2012 UPAF Campaign Exceeds Goal of $10 Million

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 2012 UPAF Campaign raised $10,129,411, exceeding its $10 million goal set this past April. This announcement was made in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the 2012 UPAF Campaign Finale, held at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. The event included a special appearance by Green Bay Packers All-time Leading Receiver, Packers Super Bowl champion and Dancing with the Stars winner, Donald Driver. This year’s campaign was chaired by David Lubar, president and CEO of Lubar & Company, and Carlene Ziegler, managing director of Artisan Partners.

“To make a dance truly special, you need concentration, timing, physical stamina, lots of practice, teamwork and creativity,” commented Driver.  “That makes it a lot like football. I knew dancing was going to be tough, but I have gained a lot of respect for dancers and all performers through my experience on Dancing with the Stars. There is so much that goes into creating a good performance, a lot of which is behind the scenes and you never see – like the work that UPAF just did to raise money. Without it, it’s game over. That’s where the donors come in. They’re a part of the team. They make it happen. That’s special. They deserve a trophy.”

“We are very thankful to the many individuals, companies and foundations that support UPAF,” David Lubar said. “The generosity of our donors reflects the community’s commitment to enhancing our quality of life through the performing arts.”

“Life is better with the arts,” said Carlene Ziegler. “They inspire and entertain us, educate and motivate our children and enhance economic activity in our local area. We appreciate each and every gift, and want our donors to know that your contributions truly do make a difference. They keep the cultural heart and soul of Milwaukee alive and beating. They inspire creativity and innovation and make our community a dynamic place to live, work and play.”

“UPAF is grateful to the community for its support of our 2012 Campaign,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president and CEO. “The entire UPAF staff is so appreciative of David and Carlene for providing exceptional leadership to achieve our goal.  We are fortunate to have an outstanding Cabinet and hundreds of volunteers who all gave their time, talent and treasure to UPAF.  These are the keys to our success.”

During the Finale, UPAF honored individuals and companies for their support. The following awards were presented:

The Maestro Award

The Maestro Award celebrates the exceptional accomplishments of a community leader. The award was named “Maestro” to epitomize an individual who represents the purest definition of this term:  a title of respect for an eminent teacher who is a master of any art. 

The 2012 Maestro Award recognizes one of the founders of the United Performing Arts Fund, Bill Randall.

With Randall’s strong leadership skills and tremendous tenacity, the United Performing Arts Fund was born in 1967 with the mission to help major performing arts groups be sustainable. Randall served as UPAF’s first president and since there was no paid staff, he operated the organization out of his law office.

Forty-five years later, UPAF is the largest performing arts fund in the country, and has raised almost a quarter billion dollars since its inception.

Mrs. Walter H. Stiemke Award

This marks the 32nd year that this award has been presented to an individual who characterizes the same spirit toward UPAF and the performing arts that Mrs. Stiemke brought to our community. 

The 2012 Mrs. Walter H. Stiemke Award recognizes Kris Rappé, senior vice president, chief administrative officer at Wisconsin Energy Corporation.

Rappé’s leadership in the performing arts began in 1988 when she joined the board of the Milwaukee Ballet.  Since then, Rappé has served as a UPAF Community Campaign Co-Chair, Cabinet Member and Workplace Giving Advisor.  She also spent several years on the UPAF Board and Executive Committee, the Fund Development Committee, and was an active participant on the 2009 Strategic Advisory Committee.

In addition to serving on the Ballet Board, Rappé has been on both the Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Skylight boards. 

Robert W. Baird & Co. Outstanding Achievement in Employee Giving Award

This year’s Baird Award went to Froedtert Health for the organization’s extraordinary effort and true commitment to the arts.  Froedtert demonstrated a strong commitment to UPAF through active senior leadership involvement and increased employee participation.  Froedtert experienced a 14% increase in dollars and a 57% increase in leadership donors.  The average gift increased by an impressive 25%.

Jack M. Birchhill Award 

In 1987, A.O. Smith and UPAF created the Jack M. Birchhill award in memory of Jack’s longstanding commitment to UPAF. Branigan Communications was named the recipient of the 2012 award for serving as an exemplary UPAF partner for several years.  The firm has donated time and talent with communications strategic planning, media relations and change management initiatives. 

2012 UPAF Campaign Highlights

Support from major local companies is critical to UPAF’s ongoing success. Together, these companies provided more than $3.6 million to this year’s campaign through Workplace Giving, special events, foundations and corporate contributions.

• Northwestern Mutual set the record for the single highest corporate donation, reaching the MILLION dollar mark for the sixth time in a row.
• Rockwell Automation, BMO Harris Bank and Robert W. Baird each contributed more than a quarter of a million dollars.
• We Energies and Johnson Controls individually contributed more than half a million dollars.

More than 170 companies hosted a Workplace Giving Campaign this year, including five new campaigns. Highlights include:

• Northwestern Mutual set the pace in 2012 with an extraordinary Campaign, increasing 15% in dollars raised, resulting in more than $685,000 in workplace giving alone.
• Associated Bank increased their campaign contributions by 129%.
• Baker Tilly Virchow Krause increased their campaign contributions by 90.6%.
• Quarles & Brady raised more than $100,000 with a 10% increase in participation.

Next Generation UPAF, sponsored by Wisconsin Energy Foundation, builds awareness, engagement and philanthropy in UPAF and the performing arts by the next generation of community leaders and encourages leadership level giving of $500 or more by individuals 45 years old or younger. Next Generation UPAF welcomed 146 new members in 2012, for a total of 477 (14% increase).  The membership accounts for more than $350,000 dollars raised (15% increase over 2011).

• Johnson Controls continues to illustrate their strong support for Next Generation UPAF with 138 members – an increase of 40 from 2011.

UPAF Notable Women, sponsored by BMO Harris, was established last year to address the growing need for ongoing arts education programming in our community.  This year, Notable Women has welcomed 19 new members, for a total of 55. Three men have donated on behalf of a notable woman in their lives, which was a new option this year.

• $55,000 has been raised to date to support UPAF Member Groups’ Education and Outreach efforts.
• As sponsor of Notable Women, BMO Harris is providing a Challenge Grant, matching up to $19,000.

UPAF Artist Society, which consists of private donors of $10,000 or more, has 58 members, an increase of 26% from 2011 and representing more than $1 million in contributions.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company donated a motorcycle, which was given away through a drawing. All contributors over $50 with a new or increased gift were entered. The winner of the 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster® Seventy-Two™ motorcycle was City of Milwaukee policeman Steve Mares.

June 3rd was the perfect day to host the UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite.  With more than 7,000 riders and volunteers, UPAF exceeded its goal by almost $8,000.

• The Team of the Year award to encourage increased team ridership for the UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, went to We Energies.

UPAF announced the launch of a new and improved website at the Campaign Finale as well as a new Campaign video sponsored by Rockwell Automation.

About UPAF
United Performing Arts Fund’s mission is to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset and improve the quality of life through responsible investment in and financial support of the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. Our vision is to shape a diverse, vibrant and sustainable cultural life for all.

As an umbrella organization, UPAF supports a breadth of performing arts groups that collectively offer something for everyone through its 15 Member Groups and 21 Affiliates.  More than one million people are touched each year through performances, educational outreach, special events and community partnerships.

2012 UPAF Member Groups include:  Bel Canto Chorus, Danceworks, Inc., First Stage, Florentine Opera Company, Milwaukee Ballet, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Milwaukee Children’s Choir, Milwaukee Public Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Next Act Theatre, Present Music, Renaissance Theaterworks and Skylight Music Theatre.