Philanthropists Donald and Donna Baumgartner are issuing a $150,000 match challenge in support of Milwaukee Film, the nonprofit operator of the Milwaukee Film Festival.
With the Baumgartners’ donation, every dollar given to Milwaukee Film from Oct. 17-31 will be matched, for a total of $300,000.
Donna and Donald Baumgartner, founder of Milwaukee-based Paper Machinery Corp., have been longtime supporters of the film festival, including providing a lead donation for its latest capital campaign.
“We are thrilled and humbled by this challenge from our longtime supporters and friends, the Baumgartners,” said Jonathan Jackson, chief executive officer and artistic director for Milwaukee Film. “When it comes to the future of Milwaukee Film, we are dreaming big – and this kind of support opens up so many possibilities for us to bring people together with the power of film.”
In addition to those who donate, any Milwaukee Film member who joins, renews or upgrades their membership during the festival will also have their contribution doubled by the Baumgartner match.
Earlier this year, Milwaukee Film surpassed its $10 million capital campaign goal for the restoration of the Oriental Theatre and to provide the nonprofit with its first-ever operating reserve.
The Milwaukee Film Festival’s 15-day run begins Oct. 17. The festival will feature more than 300 titles at 100 events.
More information about screenings is available here.
