Susan Dragisic, president and chief executive officer of United Way of Greater Milwaukee, has announced her plans to retire. She has been CEO of the local United Way since 1999.
United Way’s board officially appointed Mary Lou Young, United Way’s chief operating officer, as the organization’s next president and CEO.
“Sue is an innovator and leader in our community whose expertise in fundraising and passion for helping people led United Way of Greater Milwaukee to unprecedented growth,” said Tim Sullivan, immediate past chairman of United Way’s board of directors and president and CEO of South Milwaukee-based Bucyrus International Inc. “Clearly, Sue’s legacy positions United Way for continued strength and community leadership moving forward.”
Dragisic will continue to provide campaign consultation to the organization through the end of the year.
“The last 10 years at United Way have been some of the most rewarding years of my life. It has been an honor to serve our community,” said Dragisic. “Looking ahead, I am excited to spend more time with my family. But I am also excited about what the future holds for United Way and Greater Milwaukee.”
Young joined United Way from Rockwell Automation where she managed worldwide strategic philanthropy as director of global community relations and secretary of its charitable corporation. She has been instrumental in securing new financial resources and establishing relationships with new high potential corporate and foundation partners.
“Mary Lou is the best person to lead United Way of Greater Milwaukee into its next century of strengthening our community,” said Ed Zore, newly elected 2010 chairman of United Way’s board and chairman and CEO of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. “She is a seasoned community leader with a track record of results who brings innovation, passion, and strong organizational and talent-development capabilities.”
Under Dragisic’s leadership, United Way increased fundraising results by more than $17.4 million, growing faster than any other similar-sized United Way across the nation.
“Sue’s leadership has positioned United Way well for strategic growth. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundation she created,” Young said.

Elmo, one of PBS-TV’s most recognizable characters, recently visited 11-year-old Mariah Brush and her friends at the Milwaukee Center for Independence.
Mariah, a patient in MCFI’s Pediatric Special Care program, has been diagnosed with a neurological condition that causes brain damage and seizures. According to her mother and Forrest Doolen from the Make-A-Wish foundation, meeting Elmo in person was Mariah’s greatest wish.
After only two months preparation, Make-A-Wish foundation and United Healthcare brought Kevin Clash, Elmo’s Muppeteer, and Elmo in from Sesame Street, N.Y., for Mariah’s wish party. Pizza was donated by Toppers Pizza and United Healthcare sponsored the wish.
“United Healthcare has had relationship with the Make-A-Wish foundation for the last three years and we’ve granted six wishes in that time,” said Ken Marsh director of account management at United Healthcare. “Mariah’s is the sixth wish we’ve granted and we are just really glad to be a part of it.”
According to Marsh, there are different ways that United Healthcare is involved with Make-A-Wish including annual fundraisers, volunteer events and a casual workplace campaign. United Healthcare’s contribution to Mariah’s wish was entirely financial, said Marsh.
“We had nothing to do with the coordinating anything with Elmo today, but it was truly great to be a part of this event.”
According to Mariah’s mother Sherina Shaw, Elmo is a character Mariah really fell in love with the last few years and seeing him in person was something she really wanted to do for her daughter.

