The United Performing Arts Fund is challenging itself to raise $11.7 million during its 2014 campaign, launched Tuesday evening with a special kickoff celebration held at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee.
The nonprofit’s campaign goal exceeds its 2013 campaign goal of $11 million by more than six percent. That goal was exceeded by close to $5,500. UPAF allocated a record $8.3 million from the 2013 campaign to 38 performing arts groups throughout southeastern Wisconsin in line with its mission to strengthen and promote the region’s performing arts community.
“In 2013, the UPAF Campaign showed tremendous growth, and this year we want to further expand our regional presence and continue to motivate existing donors,” said Glen Hackmann, a 2014 UPAF Co-Chair and vice chairman of Robert W. Baird & Co. “An increase over last year’s goal of 6.2 percent is ambitious, but UPAF’s Co-Chairs, Board and staff are motivated by the receptivity we saw in the marketplace last year and excited to build on that success. We know this community will rally to support the dynamic performing arts community our region is so fortunate to enjoy.”
Along with Hackmann, community volunteer Therese Burkhart and Robert Arzbaecher, chairman of Actuant Corporation, which sponsored UPAF’s kickoff event, will chair the 2014 campaign.
Through the campaign, UPAF plans to direct more attention to the performing arts sector in Waukesha County, starting with an inaugural Westside Campaign Kickoff at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center in Brookfield on Tuesday, March 11. During the kickoff event, UPAF will announce a fundraising goal designated for the Westside. That goal will factor into the broader $11.7 million goal.
Additionally, the nonprofit will include new incentives and challenge grants in its 2014 campaign with support from area businesses. Among them is an incentive targeting the annual UPAF Ride for the Arts, the nonprofit’s signature bike ride fundraiser held each June. The rider who raises the highest dollar amount of pledges will be awarded a trip to Boston for two adults.
