Nearly 6,000 cyclists took to the streets yesterday, raising money for local arts organizations during the 35 annual United Performing Arts Fund Ride for the Arts.
Teams pedaled along Lake Michigan and the Hoan Bridge on routes raging from 5 to 66 miles. The ride ended at the Summerfest grounds where riders were welcomed back with food, beer, and live music.
UPAF provides critical operating dollars to 15 cornerstone arts groups, including Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater and others.
Find a full list of partner organizations here. And click the podcast player above to hear from three riders and UPAF co-chair Mark Sabljak.
UPDATE: The totals are in! The UPAF Ride for the Arts raised $75,230 in individual pledges to support its partner arts organizations. That's a 44% increase, according to Chief Marketing Officer Leigh Lane Peine. Overall, the 2015 UPAF campaign raised $12,001,226, a 2.3% increase over 2014.
