Garcia-Thomas is new president of Aurora Health Care Foundation
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) of Milwaukee announced that Cristy Garcia-Thomas, president, has accepted the position as president of the Aurora Health Care Foundation.
Garcia-Thomas has served as president of the UPAF since October 2007, recently ending its 2011 campaign by surpassing its goal of $9.65 million by raising $9.74 million for its 34 member and affiliate groups. UPAF is the largest united arts fund in the country for the performing arts and has provided over $224 million in operating support to the performing arts over the last 44 years.
"Cristy’s contributions and leadership have been outstanding. She’s made an incredible impact for the Milwaukee arts community and she will be greatly missed," said Rich Meeusen, board chairman of UPAF. "While we are obviously sorry for our loss, we are delighted for Cristy’s new opportunity and look forward to more great things she will be able to provide for Milwaukee and the surrounding communities."
The search committee to seek a replacement for Garcia-Thomas will be headed by UPAF board member Susan Fronk, president and chief executive officer, MRA-The Management Association.
Verizon Foundation offers grants to area nonprofits
The Verizon Foundation has announced it has $100,000 in grants available for Wisconsin nonprofits that provide services to families affected by domestic violence.
“Our goal is to break the cycle of domestic violence by lending financial support to outstanding organizations in Wisconsin that have a track record of success with public outreach, education, and providing relief and resources for families,” said T.J Fox, Wisconsin/Illinois region president for Verizon Wireless.
To be eligible, a grant applicant must file an online request for proposal and be a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Wisconsin. Submissions should focus on programs that aid survivors of domestic violence in the state or involve prevention, awareness and safety enhancements addressing domestic violence.
All grant applications must be submitted through the Verizon Foundation’s website, www.verizonfoundation.org/apply. Additional information regarding grant guidelines can be found at the foundation’s website.
Proposals must be submitted before Friday, Aug. 12. Verizon will notify recipients of grant decisions by Friday, Sept. 16.
Milwaukee Ballet hosts annual fundraising initiative
The Milwaukee Ballet will kick off its second annual Ballet Up to the Bar fundraising inititiative on Friday, July 8 at various partner locations throughout Milwaukee.
This year, the fundraiser will support the return of director Michael Pink’s Dracula ballet which will open this fall. Patrons of Ballet Up to the Bar will enjoy Dracula-inspired specialty drinks at participating bars and restaurants. Some of the drinks include Pink’s Elixir, a house infused plum concoction at Palms Bistro and Bar; Renfield’s Cosmopolitan, a layered cosmopolitan with black vodka at Hotel Metro Bar; and a Pink Martini at the InterContinental Hotel. A portion of the proceeds from each cocktail will support Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet School, and its education and community outreach programs. Other participating restaurant and bar locations include: Blu at The Pfister Hotel, Charro, Club Charlie’s, Coa, Coquette, Iron Horse Hotel, Clear & Kil@wat at the InterContinental Hotel, Miller Time Pub at the Hilton, Poco Loco Cantina, and Trocadero Cantina. Ballet up to the Bar will be held through September, 4. Locations will be updated at www.milwaukeeballet.org as they are added.
Dracula runs one weekend only, Oct. 27 through Oct. 30. Single tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 22.
BizTimes to launch 2011 edition of annual Giving Guide
BizTimes Milwaukee will release the 2011 edition of its Giving Guide, Regional Philanthropic Opportunities, a print and digital publication to showcase nonprofit organizations seeking support from the business community later this fall.
The Giving Guide, Regional Philanthropic Opportunities is a glossy four-color magazine that highlights nonprofit organizations that have a presence in southeastern Wisconsin. It will be published and distributed along with an issue of BizTimes Milwaukee later this fall and will also be available online in a digital page turn format. It will include information on nonprofit organizations involved with the arts and humanities, health and human services, foundations and fundraising.
“The BizTimes Giving Guide provides opportunity for nonprofit organizations throughout southeastern Wisconsin to connect with the businesses and the key business executives of the region,” said Dan Meyer, publisher of BizTimes Milwaukee. “The nonprofit industry is an important sector of our local economy. The guide is great resource for the nonprofits, as well as business people who are looking for ways to serve.”
Space in the Giving Guide is purchased and includes a year- long two page spread in the print and online edition of the Giving Guide, logo recognition in Giving Guide promotional ads, 10,000 impressions on BizTimes.com, a text link and an ad in an issue of BizTimes Nonprofit Weekly as well as logo placement next to the organization listing in the BizTimes Nonprofit Directory.
“The Giving Guide is a year- long ‘value play’ for our participating nonprofit organizations,” said Tom Gaertner, BizTimes Media vice president of sales. “It’s all about putting the right message in front of business owners and decision makers who can truly make a difference in our community.”
Nonprofit organizations interested in being included in the Giving Guide can call Gaertner at (414) 336-7112. To see the 2010 edition of the BizTimes Giving Guide in digital page-turn format, click here.
