UPAF announces 2011 campaign goal

The United Performing Arts Fund has announced its goal of raising $9,650,000 million by mid-June for its 2011 Campaign fundraising goal. The money raised will support the work of 34 performing arts groups in the region.
"Life is better with the arts," said Cristy Garcia-Thomas, president of UPAF. "UPAF’s performing arts groups build a sense of community, help drive our local economy and enrich the lives of over 400,000 children through education and outreach every year."
The 2011 campaign is co-chaired by Tina Chang, chairman of SysLogic, and Curt Culver, chief executive officer of MGIC Investment Corporation.
"Milwaukee needs to focus on how to continue to attract people into this region," said Chang. "The performing arts add a sense of creativity and energy that is important in showing that we are alive as a city. I am enthusiastic to have the opportunity to serve as co-chair for UPAF’s 2011 Campaign and to grow the base of support for the performing arts." 
UPAF also announced that Marshall & Ilsley Corporation and MGIC Investment Corporation have agreed to match all new and increased gifts under $540 from employee campaigns up to $50,000. Carlene and Andy Ziegler have also agreed to match all new or increased individual gifts of at least $45 a month up to $40,000.
SysLogic will match all new corporate gifts and new employee campaigns from mid-sized businesses up to $10,000.
"We are truly grateful for this extraordinary opportunity. Challenge grants, and their ability to connect with new donors and increase commitment from our current contributors, are crucial to our success," said Garcia-Thomas. "The opportunity to double the impact of your gift is huge. Please consider joining UPAF in support of the arts through a new gift or increasing your gift to this year’s campaign."
UPAF Member Groups reach a million people through more than 2,000 performances of live theater, music, dance and opera each year. Member Group educational programming and community outreach reaches over 400,000 school children annually.
"Milwaukee is a wonderful place to live and work, and an important part of its appeal is the arts," said Culver. "The arts are what make the comfortable small city feel of Milwaukee into a big league city. There is no question – our quality of life is enhanced by the arts."