Dave & Buster’s will host its grand opening VIP ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 6 to 10 p.m. at its new location, 2201-2215 N. Mayfair Road.  Part of the grand opening event will feature a one-of-a-kind charity skee ball competition.
Leaders at two local charities will match up to compete for the proceeds from Dave & Buster’s opening week.
“People bond and come together every day over games at Dave & Buster’s,” said general manager Esther Gomez. “We thought extending that competitive spirit to our charity partners would be a great way to use ‘fun’ to raise ‘funds.’”
The Dave & Buster’s Charity Roll off will see Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Board member Jim Popp compete against the executive director of IndependenceFirst, Lee Schulz.
Whichever charity has the highest cumulative score at the end of three games will win the Golden Skee Ball and $5000 of the proceeds. The Second place charity will receive $2,500.
 “The Boys & Girls Clubs mission is to inspire and empower young people to reach their full potential,” said Jean Heyduck, director of communications and marketing for Boys & Girls Clubs of Milwaukee. “Jim is definitely inspired and empowered to become Southeastern Wisconsin’s reigning skee ball champion. He’ll be bringing his A game and looks forward to an evening of exciting competition for a good cause.”
“Besides both organizations having really great reputations locally for being really active in the community, both really seemed to be about getting the most out of life – and that means different things to different people but we felt we all had that in common,” said Kelley Kohler, a spokeswoman for Dave & Buster’s. “We want people to make time for fun, Boys & Girls Clubs wants young people to reach their full potential and IndependenceFirst wants people with disabilities to not be limited in the community.”
According to Gomez, the charity event has become customary at all Dave & Buster grand openings.
“It’s a good way to get involved and introduce us to the community,” Gomez said.
“It’s a great way to kick off a business opening,” said Carol Voss, public relations and marketing director for IndependenceFirst. “It’s going to do a lot to increase the visiability of both organizations, and I’m glad they saw us as an organization that likes to have fun particularly for a good cause.”
According to Voss, Schulz’ competitive spirit and desire to win will be all it takes.
The competition will start at 7 p.m. during the VIP reception; tickets to the event are still available for purchase through either of the participating organizations. Those who attend the event will receive a free appetizer buffet, a $20 game card and the ability to order from the Dave & Buster’s menu for free. Proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to the organization who sells them, Kohler said.
For more information or to purchase tickets for $40 a piece, visit either of the two organization’s websites at: www.independencefirst.org or www.boysgirlsclubs.org 

The Marcus Corp.  will celebrate its 75th anniversary beginning with its Moving Forward- Giving Back associate volunteer campaign. The volunteer campaign includes all associates at Marcus Theatres, Marcus Hotels and Resorts and the company’s corporate office.
“Not only has The Marcus Corp. delivered valuable guest experiences for 75 years, but it has been committed to giving back to the communities where our associates live and work. The ‘Moving Forward – Giving Back’ volunteer campaign supports this important company tradition,” said Gregory Marcus, president and chief executive officer of The Marcus Corp. “The purpose of our volunteer campaign is to touch all our communities with one voice and to make a lasting impact as a community partner and successful employer.”
The campaign encourages all 5,900 associates to volunteer at least 7.5 hours in their community to collectively achieve more than 75,000 volunteer hours as an entire company by the anniversary date of Nov. 1, 2010. The goal of 75,000 hours was selected as a way to honor the company’s 75 years in business.

The Grainger Foundation, Lake Forest, Ill, has donated $10,000 to The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association (WATDA) in support of its educational programs.
“This grant will be used to support the on-going educational programs and services the Foundation of the WATDA provides to certified Automotive Youth Education Systems (AYES) schools throughout southern, northeastern and central Wisconsin,” said Raymon Pedersen, executive director of The Foundation of the WATDA. “We have been in the business of supporting technical education that builds life-long careers for deserving students.  We’re grateful to The Grainger Foundation for its support, especially at a time like this.”
According to Pedersen, The Foundation’s programs currently serve 1,600 high school students in 12 satellite high school programs. The educational services to schools include securing training equipment donations through vehicle manufacturers, advanced technical curriculum, and on-site assistance to individual schools during their industry certification process. The result is greater opportunity for AYES graduates to continue their technical education and build life-long careers in the transportation industry, he said.
“We are proud to recommend the programs offered by The Foundation of the Wisconsin Automobile and Truck Dealers Association”, said James Leurquin, branch manager of W.W. Grainger, Inc’s North Milwaukee location.  “We understand the need for skilled workers including the students involved in classes at schools supported by the Foundation of the WATDA.” Grainger has been a part of the Milwaukee business community for more than 50 years as the leading broad line supplier of facilities maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products. 

