UPAF Ride for the Arts: Cyclists hit the open road for a great cause; "incredibly inspiring"

MILWAUKEE -- Sunday, June 5th was the annual "UPAF Ride for the Arts" -- one of the nation's largest recreational bike rides that raises money for the performing arts in the Milwaukee area. The Ride for the Arts raises money for 15 "UPAF Member Groups" so that they can deliver the best in music, dance and theater and make our region distinct.

"It`s a beautiful day for a ride! It really is," Nancy Gutzeit said.

This was the 35th annual UPAF Ride for the Arts.

The ride featured four different routes, showcasing Milwaukee's lakefront and different neighborhoods in the city -- even taking riders over the Hoan Bridge -- and an after-party at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage on the Summerfest grounds.

The ride started and finished at the Summerfest grounds -- near Polk Street and Harbor Drive.

The ride supports UPAF and its 15 member groups. According to the event's website, "UPAF -- the United Performing Arts Fund works to secure community resources, promote the performing arts as a regional asset, and improve the quality of life through reasonable investment in and financial support of the performing arts in southeastern Wisconsin."

UPAF is the single largest donor for these 15 member groups.

First Stage is one of the 15 member groups. Cole Winston is a First Stage performer.

"Getting to sing and perform on a stage -- especially with First Stage -- gives people the chance to express themselves and learn self-confidence and public speaking skills and the ability to do something they love and that`s what happened with me," Winston said.

Winston's experience was made possible by donations from UPAF riders.

"It is incredibly inspiring," Winston said.

Four thousand cyclists could choose from a 10, 25, 45 or 70-mile route along Milwaukee's lakefront and over the Hoan Bridge.

"This is really the crescendo for us because we are a week away from our finale. This caps off what we`re trying to do. Without our support, without the dollars that our donors so generously give us each year, (our member groups) would close their doors," Deanna Tillisch, president and CEO of UPAF said.

UPAF supports the following 15 member groups:

"The funding translates to new shows. It translates to children being able to participate in the academy and it means that I get a chance to perform and do what I love among with thousands of other kids," Winston said.

In just under two hours, the first cyclists completed their ride -- ending at Henry Maier Festival Park where everyone was treated to a big party at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage.

If you'd like to make a donation to UPAF, you can do so online by CLICKING HERE.