The United Performing Arts Fund has appointed three business executives to co-chairs of its 2016 campaign.
Co-chairs are Paul Eberle, chief executive of Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek S.C.; Paul Purcell, chairman and chief executive officer of Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc.; and Peggy Williams-Smith, vice president of food and beverage for Marcus Hotels and Resorts.
UPAF exists to advocate for performing arts organizations across southeastern Wisconsin as well as help fund their operations. The 2016 campaign co-chairs will work to ramp up awareness of the performing arts campaign and boost donations toward the financial growth of the nonprofit.
The leadership and expertise of the 2016 co-chairs “will have a critical impact on the success of the 2016 UPAF Campaign,” Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO of UPAF, said in a press release.
“Their passion for the performing arts is contagious and they understand the connection between a robust arts and cultural scene to a vibrant and engagement community,” Tillisch said.
The 2016 campaign, scheduled to run from March 1 through June 9, acts as one of the main fundraising vehicles for UPAF. The campaign goal is still being established, according to David Fantle, chief marketing officer of UPAF. That figure will be announced during the campaign kickoff on March 1.
UPAF’s 2015 campaign collected more than $12 million for its 15 member groups and marked a record fundraiser for the organization. The $12,001,226 total raised through the campaign represented campaign growth of more than 18 percent in three years, according to the organization.
