American Idol star Danny Gokey will give back to the Milwaukee community yet again, this time in support of music and the arts through his Sophia’s Heart Foundation. The foundation recently announced the formation of its Music & Arts Program in partnership with St. Marcus School and the Lincoln Center of the Arts in Milwaukee. The news comes just after he signed a major marketing deal with New Berlin-based Wisconsin Vision.
The program will feature a contemporary children’s choir made up of students from Milwaukee’s central city schools, audition’s for the choir have already been held and the first official practice will be held on Monday, April 12.  Jeff Krumbein, music director at St. Marcus Lutheran Church will lead the choir.
“It is with great excitement that I get to share the progress Sophia's Heart has made,” said Danny Gokey, founder and president.  “We are starting our first Music and Arts program right here in my hometown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee holds a special place in my heart I want Sophia's Heart to be established here and make a difference.”
According to Steve Glynn, interim executive director for the foundation here in Milwaukee, Sophia’s Heart Foundation has a presence in Nashville, Tenn.; and in Los Angeles, Calif., but the program in Milwaukee is the first to officially get off the ground. Gokey’s vision for the foundation was inspired by his late wife Sophia.
“He wants to give families hope and opportunity,” said Glynn. “He wants to do it by capturing the hearts of kids through music, arts, dance technology or whatever need they may have. The foundation will offer fun programs where kids can learn life skills, be given a fresh start and that will hopefully have a positive effect on the local neighborhoods.”
“I was able to experience the great love and compassion (my wife Sophia) had towards children and families,” Gokey said. “I want to take that same love and conviction to everyone who needs a fresh start and begin to develop in them the tools and tenacity to be everything they were created to be.”  
According to Glynn, The Foundation has hopes of expanding the program in the Milwaukee community, doing concerts and appearances with Gokey and influencing the students in the community in the most positive way it can. St. Marcus School is excited to be the first school in Milwaukee to launch the program. 
“The best hope for effective change in the central city is realized when community institutions like St. Marcus partner with vibrant foundations like Sophia’s Heart,” said Henry Tyson, superintendent for St. Marcus School.  “Sophia’s Heart provides critical resources: people, programs, and passion.  St. Marcus is already linked to the community and has an existing infrastructure for outreach.  The result of this partnership is the creation of possibilities, hope, and purpose for children and their families.”
The program is planning two events for later this summer, most likely in conjunction with Gokey’s appearance at Summerfest on July 4.
“The vision of inspiring hope in children and families has not been easy to achieve,” said Gokey, “But we have shared the vision with fervency.  Slowly but surely people are seeing a glimpse of what we have seen, and offered us the support that we so desperately need…Alone we can do very little, but working together hand in hand we make an unbelievable impact.”  

The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) recently announced its plan to raise $9.3 million dollars by the middle of June. The money raised will help support 34 performing arts groups throughout southeastern Wisconsin.
 "The performing arts are indispensable to the vitality of our region," said Cristy Garcia-Thomas, president of UPAF. "UPAF's 34 performing arts groups enrich lives, build a sense of community, attract and retain high-level professionals in our region and change the lives of over 400,000 children through education and outreach every year.”
The campaign announcement was made at Bayshore Town Center during the organization’s Kick-Off Party.
UPAF also announced that the Kelben Foundation has offered a $100,000 Leadership Challenge grant that will match all new and increased individual gifts of $500 or more received from March 1 to May 15. If UPAF is successful in reaching the $100,000 goal, the Kelben Foundation will offer an additional $25,000 Challenge Grant for new and increased gifts received from May 16 to June 22.
"I believe the arts strengthen both the economy as well as the fabric of our community,"said Linda Mellowes, community leader and campaign co-chair. "The incredible theatre, music and dance offered by UPAF Member Groups provide each of us with unique experiences that reach us in profound ways."
"The United Performing Arts Fund plays a big part in making our community a unique and wonderful place to live, work and raise our families," said Ted Kellner, president of Milwaukee-based Fiduciary Management and campaign co-chair. " UPAF Member Groups provide a myriad of education and outreach programs ensuring that the arts are accessible to all, and their diverse array of fabulous performances attracts businesses and new talent to our area."
For more information about UPAF and for UPAF Member and Affiliate season schedules and ticket information please visit www.upaf.org.

