UPAF launches mobile giving campaign

The United Performing Arts Fund will launch its new mobile giving campaign at the "UPAF Day at Miller Park" on Monday, May 23 as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Washington Nationals at 7:10 p.m.
Anyone with a cell phone can donate $10 to UPAF and its 34 member and affiliate performing arts groups, by texting UPAF to 20222 and then confirming their donation by replying yes to the text message they receive back.
"We are thrilled that supporting a cause like UPAF can be made as simple as a text message," said Cristy Garcia-Thomas, president of UPAF. "Text-to-Give is a great way to engage new donors, especially at a large community event such as a Brewer’s game.”
According to Garcia-Thomas, UPAF member groups produce more than 2,000 live performances and provide arts education to more than 400,000 community youth every year.
“The arts make our lives better, but they need our support to be able to do so. Text-to-Give is such an easy way to help,” she said.
Donations are tax deductible, and pledges are billed through the donor’s monthly cell phone bill.  A one-time donation of $10 will be added to the donor’s mobile phone bill or deducted from their prepaid balance.
“This is something new for us, but we’re really excited about the opportunity,” Garcia-Thomas said. “We’re launching the first local Text-to-Give opportunity and we’re hoping it’s well received by the community.”