UPAF Ride for The Arts

Sunday, June 1, marked the annual United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) Ride for The Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, and TCD was there to capture it. The fundraising event started in 1981 and has generated almost $8 million in funds for over 30 UPAF Member Groups and Affiliates. The Ride for The Arts helps to ensure the vibrant, diverse arts scene of our community is supported for many generations to come. The United Performing Arts Fund is a nonprofit organization that helps support over 30 performing arts groups in Southeastern Wisconsin, and it is one of the largest united arts funds in the country.

This year UPAF had over 7,000 riders, 21,000 donors, and 700 volunteers making sure the ride went as smoothly as possible. The ride started and ended at the Summerfest Grounds and had five different routes from 75 miles to 5 miles to accommodate riders of all ages and skill level.

The 50 and 75 mile routes took riders north over the Hoan Bridge up the lakefront through Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside and Mequon, and all the way to Port Washington for the 75 mile riders. The routes also had oasis stations for the riders to recharge and make any necessary repairs.

After the ride, riders and their friends and families gathered on at the Summerfest Grounds for the Finish Line Party. The party featured a variety of live entertainment on the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage by  local musicians and Member and Affiliate Groups of UPAF. There was also plenty of food, drinks, and giveaways from various sponsors.

Thanks to all the riders, donors, and sponsors, of UPAF for supporting the arts of Southeastern Wisconsin!

See below for Third Coast Daily’s full photo gallery of the UPAF Ride for The Arts.