Dennis DeYoung, song writer and founding member of the rock band STYX will perform for invited guests on Saturday, April 17. Milwaukee-based Bucyrus International, Inc., will host the performance to raise funds and build awareness for St. Ann Center, an intergenerational care facility that provides health and educational services for children and frail adults. The event will begin with an opening reception at 6 p.m. followed by the performance at 8 p.m. The concert is open to invited guests only, but guests are encouraged to wear blue jeans and come prepared to sing along.

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design will confer an honorary doctorate on Will Allen, founder and CEO of the internationally renowned Growing Power, Inc., at the college’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 15.
Allen is the only Milwaukeean to receive a “genius grant” from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for transforming his vision of a holistic urban farm providing healthy food, education and jobs to an underserved community into a national training center for activists in the community food movement and a research institution creating food production models that can be exported internationally.
 “Through his vision and problem solving, Will Allen transcended a practical, everyday problem with an innovative solution that, from its origins in 1993, has grown to embrace the urban needs of local communities in the United States and the world,” said MIAD President Neil Hoffman. “His resourcefulness, determination and humility hold lessons for the power of one person, armed with a creative idea, to truly affect change at the most fundamental human level.”
Allen has advised President Barack Obama’s transition team on agricultural policy and will bring his food production model to South Africa and Zimbabwe as part of the Clinton Global Initiative of former President Bill Clinton. MIAD students are actively involved in Growing Power through the college’s Service Learning Program; for almost ten years, many students have chosen the organization to fulfill their community service requirement.

Guitars for Vets, a local nonprofit that provides free guitar lessons and a new guitar to traumatized Military Veterans at VA medical centers in the area, will host Rock the Rumble, a benefit concert, at The Harley Davidson Museum’s rumble room, 400 W. Canal St. on Friday, April 23 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Cost to attend is $10 or donate a guitar to get in free.
The performance will feature a line up of musical performers including:

• The Mission River Band
• Tallan Noble Latz
• The Whiskey Belles
• Meaghan Owens
• The Weather Chequed Joes
• Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts
• Damage Picks
• Annie B
• Al Harrison
• Tony Cigno

The Helen Bader Foundation recently presented the YWCA of Greater Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Water Council with grants to support their organization initiatives.
The Milwaukee Water Council received a one-year, $50,000 grant to help fund the Water Council initiatives.
“This grant from the Bader Foundation is a huge statement,” said Dean Amhaus, executive director of the Water Council. “For this Foundation to step up early in the Water Council’s history provides significant credibility to a new organization. This will afford us the opportunity to help further grow Milwaukee’s burgeoning water industry.”
“It has been very impressive to see what the Water Council has been able to accomplish so far,” said Daniel Bader, President of the Helen Bader Foundation. “The Council has linked companies, universities, entrepreneurs, scientists, environmentalists, and civic leaders to set some truly remarkable things in motion.  As a region, it’s vital that we support and expand those partnerships.”
The YWCA received a $25,000 grant that will go toward improving the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program at the YWCA.  

The 19th Annual YMCA Black Achievers Historically Black College Tour, sponsored by the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, departs Saturday, April 3, 2010 from the Northside YMCA, 1350 W. North Avenue.
“The YMCA Black Achievers Annual Black College Tour is a multi-layered experience for students. It allows them the experience of being away from home for a week, working together with other students, and touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Antoinette Mensah, Emerging Leaders Director for the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “The primary goal of the Black College Tour is to acquaint students with the college environment, participate in workshops around preparation for college, financial aid and the overall college planning process. Year after year, teens return home from the tour inspired to succeed in high school and their community, with firmer goals and the commitment to achieve them. I look forward to seeing the results of this experience manifested in the students.”
A total of 83 Milwaukee-area  high school students will spend Spring Break touring five prominent, Historically Black Colleges and universities on the east coast including: Morgan State University, Howard University, Hampton University, Norfolk State University  and Virginia State University. Chaperones on the tour are Adult Black Achievers who provide counsel in the college application process and assistance in completing financial aid paperwork. 
“The Black College Tour is an example of the YMCA’s commitment to urban education. Programs like Black Achievers give students an edge in preparing for and applying to college. It serves as a strong example of how our YMCA programs affect young lives,” said Bob Yamachika, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee. “The unique, innovative approach of our Black Achievers program is one of the most effective educational programs for urban youth.”
Students go through an application and interview process to be selected for tour participation. In addition to the interviews, students are required to have at least a 2.7 GPA and three letters of recommendation. The YMCA Black Achievers program and its many curriculum components, such as the Black College Tour, help youth raise academic standards, explore diverse college and career options, develop positive sense of self and interact with professionals of color who serve as role models to inspire them to greater heights.
“This tour would not be possible without the generosity of our friends at Harley-Davidson,” said Mensah. “The support they have given over the years is a testament to Harley-Davidson’s dedication and commitment to this community, and the YMCA is grateful for their continued sponsorship.”
For more information regarding the Black College Tour, or to follow the students while they visit colleges during the weeklong tour, visit www.ymcamke.org/blackcollegetour.

Actor and author Dick Van Patten will appear at Ten Chimneys, the National Historic Landmark estate of Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, on Saturday, April 10. Van Patten will share memories of his acting career and his relationship with the Lunts as part of the popular “Conversations at Ten Chimneys” lecture series. 
 
Best known as the dad from Eight is Enough, Van Patten started his prolific career as a child actor, playing alongside Broadway stars such as Melvyn Douglas and Tallulah Bankhead. As a teenager, he spent three years playing the son of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne in O Mistress Mine (winning the role over a young Marlon Brando).
 
After his Conversation at Ten Chimneys, Mr. Van Patten will sign copies of his highly-acclaimed memoir, Eighty is Not Enough.  Book/Admission packages are available, and copies will also be on sale at the Museum Store (Hardback, $22.95).
 
The Conversation with Dick Van Patten will begin at 8:00 pm on Saturday, April 10 at the Lunt-Fontanne Program Center in Genesee Depot. Cost to attend is $25 for silver level, $50 for gold level, or $100 for premier level seats. Discounts and book packages are available. Tickets may be reserved by calling (262) 968-4110 or visit www.tenchimneys.org.

Melissa Mowery has been named the aquatics director at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, in Whitefish Bay. Mowery has more than 14 years of professional experience in waterpark operations, lifeguard management and aquatic safety.
“We are thrilled to add someone with Melissa’s expertise and experience to our award-winning aquatics team,” said Carolyn Destache, director of health, recreation and fitness at the JCC. “She has worked in just about every aspect of aquatics, and her expertise in waterpark operations will be a tremendous asset at our Hy & Richard Smith JCC Water Park in Mequon this summer.”

Pepich celebrates 35 years at Racine Art Museum
The Racine Art Museum (RAM)in Racine, Wisconsin recently marked the 35th anniversary of Bruce Pepich as its executive director and curator of collections. Pepich oversees all aspects of RAM's nationally recognized collections, exhibitions and education programs in of contemporary crafts and works on paper.
Under Pepich's directorship, the institution raised $10.1 million to build and open RAM in 2003, and raised an additional $5 million in 2005-07 to increase RAM's operating endowment. Today, RAM is home to a collection of more than 5,000 works from internationally recognized artists in ceramics, fibers, glass, metals and wood, as well as painting, sculpture and works on paper. He has also further cultivated RAM's reputation in the field of contemporary art and made the museum an important area attraction, bringing visitors to Southeastern Wisconsin from all over the nation and around the world.
 
Pepich is a published writer and has served on over 50 jury panels for national and international art competitions. He currently volunteers as a peer reviewer for the American Association of Museums and is a Board member of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee.
"I am grateful to this institution and its community for their long-term support of my efforts on behalf of this field. RAM has been able to accomplish many goals in the past 25 years through the benefit of consistent leadership and collaborative supporters. As a community, we can be proud of our unparalleled achievements." Pepich said, "I look forward to the new projects and programs we have planned for our audiences."
 

BizTimes Milwaukee has launched its 2010 Nonprofit Directory. Submissions for the directory were collected since the beginning of 2010, and the list is now available for viewing and for purchase in a print format. The directory includes 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. Submissions can still be made online and an electronic version of the directory is available for viewing online at www.biztimes.com/nonprofit.

• Monday, April 12, Repairers of the Breach, Milwaukee’s only daytime homeless shelter will host “Rebuilding Dreams,” a cocktail event at the Harley Davidson Museum’s Rumble Room from 6-8 p.m. Cost to attend is $125 per person and includes a free ticket to the Harley-Davidson Museum, music, food and drinks. For more information contact Jo Ann Kuenn, director of development at 414-934-8446.
• Tuesday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 20 The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., will host a two part course entitled “So you want to start a Business.” The classes will be available to the public from either 10 to 11:30 a.m. or from 7 to 8:30 p.m. They will be taught by local entrepreneur Jane Chernof, owner of Jane’s Take-Away Foods and co-owner of Milwaukee Street Gallery. The class will focus on issues like developing a business and marketing plan, learning how to handle finances in today’s economic climate and identifying the vision for your business. To register visit www.jccmilwaukee.org or call 414-964-4444
• Friday, April 16 A Day for Meta House, will be held at Discovery World Pier Wisconsin, 500 N. Harbor Drive from 8 to 9 a.m., and from 12 to 1 p.m. Enjoy a breakfast or a lunch in celebration of the triumph over addiction. Parking in the Pier Wisconsin lot will be complimentary, and overflow parking will be available near the Summerfest grounds. Shuttles will be on-site. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early as we plan to be at capacity for each session
• Tuesday, April 27 Interfaith Senior Programs will present the Tapestry Benefit Dinner & Auction, at the Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, dinner and a live auction.
• Wednesday, May 5 The 25th Anniversary Gala to benefit Pregnancy Support Connection Inc., will be held at the Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road beginning at 5:30 p.m. The red-carpet event will feature a “Retro Hollywood” theme and will celebrate and support Pregnancy Support Connection’s outreach to young women facing crisis pregnancies.
• Friday, May 7 The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, will host its Take a Walk on the Wild Side 2010 Gala at the center beginning at 6 p.m. Event will feature green organic and local food and wine from Lee John’s Catering, cocktails, and an auction. For more information email Debbie Fulton at dfulton@sanc.org.
• Friday, June 11 The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens will host is annual fundraising event at the gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, from 6-9 p.m. Guests can enjoy the gardens in full bloom, music from Cream City Jazz, food and drink from Bartolotta Catering, a silent auction and raffle, and live green demonstrations. Cost to attend is $75 For  Information & reservations, contact Kristine at 414-525-5661 or kpetersen@fbbg.org

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

• Monday, April 12, Repairers of the Breach, Milwaukee’s only daytime homeless shelter will host “Rebuilding Dreams,” a cocktail event at the Harley Davidson Museum’s Rumble Room from 6-8 p.m. Cost to attend is $125 per person and includes a free ticket to the Harley-Davidson Museum, music, food and drinks. For more information contact Jo Ann Kuenn, director of development at 414-934-8446.
• Tuesday, April 13 and Tuesday, April 20 The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center, 6255 N. Santa Monica Blvd., will host a two part course entitled “So you want to start a Business.” The classes will be available to the public from either 10 to 11:30 a.m. or from 7 to 8:30 p.m. They will be taught by local entrepreneur Jane Chernof, owner of Jane’s Take-Away Foods and co-owner of Milwaukee Street Gallery. The class will focus on issues like developing a business and marketing plan, learning how to handle finances in today’s economic climate and identifying the vision for your business. To register visit www.jccmilwaukee.org or call 414-964-4444
• Friday, April 16 A Day for Meta House, will be held at Discovery World Pier Wisconsin, 500 N. Harbor Drive from 8 to 9 a.m., and from 12 to 1 p.m. Enjoy a breakfast or a lunch in celebration of the triumph over addiction. Parking in the Pier Wisconsin lot will be complimentary, and overflow parking will be available near the Summerfest grounds. Shuttles will be on-site. Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early as we plan to be at capacity for each session
• Tuesday, April 27 Interfaith Senior Programs will present the Tapestry Benefit Dinner & Auction, at the Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. The event will include a silent auction, dinner and a live auction.
• Wednesday, May 5 The 25th Anniversary Gala to benefit Pregnancy Support Connection Inc., will be held at the Country Springs Hotel, 2810 Golf Road beginning at 5:30 p.m. The red-carpet event will feature a “Retro Hollywood” theme and will celebrate and support Pregnancy Support Connection’s outreach to young women facing crisis pregnancies.
• Friday, May 7 The Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, will host its Take a Walk on the Wild Side 2010 Gala at the center beginning at 6 p.m. Event will feature green organic and local food and wine from Lee John’s Catering, cocktails, and an auction. For more information email Debbie Fulton at dfulton@sanc.org.
• Friday, June 11 The Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens will host is annual fundraising event at the gardens, 9400 Boerner Dr., Hales Corners, from 6-9 p.m. Guests can enjoy the gardens in full bloom, music from Cream City Jazz, food and drink from Bartolotta Catering, a silent auction and raffle, and live green demonstrations. Cost to attend is $75 For  Information & reservations, contact Kristine at 414-525-5661 or kpetersen@fbbg.org

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

  MRA-The Management Association

• 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