Making Milwaukee stronger through volunteer service and nonprofit partnerships
On May 16, more than 1,100 people celebrated the grand opening of the expanded and modernized Baird Center at the convention center’s Grand Opening Gala. Guests packed the stunning rooftop Baird Ballroom and enjoyed spectacular food, beverages and world-class entertainment. At the same time, Wisconsin Center District President and CEO Marty Brooks prepared to announce the grand total raised for the gala beneficiaries, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF). A hush fell over the crowd as Brooks took the stage, thrilled to share that United Way and UPAF would receive $200,000 each from gala table sales. As the crowd erupted in applause, a sense of community settled in.
“As I interpret it, really part of the work of WCD is not just bringing visitors to our community but building community. Making sure that our community is as strong as possible so even more people want to come discover our incredible city,” United Way President and CEO Amy Lindner said.
United Way is committed to providing big solutions to big problems throughout the area. The organization collaborates with several partners to collectively work to solve issues that are too big for any one organization to be able to tackle alone.
When it comes to opportunities like the Grand Opening Gala, Lindner says it’s not just about raising money, it’s also about raising awareness.
“Every dollar counts… even beyond the money itself, which is huge, is the spirit of partnership, Lindner said. “Gifting United Way and UPAF a table so we could be at the event, not only to experience the splendor of that evening as all of the guests did but also to be part of the evening, to be mingling with so many, to be part of getting the importance of the work and the message about United Way and UPAF out to our existing friends and donors but also to hundreds of people in the room who might not be donors or know a lot about our work.”
With more awareness, comes more donors and community partnerships, and in turn, more solutions to Milwaukee’s biggest problems.
“These types of solutions are possible when we work united,” Lindner said.
Since the gala, WCD has continued its partnership with United Way, engaging in internal giving campaigns to raise even more money for the organization.
The District has also found a way to support local nonprofits through its annual Gala Giveaway contest. The contest, launched in 2023, awards one outstanding local nonprofit an all-expenses-paid gala in the Baird Ballroom. The Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin was the contest’s inaugural winner and broke a fundraising record at its gala, raising over $360,000. First Stage is the contest’s 2025 gala winner and their Make Believe Ball will be held on April 19. In addition to a free gala, WCD staff contribute 40 volunteer hours to each winning organization’s cause.
The Wisconsin Center District invests time in the local nonprofit community daily by encouraging leadership and staff to participate on nonprofit boards and volunteer their time to a cause of their choosing. Members of the WCD team have been involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lutheran Social Services Foundation, Visit Milwaukee, Westown, BID21, the MATC Board for Event Management, Milwaukee Parks Foundation Committee, Sojourner Family Peace Center and many other worthwhile organizations.
“Being an employer of choice means more than just fostering a positive work environment on WCD’s campus,” Wisconsin Center District President and CEO Marty Brooks said. “When Milwaukee wins, we win, which is why it’s our mission to continue to give back to the community where we work, live and play.”