrive.”
Board members, leadership from the Mt. Juliet Chamber of Commerce, and City Commissioner Jennifer Miele were also present to celebrate the campaign kickoff and the progress made so far.
The City of Mt. Juliet has been instrumental in helping the project become a reality. City leaders have supported the initiative for several years, and one of the most significant contributions was approving a long-term lease for the facility at $1 per year, allowing the Center to move forward in a financially sustainable way.
The new Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center — located in the former Mt. Juliet Police Station — will provide a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for adults 55 and older. Situated next to a beautiful community park and the new police station, the nearly 14,000-square-foot facility will almost double the Center’s current usable space and allow for expanded programming, improved accessibility, and more opportunities for social connection.
As the campaign continues, community leaders say this is the moment where collective support can make the difference. With more than two-thirds of the goal already achieved, every gift — large or small — helps move the project closer to the finish line and ensures the Center can open fully equipped and ready to serve generations of Mt. Juliet residents.
Ways to Give
- Donate online: https://givebutter.com/capital-campaign-mj55ac
- Mail checks to:
Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center
2034 N. Mt. Juliet Road
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 - For larger gifts or additional information:
Call Executive Director Valissa Saindon at 615-419-4269
About Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center
The Mt. Juliet 55+ Activity Center provides social, educational, and wellness programming designed to enhance quality of life for adults 55+ in the Mt. Juliet community. Through fitness classes, educational workshops, social events, and volunteer opportunities, the Center fosters independence, engagement, and meaningful connection.
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