2025 UPAF Ride for the Arts, Presented
June 1, 2025
7 A.M. – NOON
HENRY MAIER FESTIVAL PARK
Welcome to UPAF
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) is essential to preserving a vibrant performing arts scene throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. As the largest donor to our 14 Member Groups, UPAF ensures not only their vitality, but also their sustainability.
The UPAF mission is three-fold:
• Raise much-needed dollars to ensure entertainment excellence
• Promote the performing arts as a regional asset
• Responsibly steward the dollars our donors so generously give us
Supporting UPAF truly is a local investment.
UPAF’s four-star Charity Navigator rating, received since 2013, demonstrates to donors the organization’s commitment to financial management, accountability and transparency.
Who We Support
Cornerstones Members
Affiliates
20 Affiliate organizations throughout Southeastern WI including Forte Theater in Franklin, Studio K
Flamenco in South Milwaukee, Darby’s Dancers and Waukesha Civic Theater in Waukesha and Racine Theater Guild and Racine Symphony Orchestra!
Our Impact
• More than 1.2 million people annually experience the arts in Southeastern Wisconsin thanks to a UPAF group
• Arts-related spending on meals, retail, lodging and transportation generates $46 million for local economies and supports over 4,500 jobs
• Arts groups educate 150,000+ kids per year, nurturing a strong & creative workforce for tomorrow
• SMU Data Arts ranked the Milwaukee-Waukesha area 18th most vibrant city in the nation – one spot ahead of Chicago!
About the UPAF Ride
• The UPAF Ride for the Arts, presented by Miller Lite has been raising critical funds for the performing arts since 1981.
• As UPAF’s signature event, this time-honored tradition has engaged more than a quarter participants, thousands of volunteers and hundreds of sponsors since its inception, while raising over $12.5 million for the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin.
• As one of the ONLY events that goes over the iconic Hoan Bridge, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that makes a difference for the community.
Sunday, June 1 l 7 a.m. - Noon
Customize your Ride
Ride the Hoan Loop Course as many times as you wish from 7 a.m. to Noon! Conclude your Ride at UPAF Fest, a showcase of local talent FREE to the public at Henry Maier Festival Park.
2024 Community Presence
Participants: 3220
Volunteers: 150
Total Raised: $461,230
Digital Impressions:
2.3 Million+
Includes Facebook and online advertising, coverage in the Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin Bike Fed, Milwaukee Business Journal and more.
190 TV Promo Airings and 85 Radio Spots
Exposure across the Milwaukee Media Market from WISN 12, WUWM and 88Nine Radio Milwaukee.
Print Impressions: 500K +
Includes advertising and coverage in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Ballet programs, billboard displays and more.
Earned Media Impressions:
1.2 Million+
Media impressions include coverage by WISN-12 (sponsor), Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (sponsor), Fox6, CBS58, Milwaukee Business Journal and more.
Enhanced for 2025!
The UPAF Ride for the Arts will culminate with a one-of-a-kind celebration of all thing's arts at UPAF Fest!
Join us after the Ride at the Henry Maier Festival Park!
Park your bike in the complimentary bike port and:
• Visit with our Community Partners
• Take in the views from the VIP Deck
• Learn about UPAF Members & Affiliates
• Check out the Kid Zone Activities
• Enjoy Food & Beverages from our Sponsors
• See Live Music & Entertainment
• And More!
It’s only possible thanks to our generous sponsors
Benefits for All Ride Sponsors
All sponsors who join us at $1,200 and above will become a member of the UPAF Leadership Society and receive:
- Invitation for 2 to UPAF’s Open Rehearsal series - Recognition in UPAF’s Annual Impact Report - Inclusion in UPAF’s “Spotlight on Business” insert in the Milwaukee Business Journal
ase by just $200 for these additi onal benefi ts!
Sponsor Benefits by Donation Level
Additional Sponsor Opportunities for 2025*
$50,000 Ride the Hoan Sponsor
$20,000 Oasis Sponsor
$15,000 Kids Zone Sponsor
$15,000 UPAF Fest Sponsor
$10,000 Entertainment Sponsor
$10,000
$5,000 Bike Valet Sponsor
$5,000 Inflatable Bike Sponsor
Recognized in all communications with large and prominent signage at the entry and exit of the Hoan Bridge
Recognized in all communications with branded Oasis stop and on signage, programs and materials
Recognized in all communications with additional signage on the Arts Path, programs and materials
Recognized in all communications and logo presented prominently on all UPAF Fest signage, programs and materials
Recognized in all communications with large logo banners on stage at UPAF Fest, programs and materials
Description here
Recognized in all communications with large and exclusive branding on the Bike Port programs and materials
Branding around the 2-story inflatable bicycle at the entrance to UPAF Fest where riders take and post selfies
More Ways to Get Involved
Form a Ride Team
Bring your entire organization out and form a team! Ride teams are a fantastic way to support UPAF while creating camaraderie. Team members registration fee can be subsidized by an organization. Teams of 10+ receive a custom bib, teams of 40+ receive their name on the back of the shirt.
Volunteer
The Ride for the Arts would not be possible without the support of our volunteers. This is a great opportunity to gather a group and have a fun day supporting a great cause!
Ride for the Arts Contacts
• Christine Hojnacki, Chief Development Officer
chojnacki@upaf.org | 414.239.6263
• Jennifer Wareham, Director of Development jwareham@upaf.org | 414.239.6264
• Sarah Giovannetti, Director of Development, Volunteer Relations sgiovannetti@upaf.org | 414.239.6284
Thank you for riding with us!
