Waupaca Fine Arts Festival raising funds

The annual fund drive for the Waupaca Fine Arts Festival (WFAF) began last week with a mailing campaign to supporters of the arts.

For 62 years, the WFAF has reached thousands of artists and patrons through the Waupaca Community Theatre and Children’s Theatre, Waupaca Community Choir and Civic Orchestra, and the Waupaca Art Show.

“The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival is excited to celebrate and share a diverse array of artistic opportunities and performances with the greater Waupaca community,” Chair Dan Wolfgram said. “Our events and programs have touched nearly every resident over the years, and we hope the community recognizes how much our organization enhances the quality of life here. We deeply appreciate past contributions, which have been vital in sustaining our efforts.”

Wolfgram noted, “As the costs of our events and programs continue to rise, your support becomes even more crucial. We take great pride in being part of this historic organization, which has significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Waupaca. While we acknowledge the presence of other arts organizations in the area, we are proud to have laid the groundwork for a vibrant arts community. By donating to the WFAF, you are supporting the longest-standing arts organization in the county. Our fundraising goal for the 2024-25 season is $45,000, and with your help, we can continue to make a positive impact in our community.”

This season promises an array of cultural events. It begins with the holiday show, “The Twelve Days of Christmas Cabaret,” at the Waupaca Country Club on Friday, Dec 6-7.

The Waupaca Community Theatre will present the musical comedy “The Kids Left. The Dog Died. Now What?” Friday through Sunday, Jan. 10-12, 2025, at the Gerold Opera House in Weyauwega.

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Waupaca Community Choir and Civic Orchestra will perform a “Collage Concert” featuring Broadway hits, spirituals, and new selections, all performed in English, at the Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center.

The original Waupaca Art Show will return to the historic Danes Hall for five days from April 12-16.

The Waupaca Community Children’s Theatre will stage Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are In a Play!” at the Waupaca Middle School Knoepfel Auditorium from July 18-22, followed by this summer’s mainstage production of “Hello, Dolly!” on July 26, 27, 31, and Aug. 1-3, at the Waupaca High School Performing Arts Center, featuring a live pit orchestra.

The Festival Committee’s Board has approved a working budget of $95,550 for the 2024-25 season. To support these events, the board aims to raise more than $45,000 through donations. Contributions are welcomed year-round and are tax-deductible for those who itemize. The Waupaca Fine Arts Festival is a registered non-profit organization under 501(c)(3).

Donors will be recognized in s the following categories for their contributions: Presidential Circle–$2,500+, Director’s Circle–$1000-$2,499, Patron–$500-$999, Benefactor–$250-$499, Donor–$100-$249, Contributor–up to $99.

Contributions at the Patron level and above will be acknowledged as Underwriters for all events, including the Community Choir, Art Show, and Community Theatre. Donations received by March 21, 2025, will be featured in the WFAF season’s printed brochure. All contributors will also be recognized in the Waupaca County Post and on our new website.

To contribute, mail checks to Waupaca Fine Arts Festival, Box 55, Waupaca, WI 54981. Online donations can be made anytime at www.fineartsfestival.org.