The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced recently that the 40th Anniversary UPAF Ride for the Arts would be held as a socially distancing virtual event on June 14.
With the uncertainty surrounding the safety of mass gatherings, UPAF decided it would instead host “An Event for All” to allow participants the flexibility to ride, walk, or run anywhere with anyone from any starting point.
“The UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, has been a staple of our community since it began in 1980 and Miller Lite has been a proud partner of this event since the start,” said Tami Garrison, community affairs director for Molson Coors and 2020 UPAF Campaign Co-Chair. “While it is a very difficult decision to not gather at Milwaukee’s lakefront this year, we look forward to celebrating the Ride’s 40th Anniversary by allowing families and individuals to create their own distinct experiences while also supporting our local performing arts organizations.”
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.
“As we work to ensure ‘A Stage for All’ throughout the 2020 UPAF Campaign, we are proud to also provide ‘An Event for All’ through the UPAF Ride for the Arts,” said Deanna Tillisch, UPAF president & CEO. “We had already planned to add a new dimension to the Ride this year to accommodate individuals with disabilities so these options help to fulfill this goal. As a fundraiser, our signature event is critically important, especially now. With a projected $8.3 million loss just for this season, our Member Groups need our support and we need the arts to lift our spirits as we deal with these challenging times.”
Participants can register for the UPAF Ride for the Arts with a minimum $40 donation, in honor of the Ride’s 40th Anniversary, and can do so as an individual or as a member of a team. All registrants will receive a commemorative 40th Anniversary UPAF Ride shirt.
Participants will also be eligible to receive fundraising prizes including a Trek Bicycle, a commemorative 40th Anniversary Ride Jersey, Wheel & Sprocket gift cards and Marcus movie passes. Awards will be given to top fundraisers in two categories. The Johnson Financial Group Award will be presented to the individual raising the most pledge money and the Pedal Power Challenge Award, presented by ManpowerGroup, will be presented to the team raising the most dollars.
In 2019 UPAF raised more than $11.9 million to support the area’s performing arts environment.
