The United Performing Arts Fund is approaching its 2015 campaign with a goal to pull in $11.86 million after completing a record primary campaign last year that tallied more than $11.7 million.
The organization, which serves as a funder and advocate for southeastern Wisconsin’s performing arts community, announced its campaign goal during a kickoff event held Tuesday at the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. The event, sponsored by Bostik, was headlined by performances from three UPAF Cornerstone Member Groups – First Stage, Milwaukee Ballet and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Imbedded within UPAF’s overall fundraising goal is a push to up proceeds generated by the organization’s flagship UPAF Ride for the Arts bike fundraiser, which is sponsored by Miller Lite. The organization hopes to raise $600,000 through the May 31 fundraiser and plans to offer extra encouragement to participants to boost their pledge totals.
UPAF also has its sights set on ramping up workplace giving campaigns and leadership giving in order to reach its $11.86 goal.
This year’s campaign, slated to run through June 9, is being chaired by Patty Cadorin, vice president and chief of staff to the CEO of BMO Harris Bank; Tom Cardella, MillerCoors CEO; and Mark Sabljak, publisher of the Milwaukee Business Journal.