Interfaith Older Adult Programs has received a $20,000 grant from Today’s Health HMO, a Medicare Advantage Health Plan that is offered through the Universal American family of companies. The Company’s Collaborating for Good Health Giving Back Program will support Interfaith Older Adult Programs in its mission to link older adults with a caring community throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.
“We are delighted that our organization was selected for this donation,” said Renee Jaeger, public relations director of Interfaith Older Adult Programs. “We recognize that the health and well-being of our seniors is dependent on support from generous community partners like Today’s Health HMO.”
Interfaith Older Adult Programs will use the grant money to fund more than 75 educational seminars reaching thousands of seniors throughout the Greater Milwaukee area.  The seminars will focus on educating seniors about low-income assistance programs available for people with Medicare, and to pay for the expenses of a volunteer program that connects older adults with frail seniors  who will drive them to medical appointments, help them with daily errands and engage them socially.
“Our Healthy Collaboration model demonstrates our approach to healthcare in recognizing that the key to an older adult’s well-being is their relationship to the community,” said Hal Sadowy, PhD vice president and general manager of Milwaukee for Today’s Health. “It is an honor to support organizations like Interfaith Older Adult Programs that share this same commitment to embracing older adults and helping them access the benefits they are entitled to.”

BizTimes Media has re-launched its online Nonprofit Directory. This directory will include vital information about 501(c)3 organizations based in or serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, Kenosha, Washington, Ozaukee or Sheboygan counties. The directory is intended to connect the region's nonprofit organizations with the business community. All nonprofit organizations are encouraged to submit their listing. If your organization was listed in the directory for 2009, you must resubmit your listing for the new format. To receive your free listing in the 2010 BizTimes Nonprofit Directory visit www.biztimes.com/nonprofit.

Despite signs of rebirth for the economy, charitable giving is not expected to rebound any time soon. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy “charities predict they will continue to struggle to raise money in 2010, with many groups unable to collect as much as they did before the recession.” This means already fierce competition for contributions will become even more intense. Avoid making these nonprofit marketing missteps that can cost you your share of the philanthropic market.
Read more here

The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design board of trustees has selected six new members to represent the institution on the board. They include:  Matt Levatich, president and chief operating officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company; Linda Marcus, former journalist and author on media ethics and owner of Linda Marcus Designs; Justin L. Mortara, chief executive officer of Mortara Instrument, Inc.; Scott Schwebel, vice president of creative development of Hanson Dodge Creative; Randy Strauss, president chief executive officer of Strauss Brands Incorporated; and Thomas Wilson III, retired president of Private Banking, Firstar Milwaukee.

Tri-Adathon, a joint venture between Milwaukee-based Catral Doyle creative, the Welke Group and Elm Grove-based Clear Verve Marketing, selected 21 nonprofit organizations to receive 24 hours of free pro bono marketing support. The services provided include marketing communications, strategic planning, web site design, radio scripting, graphic design, and media relations planning. “Working together on these projects really opens up the things we can do for people,” said Christina Steder, owner of Clear Verve Marketing. “It allows me to take a project that maybe my firm could only do half of, and bring in these other people to finish it because that is their specialty.”
According to Steder, the event was well received, and is something the firms plan to do on an annual basis. Click here to view a video about the Tri-Adathon event and its efforts click here.   The Wheelin’ Wizards were selected to be a part of the Tri-Adathon effort.

Nonprofit Name: Wheelin’ Wizards Competitive Youth Wheelchair Basketball Club

Website: wheelinwizards.org

Leadership: Todd Whitrock – Acting Board President; Robin Decker – Treasurer; Chris Roy – secretary; Michael Nepper – Varsity Vice President

Mission of the organization: “To give kids who use wheelchairs the opportunity to participate in competitive Wheelchair basketball.”

Annual volunteer/fundraising event: Altera Coffee fundraiser; bowl-athon; raffle.

What makes your organization unique? “We are completely parent run and don’t receive any regular outside funding.  Our entire operation is funded by our fundraising efforts and charitable donations.”

Why did you want to get involved in the Tri-Adathon effort? “In order to better facilitate our community outreach, we felt that we needed a more polished presentation brochure.”

