Between a rendition of Depression-era hit “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?” by Skylight Music Theatre performers and a Danceworks routine accompanied by a Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra pianist, local government leaders took the stage in the grand ballroom at The Pfister Hotel Wednesday night to urge a crowd of about 400 people to donate to the United Performing Arts Fund.
UPAF launched its 2016 fundraising campaign with a goal of $12.26 million. Last year, the organization raised $12 million.
“After our record-breaking 2015 UPAF Campaign, we are motivated to raise the bar even higher for 2016,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president and chief executive officer. “The performing arts are invaluable on many levels; they enrich our souls, educate our children and promote true prosperity. The 15-week UPAF Campaign is essential to ensuring we sustain these assets. We are confident that with our dynamic co-chairs, committed company partners and thousands of generous individual donors, UPAF will achieve another milestone.”
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, Milwaukee Common Council President Michael Murphy and Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow described the economic and social value of the arts, saying a strong arts community is essential to recruiting and retaining talent in southeastern Wisconsin.
UPAF’s campaign began Wednesday and will end in mid-June following its annual Ride for the Arts cycling event, which has raised millions for the organization over the past 34 years. Last week, UPAF announced Racine-based Johnson Bank will match donation pledges made by Ride for the Arts participants up to $25,000.
Last year, more than 5,300 people participated in the ride, which includes multiple routes for which participants can register. Each starts and ends at the south gate of Henry Maier Festival Park and takes cyclists through the city.
“As UPAF continues to grow its fundraising footprint, maximizing the Ride’s ability to raise needed dollars is crucial,” Tillisch said. “Johnson Bank’s sponsorship and generous pledge match of this event will ensure that this objective is realized.”
UPAF is an umbrella organization that supports 15 member groups and several affiliate organizations. Member groups include First Stage, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Ballet, Skylight Music Theatre and the Florentine Opera.
