The United Performing Arts Fund Announces $10,800,000 2023 Fundraising Target
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) launched their 2023 Community Campaign tonight with an event in the Todd Wehr Theater at the Marcus Performing Arts Center. At the event, UPAF announced their 2023 fundraising target of $10.8 million, the first step in the multi-year effort of reaching $12.5 million in fundraising annually by 2025.
“Throughout our 2023 Community Campaign, the United Performing Arts Fund looks forward to putting the performing arts center stage in our community,” said Scott Beightol, UPAF Board of Directors chair. “We invite all to be a part of supporting the organizations that make up this critical performing arts sector through a donation to UPAF, attending a world-class performance or getting involved as a volunteer. The performing arts connect us all and drive economic vitality in Southeastern Wisconsin like nothing else—all of this is powered by UPAF”
UPAF also announced a goal of 15,000 or more donors also shared updates to their most popular donor benefit, the UPAF SMART CARD, presented by Associated Bank. The UPAF SMART CARD is now a benefit to all donors who give $150 or more to UPAF. The UPAF SMART CARD is valid for one free ticket with the purchase of another ticket for one performance at each of UPAF's 14 Performing Arts Members, as well as exclusive dining discounts at over 25 local restaurants all year long. In addition, donors at this level will now receive a new benefit of one free ticket at one of UPAF’s six Cornerstone Members.
“The best way to recognize the important role that the performing arts play in our community is to experience them firsthand,” said UPAF President & CEO Patrick Rath. “The UPAF SMART CARD gives individuals the opportunity to be further immersed in the fantastic and diverse offerings of the performing arts organizations that make our community so unique.”
UPAF welcomes all to being a part of a bright future for the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin through involvement in the 2023 Community Campaign by hosting or participating in a Workplace Giving Campaign or an Arts Day or donating at upaf.org/donate.
The 2023 UPAF Community Campaign, Act III of UPAF’s fundraising year, runs from Feb. 8 through May 31.
About UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) has been setting the stage since 1967 by providing critical investment in our region’s vibrant performing arts scene. UPAF’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 Eastern Wisconsin. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united performing arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.
With generous community support, UPAF funds 47 diverse local performing arts organizations that provide our community with the best of music, dance, song and theater. In addition to entertainment excellence, these organizations provide transformative educational programs for local children, ensure that individuals from marginalized neighborhoods have opportunities to participate in the arts and expand arts access for people with disabilities.