Featured Story
2009 UPAF campaign stretches past $9 million goal
Wednesday, June 24, 2009Community contributions benefit 36 performing arts groups that touch 1 million lives, including over 400,000 children throughout seven county region.
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced it has reached its 2009 Campaign goal raising $9,001,052 for its 36 Member and Affiliate Groups.
The announcement was made at the UPAF 2009 Campaign Finale at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater’s Stiemke Theater. The successful Campaign was led by Co-Chairs Julia H. Taylor, president of the Greater Milwaukee Committee and Richard A. Meeusen, Chairman, president and chief executive officer of Badger Meter, Inc.
“We have worked hard to reach our goal of $9 million in this very challenging environment,” said Taylor. “This campaign has given me the opportunity to meet with many individuals who believe, as I do, that the performing arts make a difference in our lives. The performing arts add to the quality of life in Greater Milwaukee and to the lives of over one million people, including over 400,000 children who are touched by performances, educational programming and community outreach. Because of our performing arts, we enjoy a quality of life most cities our size don’t have – we have something truly special to celebrate here.”
“The arts make life worth living,” remarked Meeusen. “Clearly individuals and businesses recognize that the performing arts are indispensible to the vitality of this region. It has been demonstrated by their generosity to this year’s campaign. Yes, there have been cuts in the programming and staff of UPAF Member organizations – but many, many people and businesses, big and small, have given all they can to prevent more drastic changes. Donors have stepped up to the plate and their gifts really make a difference in our community – now more than ever. It is thanks to them that the arts will persevere. ”
“UPAF is grateful to the community for its support of our 2009 Campaign. We are thrilled to have reached this milestone, particularly in light of the challenges we faced throughout this effort,” said Cristy Garcia-Thomas, UPAF president. “Some of the issues we’ve faced in this campaign include the challenging economy and a shift in giving patterns by some corporate donors. Our business community, foundations and individuals are to be commended for stepping up and helping us raise these critical dollars for our performing arts. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the extraordinary support of Johnson Controls. The Challenge grant UPAF received in June from Johnson Controls has truly helped us attract new donors and increased donations from existing donors. Johnson Controls matched all new and increased gifts, dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Several other companies and foundations added to their support as we came to the end of their campaign and we are indebted to them for their commitment to our community.”
Reaching this goal includes the traditional “clean-up” process during July when UPAF closes outstanding accounts.
The finale celebration also included the honoring of several individuals and businesses for their support of UPAF. The following awards recognized such individuals and businesses:
The Maestro Award
The first-ever Maestro Award was created this year to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of one of Milwaukee’s most respected institutions and its 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. This individual exemplifies the term “maestro” in his passion for making our community a better place.
UPAF recognizes Maestro Edward J. Zore, chairman and chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual, for his exceptional leadership in the community and especially his service to UPAF. Through his leadership, Mr. Zore has taught many to follow in his footsteps. He has mentored individuals at his company, led the UPAF Campaign in 2004, has been a member of the UPAF Board since 2000, served as a member of the UPAF Executive Committee since 2003, and has been a valuable asset to our campaign co-chairs and to UPAF’s presidents every time he was asked for advice.
Northwestern Mutual has led this year’s campaign with the combined support of their corporate foundation and employee giving. In this difficult economy, NM employees not only met their goals, but exceeded them. During Mr. Zore’s tenure, Northwestern Mutual’s combined giving grew from $561,423 to $1,076,359 last year, an increase of nearly 92%.
In addition, UPAF celebrates Mr. Zore’s legacy with a $5,000 scholarship in his name to Latino Arts.
2009 Robert W. Baird & Co. Outstanding Achievement in Employee Giving Awards
This year nearly 150 area companies conducted a UPAF employee giving campaign and there were many that generated record results. These four companies have shown extraordinary effort and a true commitment to the arts by excelling in the following areas: active involvement by the CEO, increasing employee participation, encouraging
leadership giving, increasing average gift size and by promoting new donors.
The 2009 Baird Award winners are:
Assurant Health
Hal Leonard Corporation
Johnson Controls
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
Mrs. Walter H. Stiemke Award
Glen F. Hackman
In 1980, the Mrs. Walter H. Stiemke award was created by UPAF in recognition of the outstanding dedication to the performing arts and UPAF by Olive Stiemke. This marks the 29th year that this award has been presented to an individual or individuals who characterize the same spirit toward UPAF and the performing arts that Mrs. Stiemke brought to our community.
Glen Hackman has served the arts community for many years, first as a member of the Board of Directors for the Milwaukee Ballet Company from 1995-2001 and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Florentine Opera Company from 1997-2003, serving as President of that organization from 2001. He was also the recipient of the 2005 Michael Newton Award presented by Americans for the Arts for his innovative and creative fund-raising techniques. He has held numerous leadership roles with UPAF including: Board Chair from 2004-2006, co-chairing the Board Development and Corporate Governance Committee from 2006-2008 and co-chairing the Board Planning Committee from 2005-2008. He continues to serve on UPAF’s Finance and Investment, Fund Distribution & Member Services, Board Development and Corporate Committees and remains a member of UPAF's Board of Directors.
Civic Partnership Award
SysLogic
The Civic Partnership Award honors an organization that collaborates with UPAF to help
heighten the importance and value of the performing arts. This year UPAF recognizes SysLogic. Quietly, over time, SysLogic has been providing technology guidance, direction and resources to UPAF. Never more critical has this support been than this year. With the infusion of support for updating our technology systems, SysLogic and its president, Tina Chang, have given tremendously to UPAF in terms of direction, time, attention, staff and resources.
Over the last 18 months alone, they have provided support to UPAF exceeding 200 hours. They provided UPAF with SysLogic staff to help us accomplish daily goals. They provided resources to help with tactile issues on projects, most recently Online Employee Giving and also provided resources to help UPAF with technology strategic planning. This support has certainly included Tina Chang, but also other individuals at SysLogic.
Jack M. Birchhill Award
Zizzo Group Advertising + Public Relations
In 1987, A.O. Smith and UPAF created the Jack M. Birchhill award in memory of this long-time UPAF volunteer and vice president of corporate communications for A. O. Smith. The award is given each year to the person or organization that has made significant contributions to the marketing efforts of UPAF. Zizzo Group Advertising and Public Relations has been an exemplary partner in supporting UPAF’s marketing efforts in the 2009 Campaign. As the agency of record, not only did they create engaging and inviting visuals to support UPAF’s message, they provided exceptional support in public and media relations, securing nearly $490,000 in in-kind support throughout the community on UPAF’s behalf. In addition to securing this support, Zizzo Group also provided significant resources in-kind to UPAF, totally more than $120,000 in services and support.
2009 UPAF Member Groups include: Bel Canto Chorus, Danceworks, Inc., First Stage Children’s Theater, Florentine Opera Company, Ko-Thi Dance 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 Opera Theatre.
