UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, Will Go Virtual as “An Event for All” on Sunday, June 14

MILWAUKEE, May 14, 2020 – The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) announced today that the 40th Anniversary UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, will be held as a virtual event on Sunday, June 14. With the uncertainty surrounding the safety of mass gatherings, UPAF will 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 40^th Anniversary by allowing families and individuals to create their own distinct experiences while also supporting our local performing arts organizations.”

“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 40^th Anniversary, at https://upafride.org and can be done as an individual or as a member of a team. All registrants will receive a commemorative 40^th Anniversary UPAF Ride shirt and 25% off registration for the 2021 UPAF Ride.

Participants will also be eligible to receive fundraising prizes including a Trek Bicycle, a commemorative 40^th 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.

UPAF is incredibly grateful to all Ride sponsors who make this event possible year after year. In 2020 these include: Miller Lite, Johnson Financial Group, KS Energy Services, WISN 12, 88Nine Radio Milwaukee, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Advocate Aurora, Belgianwerkx, Brewers Community Foundation, Children’s Wisconsin, Concordia University, Eppstein Uhen, Green Bay Packers Give Back, Husch Blackwell, Perlick, Qdoba, ManpowerGroup, Sargento, Super Steel, Technology Innovation Center at Research Park, West Bend Mutual Insurance and Wheel & Sprocket.

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.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.