United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) recently held its 35^th annual Ride for the Arts in the city of Milwaukee. The event, which supports UPAF's United Arts Fund campaign, has become one of the largest one-day recreational bike rides, with major sponsors like MillerCoors. This year, over 5,000 riders raised more than $550,000 as part of the United Performing Arts Fund campaign.

Since its inception, over 280,000 participants have raised more than $8.5 million, benefiting the UPAF’s 15 member groups including the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage Theater, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and other affiliates.

The active and fun event is crucial to the Milwaukee local arts scene and draws a wide range of support, including over 600 volunteers. UPAF notes that, “On average, the proceeds from our campaign account for 17% of our Member Groups budgets. That’s money they need to keep their general operations running so they can focus their efforts on what they do best—creating, performing, inspiring, and educating.”

Art-loving riders bike along Lake Michigan for 5 all the way up to 66 miles and are welcomed with food, beer, and live music at the finish line. Vivien DeBack, who has participated in Ride for the Arts for decades brought her grandchildren this year, told Fox6Now, “I think it’s important for them to learn the importance of the arts to community and that it’s important to give something back to your community. And this is an opportunity for them to understand that.”