UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, Introduces Mobile Pledging in Its 35th Year

Milwaukee, WI – UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, will commemorate its 35^th year by offering an easy way to donate to the 2015 UPAF Campaign:  mobile pledging.  The signature fundraising event, set for Sunday, May 31, 2015, will for the first time allow for riders to raise dollars via text messaging.  Anyone making a mobile pledge will be eligible to win a variety of prizes and vote for their favorite MillerCoors beer. The goal of the mobile pledge program is to help UPAF reach its first-ever Ride fundraising goal of $600,000, which will roll up to the record-setting 2015 UPAF Campaign goal of $11,860,000.
 
“The Ride is always a great community event, and MillerCoors is proud to be the sponsor of this tradition for the 25^th year. The performing arts are an important cultural asset in Southeastern Wisconsin, and by introducing programs like mobile giving we can increase the dollars raised through the Ride to support our world-class performing arts organizations,” said Tami Garrison, community affairs from MillerCoors and honorary Ride Chair.
 
After the Ride, participants and their guests are invited to the Finish Line Party at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage on the Summerfest Grounds which is free and open to the public. The party will feature free food; beer sampling by MillerCoors; and live entertainment, including a performance by Milwaukee band Miller Rhythm & Brews Revue at 11:00 a.m.  The band comprises MillerCoors employees, including UPAF Campaign Co-Chair Tom Cardella, recently retired CEO of Tenth and Blake Beer Company.
 
Families with young children will enjoy interactive, educational activities at the expanded Kid Zone, sponsored by North Shore Bank. Six UPAF Member Groups will perform for kids from 10:00 a.m. until noon: Milwaukee Repertory Theater, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, Danceworks, Skylight Music Theatre, First Stage and Milwaukee Public Theatre.
 
Thousands of cyclists of all ages and skill levels will start and finish at the Summerfest Grounds’ South Gate at the intersection of Polk Street and Harbor Drive and travel various routes (5, 12, 25, 40 and 66 miles). Ride participants will have the option to ride over the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge on the 25-mile route, providing riders with a rare view of Milwaukee and Lake Michigan from a bike.
 
UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, has raised more than $8.5 million for the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin since 1981. To register for the Ride, go to www.UPAFRide.org.  To make a gift to the 2015 Campaign or obtain more information on UPAF, visit www.UPAF.org.
 
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. In 2015 UPAF’s Annual Campaign goal is $11.86 million to support the area’s vibrant performing arts environment. The 2015 Campaign will run through June 9. UPAF proudly bears Charity Navigator’s highest distinction for nonprofits – a four-star rating – and is ranked No. 1 by Americans for the Arts for being the most cost effective united arts fund in the country.
 
As an umbrella organization, UPAF supports a breadth of performing arts groups that collectively offer something for everyone through its 15 Member Groups and numerous Affiliates.  More than one million people are touched each year through performances, educational outreach, special events and community partnerships.
 
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