What help did you receive from Tri-Adathon? “They produced a professional looking brochure that will make our public outreach more accessible.”

What are you immediate organizational goals as a result of the Tri-Adathon effort?  “We are constantly in fundraising mode because we have to maintain and replace equipment, and we also assist our families with travel.  The brochure will help us to reach our annual $50,000 budget goal.”

Is your organization in search of board members? “We currently recruit board members from within, but have discussed the viability of board personnel who don’t have children involved in our program.  Parents as board members can have difficulty separating emotionally from their children’s wants and needs.”

How can business people/the community help your organization? “Fundraising is difficult in good financial times, but has become more difficult now.  We are also having a tough time attracting new families willing to make the time and travel commitments required because of the limited number of available teams to compete against.  We are also always looking for volunteers for coaching, travel or fundraising.”

• Saturday, Feb. 27, YPImpact, a Milwaukee-based young professionals organization, will host a volunteer event at SHARE, 13111 W. Silver Spring Dr., Butler, from 6 to 11 a.m. This unique event is designed to allow attendees the chance to network while assisting SHARE. Volunteers will lend a hand by counting food, assembling grocery loads, organizing items, cleaning, packing food into vehicles and other projects. The community service activity will be followed by a networking reception at Charro Restaurante, 17800 W. Bluemound Road, Brookfield.
• Saturday, March 6, The Milwaukee Community Sailing Center will hold its 16th annual Sailors Ball at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee from 6:30 p.m. to 12 midnight. All proceeds from the event support the Sailing Center’s efforts to engage Milwaukee’s at-risk, urban youth, as well as children and adults with disabilities, in innovative sailing experiences.This year’s ball will feature the sights, sounds and tastes of Puerto Rico as island fare, attire, entertainment and a silent auction. More than 200 nautical, dining and leisure packages will be auctioned off, including a one-week charter on a 40-foot sailboat. General admission tickets, which include dinner and entertainment, are $90 per person. General admission tickets plus passes to the Admirals Club pre-reception are $135 per person, and VIP Gold Packages, which include general admission, passes to the Admirals Club pre-reception and wine with dinner, are $175 per person. To purchase raffle or ball tickets, contact the Milwaukee Community Sailing Center at (414) 277-9094.
• Thursday, March 11, United Cerebral Palsy of Southeastern Wisconsin will host the 28th Annual Taste of Milwaukee event in the grand ballroom of The Pfister beginning at 5:30 p.m. Taste of Milwaukee features signature dishes from Milwaukee’s finest restaurants and exciting silent auction items. Tickets are $75 per individual or $1,000 for a corporate table of ten. To register or for more information visit: http://ucpsew.org/newEvents.html
• Saturday, March 13 ALS-Lou Gehrig’s disease Evening Of Hope event will be held at the Hyatt Regency, the event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction. Thos in attendance will give the gift of hope to patients and their families who are touched by the disease. Call 262-784-5257  or visit www.BeatALS.org for more information.
• Friday, March 26, the Samudra Fashion Show at Whitefish Bay High School Auditorium, 1200 E. Fairmount Ave. beginning at 7:30 p.m. The show will benefit H2O which provides clean water wells in third world countries. It will feature local and student fashion. The high school is over a third of the way to reaching its goal of completing the water project in their partner school in India for clean, safe water. Admission to the Samudra Fashion Show is $5 for Whitefish Bay students, and $8 for the general public.

To view additional calendar items or to submit your own events please visit the BizTimes.com calendar.

• Association of Fundraising Professionals

• Community Shares of Greater Milwaukee

• Donors Forum of Wisconsin

• Greater Milwaukee Foundation

• Marquette Funding Information Center

• Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee

• Nonprofit Center Workshop Calendar

• Nonprofit portal of Greater Milwaukee

• Non Profit Jobs

• UWM Helen Bader Institute for Non Profit Management

• UWM School of Continuing Education nonprofit workshops

• Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee