The United Performing Arts Fund has announced its 2012 goal of raising $10 million by mid-June. The 2012 UPAF Campaign co-chairs are David J. Lubar, president and chief executive officer of Lubar & Co. and Carlene Ziegler, managing director of Artisan Partners Limited Partnership. Dollars raised by UPAF support 36 performing arts groups in southeastern Wisconsin.
“Life’s better with the arts,” said Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO of UPAF. “The performing arts engage, educate, delight and define us. Having a vibrant arts scene creates a ripple effect that positively impacts our economy, our reputation, our culture and our future. The performing arts bring out the artists within us all.”
Since 1967 UPAF has raised more than $234 million for the performing arts in the region.
“Not only are the performing arts a pleasure to experience firsthand, they encourage commerce, attract tourist dollars and talented professionals to our region, and create a positive economic impact,” said Lubar. “The performing arts are indispensable to the vitality of our area. They enrich our lives and create a dynamic environment that promotes economic growth and development.”
UPAF is the largest fundraising organization for the performing arts in the nation
“I am deeply committed to supporting the performing arts and have done so through the United Performing Arts Fund for many years,” stated Ziegler. “I ask the community to join me in keeping creativity thriving in our area through the support of the 2012 UPAF Campaign.”
The organization also announced new challenge grants and donor incentives for the 2012 campaign including that BMO Harris will match all new gifts of $1,000 for Notable Women up to $25,000. The Notable Women program allows women to designate dollars to arts education with a new or an increased gift of $1,000 to UPAF. This year, men can also be part of the effort by donating $1,000 on behalf of a notable woman in their lives.
Each new or increased gift of $50 or more will also be automatically entered into a brand new 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster Seventy-Two motorcycle. The winner of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle will be announced at the UPAF finale event on June 26.
“We are truly grateful for these extraordinary opportunities. Challenge grants and donor incentives are crucial to our success,” said Tillisch.
