UPAF Brings Together Community Leaders and Performers in UNITE with UPAF Live

April 30, 2020

MILWAUKEE – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is hosting UNITE with UPAF Live to showcase the importance of our local performing arts scene and raise much needed funds for their 14 Member Groups.

The May 7 event will take place live on the UPAF Facebook page and will feature a rotating cast of local business leaders, community advocates, performers and celebrity guests. This cast will be highlight the impact of the performing art on the Greater Milwaukee Area and the critical role of UPAF in our local performing arts scene, while sharing the talents of themselves and their families live from their homes.

Denise Thomas, president of The Effective Communication Coach LLC will serve as the evening’s emcee. Some guests include Peggy Williams-Smith of VISIT Milwaukee, Jim Borris of Zilber Ltd., Tom Cardella, formerly of Miller Coors, Tom and Anne Metcalfe of We Energies and Milwaukee Ballet respectively and local actors Andrew and Susan Varela.

“We are thrilled to bring the magic of the performing arts into homes while raising much-needed relief funding for the performing arts groups that call Southeastern Wisconsin home through UNITE with UPAF Live,” said UPAF President and CEO Deanna Tillisch. “Collectively, our 14 Member Groups are projecting an $8.3 million loss in revenue this season alone. Now more than ever, support is needed to ensure that they will be able to continue doing what they do best – entertaining, inspiring and educating.”

UNITE with UPAF Live will be streamed on the UPAF Facebook page (https://facebook.com/upaf1) beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 7.

 

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 Southeastern Wisconsin. In 2019 UPAF raised more than $11.9 million to support the area’s performing arts environment. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is the No. 1 united arts fund in the country in terms of dollars raised.

As an umbrella organization, UPAF supports a breadth of performing arts groups that collectively offer something for everyone through its 14 Member Groups and numerous Affiliates. More than one million people are touched each year through performances, educational outreach, special events and community partnerships.