annual report 2014–15

ANNUAL REPORT 2014–15
2
BOARD MEMBERS 2014–15
Kathleen Allen Crocker,
Chair/President
Donna Baumgartner
Jane Bell
Linda E. Benfield
Sarah Damsgaard
Nancy Einhorn
Suzy Ettinger
Katie Heil
Colleen Henderson, CFA
Amy Schmidt Jones
Sarah Wright Kimball
Varun Laroyia
Laura Leverett
Gail Lione
LuVerda Martin
Anne Martino
Justin Mortara
Sarah Thomas Pagels
Jill Pelisek
Lisa Preston
William G. Raasch, M.D.
John Rumpf
Molly Schweiger
Judson Snyder
Maxine Wishner
James Yee
HONORARY DIRECTORS
GENERAL COUNSEL
Nana Allis
Audrey Baird
Roberta Boorse
Barbara Brumder
Robert Eiseman*
Mariette Orth*
Jodi Peck
Joan and Jack* Stein
Mary Trainer
Linda E. Benfield
Foley & Lardner
EX-OFFICIO
Jenn Mazza
FOUNDER
MILWAUKEE BALLET
Roberta Boorse
*deceased
MILWAUKEE BALLET COMPANY
ARTISTIC
Michael Pink
Artistic Director
Nadia Thompson
Ballet Mistress
Denis Malinkine
Ballet Master
NANCY EINHORN
MILWAUKEE BALLET II
Rolando Yanes
Director
Mireille Favarel
Associate Director
PRODUCTION
Douglas McCubbin
Production Manager
Lexie Taylor Higgins
Production Associate
Rick Tatum
Technical Director
Joe Bzura
Master Electrician
Anders Meyer
Properties Master
COSTUME SHOP
Mary Piering
Costume Manager
Krista Allenstein
Wardrobe Mistress
Harlan Ferstl
Draper
Micky Simmons
Stitcher
Anthony Mackie
Wig Stylist
Timothy Westbrook
Lead Dresser
MUSIC STAFF
Andrews Sill
Music Director
Lori Babinec
Orchestra Manager
Steven Ayers
Company Pianist
ADMINISTRATIVE
PHOTOGRAPHY
FACULTY
Sam Bahr, CPA
Business Manager
August–May
Shawn Selk, CPA
Business Manager
May–
Douglas McCubbin
Company Manager
Brian Neville
Senior Accountant
Nathaniel Davauer
Mark Frohna
Brian Lipchik
Rachel Malehorn
Jenn Mazza
Timothy O’Donnell
Phyllis CoffeyH
Mireille Favarel
Kristin Herlache
Monica Isla
Sarah Kasdorf
Leanne LeCleir
Tatiana Malinkine
Nancy McCloud
Jennifer Miller
Lisa Moberly
Catey Ott Thompson
Stephanie Ruiz
Karl von Rabenau
Joshua Yang
Petr Zahradnicek
Victoria Zures
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Alyson Chavez
Director of Community
Outreach
Lori Flanigan
Community Outreach
Coordinator
Victoria Zures
Relevé Faculty
DEVELOPMENT
Angela Reilly
Development Director
August–July
Allison Kaminsky
Corporate & Foundation
Relations Manager
Brooklynn Lawrence
Special Events Manager
Anna Steinmetz
Donor Relations Assistant
MARKETING
Anne Metcalfe
Marketing and
Communications Director
Tracy Hibner
Ticketing Director
Leslie Rivers
Marketing Manager
Megan Spangberg
Brand Ambassador
Timothy O’Donnell
Rachel Malehorn
Artistic Advisors
VOLUNTEER BOUTIQUE
Lori Barrieau
Coordinator
MEDICAL STAFF
Froedtert Sports Medical
Center and Medical College
Of Wisconsin Physicians
and Clinics
William G. Raasch, M.D.
Cornell Smith, MS, LAT
Craig C. Young, M.D.
Chris Melkovitz, P.T.
Psychology and the
Performing Arts
Kris Juergens, Psy.D.A.T.C.
Milwaukee Ballet
School & Academy
Rolando Yanes
Director
Renee Griswold
General Manager
ACCOMPANISTS
Alan Borkenhagen
Dan Boudewyns
Nancy Chu
Jane Ciske
Frederick Dickenson
Victoria Dvoskin
Jessica Hermanny
Jessi Kolberg
Matt Koller
Michelle LaPaglia
Alla Levin
Peggy Lozier
Michelle Naegele
Anna Parfanovich
Josh Robinson
Kate Stocks
Bernarda Supan
Chris Wszalek
STAFF
Kelly Knoke
Registrar
Phyllis Coffey
Riverpoint Branch Manager
Nancy McCloud
Towne Center Branch
Manager
Erin Lewenauer
Receptionist
2014–15 Dancers
LEADING ARTISTS
Alexandre Ferreira
Annia Hidalgo
David Hovhannisyan
Patrick Howell
Ryan Martin
Marc Petrocci
Luz San Miguel
Nicole Teague
ARTISTS
Parker Brasser-Vos
Mengjun Chen
Jennifer Ferrigno
Marize Fumero
Susan Gartell
Garrett Glassman
Alana Griffith
Valerie Harmon
Erik Johnson
Courtney Kramer
Rachel Malehorn
Janel Meindersee
Barry Molina
Timothy O’Donnell
Isaac Sharratt
Petr Zahradnícek
CHOREOGRAPHERSIN-RESIDENCE
Timothy O’Donnell
Petr Zahradnícek
NANCY EINHORN
MILWAUKEE BALLET II
Gerardo Olivares Avelar
Gabrielle Becker
Mark David Bloodgood
Gustavo Candelas
Ryoka Chiba
Alyssa Fazekas
Itzel Hernandez
Acée Laird
Emily Lovdahl
Minh-Tuan Nguyen
Renata Rocha Pastrana
Hannah Rosenfeld
Thomas Seiff
Mone Shinoda
José Soares
Katie Rose Stephanson
Lizzie Tripp
Gus Upchurch
Marie Varlet
Lauren Dove Watts
Andrew Wingert
HB
rava
Phyllis Coffey!
Thank you for 39
years of dedication to
Milwaukee Ballet.
COVER: ANNIA HIDALGO AND ALEXANDRE FERREIRA. PHOTO: JENN MAZZA.
Company
3
CLASSIQUE (kla sik)
highest quality, outstanding of its kind
Throughout my tenure as Artistic Director of Milwaukee Ballet, I’ve been graced
with the title of “master storyteller.” While I do enjoy working with our talented
dancers to create beautiful, new works that tell meaningful stories, I am constantly
trying to balance our classical heritage with all that is contemporary.
This 2014/15 Season of Classics, generously sponsored by Donna and
Donald Baumgartner, featured three of ballet’s great classics; Don Quixote,
Giselle and Cinderella. In all these productions we tried to maintain the style and
technical challenge that define a true classical ballet while making sure we told
a convincing story. There was no question in my mind that the dancers of your
Milwaukee Ballet more than rose to the challenge. They flew, they spun, they
made you laugh and they made you cry. It was a season that will remain in our
thoughts for many years to come.
This year, we provided the highest quality of classical ballet education to
nearly 600 students in our School & Academy. Our Bacchanal themed Ball raised
thousands of dollars to provide financial scholarships for students. Our Community
Outreach Department received a Milwaukee Business Journal Eureka Award for
its one-of-a-kind “Tour de Force” program, which brings ballet teachers, physical
therapists, and dancers together to work with children with disabilities.
Michael Pink, Artistic Director
Thanks to you and the financial support of thousands of individuals,
corporations, and foundations, this 2014/15 Season has brought out the best in
our company. I hope you enjoy reading these short stories about the quality art
we provide to you and our city.
PHOTO: JESSICA KAMINSKI
Michael Pink
Artistic Director
Arabesque, artwork
by Jason Fricke
4
SEASON OF CLASSICS
Donald and Donna Baumgartner
PRESENTED BY THE BAUMGARTNERS
They have traveled the globe to experience the culture of many communities through art, food, and
adventure. There is no doubt that the Baumgartners value great art and see it vital to this city. Why support
Milwaukee Ballet?
“Michael Pink and his company of artists are setting the stage for living an
inspired life in an inspired city by creating new art and reinventing the classics.”
DONNA AND DONALD BAUMGARTNER
Donna and Donald lead the charge by investing in Milwaukee with their unwavering support for our arts
community. For that, they were presented Milwaukee Ballet’s Legacy Award at the 2014/15 Annual Meeting.
PHOTOS: NATHANIEL DAVAUER, RACHEL MALEHORN, JENN MAZZA, PETR ZAHRADNICEK
As part of a generous three-year commitment, Donna and Donald Baumgartner served as the presenting
sponsors of Milwaukee Ballet’s 2014/15 Season of Classics. Donna and Donald have been dedicated subscribers
and benefactors of Milwaukee Ballet since the 1980s. Donna joined the Board of Directors and continues her
Board service today. Over the years, they have supported the production of a number of major works, including
Giselle and Dracula. In 2012, Donna and Donald issued a $100,000 challenge grant to our Milwaukee
community for the creation of Mirror Mirror.
5
HONORING SHIRLEY
Giselle is one of the most romantic and classic ballets of all time. A story about a spirited woman with a
passion for dance and the capacity to love with her whole heart, this ballet is a perfect fit for Shirley Kritzik.
Shirley, much like Giselle, loved to dance. She loved it so much that she took ballet class into her fifties.
Her dedication to the art benefitted Milwaukee Ballet for over 25 years as she served on the Board of
Directors and brought her well-known flair for fashion to our special events.
After battling illness with the same strength and grace with which she lived, Shirley passed away in August
2014. Her husband Stanley chose to support Giselle in Shirley’s memory. Giselle was the perfect fit...classic
(like her), and a story about true love. In more than one way, Giselle was a parallel to Shirley’s life—a lot of
beauty, grace, love, and, finally, tragedy. Michael Pink’s version of Giselle was also an important story for the
Jewish community, of which Stan and Shirley were active members.
The Ballet hosted Stan and his family and friends at opening night of Giselle to honor Shirley, who loved
and was loved.
Shirley and Stanley Kritzik
“Those of us—family and friends—experienced some
bittersweet moments as we watched the story play out
to its tragic conclusion. Our sincere thanks go to Michael
and the entire Company for honoring and remembering
Shirley in such a meaningful way.”
STANLEY KRITZIK
6
SOLID GOLD
Nancy and Stephen Einhorn
Gold adds richness and warmth to everything with which it is associated—it
illuminates and enhances its surroundings. A 50th wedding anniversary is also called
the golden anniversary, and in the case of the Einhorns, it’s for good reason.
For several decades, Steve and Nancy Einhorn have been wonderfully
passionate and committed members of our Milwaukee Ballet family. In honor of
their 50th wedding anniversary, they chose to sponsor the time-honored love
story of Cinderella as a special gift to each other, and to the Ballet.
The Einhorns’ passion for ballet extends beyond the performance and into the
studios where pre-professional students spend hours training with hopes of one day
becoming professional dancers. Over the years, Steve and Nancy’s generous support
has illuminated and enhanced our pre-professional programs, and today they are
the number one champions for the Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II Program.
The Nancy Einhorn Milwaukee Ballet II Program is a unique program
designed to take excellent ballet students and transform them into artists, ready
for the professional world. Nancy happily fulfills her role on the Board of Directors
as School & Academy and Community Outreach Chair when she attends multiple
performances of the MBII’s Ballet-in-a-Box show, hosts meals for our
20 MBIIs at her home, and creates care packages for these dancers who
come to Milwaukee from around the globe.
Steve and Nancy deserved to own the spotlight during their
50th anniversary Cinderella weekend. Milwaukee Ballet was happy to
help make that happen.
Steve and Nancy Einhorn
Milwaukee Ballet II Program’s Ballet-in-a-Box The Corps of 4 in
“The Dungeon of Doom”
7
ACÉE’S STORY
Acée Laird and his father Allan have been part of the Ballet family for years. Acée
was featured in a letter to our donors last fall. His story was also highlighted in
the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Christmas Eve.
Acée Laird
In and out of 14 foster homes since the age of two, Acée Laird knew only chaos.
At age 16, Acée was adopted by his foster parent, Allan Laird, a special education
teacher in Milwaukee. Recognizing that Acée possessed great kinesthetic intelligence,
Allan registered him for a hip-hop dance class to help him adjust to his new life.
Encouraged by the positive changes he saw in Acée, Allan signed Acée up for
a ballet class at Milwaukee Ballet. Acée was hooked.
Ballet ultimately became Acée’s true passion, and joining the Nancy Einhorn
Milwaukee Ballet II training program after high school graduation became his goal.
He did audition in 2012. But Acée was not accepted into the training program.
Everything he had faced up to that point had prepared him to push forward
and never let go of hope...
In June 2014, Acée came back to Milwaukee Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program
and worked harder than ever. He auditioned once again to be a dancer in MBII…
“Acée stepped outside and into the alley to read his letter.
When [Allan] Laird got the call, his son cried so hard, he
was unclear. Finally, four words emerged.
‘Dad, I got in.’”
ERIN RICHARDS, MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
PHOTOS: SHELBY CHAMPAGNE
Milwaukee Ballet helps people rise to become their greatest, most inspired selves.
After spending the past year with the Milwaukee Ballet II Program, Acée’s
journey takes him to New York City and the Alvin Ailey Independent Study Program
in fall 2015.
8
TOMORROW’S
AUDIENCE
“The opportunities afforded to my daughters
at MBSA have been life changing!”
JULIE H., MOTHER OF TWO MBSA STUDENTS
Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy students are constantly reminded of the
determination, professionalism and grace required to succeed in the dance
world, whether it is in the studio with their teachers or at a Milwaukee Ballet
performance at the Marcus Center or The Pabst Theater.
It comes as no surprise to MBSA General Manager Renee Griswold that so
many students look forward to attending Company performances as part of their
dance curriculum each year:
“Students admire the Company dancers and seeing them under the
lights only enhances their love for what they are learning in class.
They observe theatre etiquette, see first-hand the technique they are
practicing at a highly advanced level and learn to think critically
about seeing dance as an art form.”
MBSA students are not the only children who attend Milwaukee Ballet
performances as part of their education. Thanks to last year’s Stein Angels
Program, we raised over $10,000 to bring 800 children from our Relevé and
ResiDANCE Community Outreach Programs in underserved Milwaukee area
schools to student matinee performances of The Nutcracker and Cinderella, at
no cost to them.
“After seeing their wonderful performances, it soon
became my dream to be on stage as a ballet student.”
CLAUDIA T., RELEVÉ STUDENT & SOLDIER IN THE NUTCRACKER 2014
PHOTO: JENN MAZZA
Attending professional performances are all about the experience; enriching
the education of thousands of children, and encouraging them to embrace the
arts in and out of the classroom.
9
BEHIND THE
CURTAIN
There is nothing like the buzz and excitement before a performance. This year,
giving backstage tours of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts has allowed
us to share that excitement and expose the Ballet’s stars of the stage with stars
of the community.
Paul Mandracchia’s childhood dream was to fly. Through the generosity of a
scholarship, Paul became a student of Milwaukee Ballet, where he eventually
danced soloist roles with the company from 1983 to 1987. This past December,
Michael Pink gave Paul, his husband Gary and their friends a very special
backstage tour.
In 2002, Paul was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a neurodegenerative
disease which greatly challenged his artistic endeavors. However, the spirit of the
dancer remained. Paul credited his ballet training for his ability to persevere.
“Dance not only fulfilled a dream of my childhood, it also taught
me discipline that serves me well every day as I confront the disease
that limits my mobility.”
Tour de Force participant enjoying Cinderella production after
backstage tour.
Similarly, ‘Tour de Force’ infuses ballet into the physical therapy routines of
young girls with varying disabilities. The culmination of this collaborative program
was an invitation to attend a backstage tour before viewing one of Milwaukee
Ballet’s productions at The Marcus Center.
As it is with each backstage tour, our guests receive a brief overview of the
show from our Outreach Department, visit the stage manager and his musical
score marked with lighting cues, take a look at props and costumes, and say hello
to any dancers who might be warming up.
Witnessing how many people it takes to put a production together and
seeing props and sets up close may be fascinating, but the real magic happens
when a backstage tour brings a lifetime of memories back to a former dancer or
a huge smile to a little girl’s face.
IN MEMORIAM
Paul Mandracchia | 1957–2014
10
A NEW CLASSIC
Michael Pink is an extraordinary storyteller, a creative craftsman, a revisionist
visionary. His works ring a bell of familiarity within our hearts and souls. We all
know a little about the characters Dracula, Romeo and Juliet, Snow White, and
Peter Pan, the starving artists of La Bohème and
certainly within the ballet world —one of its oldest
damsels-in-distress—Giselle. We have, at the very least,
a level of recognition of a vampire who wants to suck
your blood, a star-crossed pair of lovers, or a young girl
betrayed by a cheating lover and a frail heart.
But when Michael tells a story—all bets are off.
There are twists and turns, and tales come to life in a
way never before imagined. We field questions,
“Romeo & Juliet without Shakespeare’s words?” or
“La Bohème without the singing?” and “Giselle set in
the 1940s?” We smile and nod and with a twinkle in
our eye, we wait for the curtain to rise. The old story
of a girl with a heart condition becomes real when
Giselle is living in a wartime ghetto and the love of her
life fights for the other side; suddenly the heartbreak is
much more palpable. Michael’s cinematic eye and
team of international artists can turn the stage into a
terrific nightmare in which spirits rise from the dead to
exact their revenge. The audience shivers in their seats.
Jayne Pink; originator of the title role in Michael’s first staging of the
production in the U.K, seen here coaching Annia Hidalgo as Giselle,
from Act 2.
PHOTO: RACHEL MALEHORN
We don’t just observe characters on stage. This
year we met a Don Quixote whose insanity became
understandable, a group of siblings who go on a
magical journey in The Nutcracker, a raucous pair of
stepsisters who had us in stitches and a gorgeous Giselle who was doomed in
more ways than is fair. The return of Giselle was a success—and it was a touching
tribute to the memory of our beloved Shirley Kritzik and sponsored by her adoring
husband Stanley (see page 5). As humans we love a good story, and when the
storyteller is Michael Pink, we’re in good hands.
MILWAUKEE BALLET COMPANY. PHOTO: NATHANIEL DAVAUER
11
12
TOUR DE FORCE
A “tour de force” is a ballet term for “an arresting, vital step;
a feat of technical skill.”
The Ballet has a long history of community involvement. This past year, Alyson Chavez and the Community
Outreach Department of Milwaukee Ballet have piloted a program unlike any we’ve produced before. In a most
magical collaboration with Dr. Maya Evans of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, the Tour de Force program
combined a doctor, a ballet teacher, nine physical therapists, five company dancers from Milwaukee Ballet, and
five little girls in a studio together. These girls all have varying disabilities—some they were born with, others
they have sustained throughout the course of their young lives—ranging from cerebral palsy to spina bifida.
These children really need to do their daily regimen of stretching and strengthening; but when you’re nine and
you have spent half your life in a hospital, that doesn’t sound like much fun.
At no cost to their families, each child is paired with a professional dancer, with whom they train for four
consecutive weeks. Classes are led by ballet teacher and Community Outreach Coordinator Lori Flanigan and
volunteer physical therapists. Physical therapy students help to modify the dance steps and support the students.
At the end of the four week session, each student received a backstage tour of a Milwaukee Ballet production
at the Marcus Center and tickets to watch the show with her parents.
Diane Feldt, a physical therapist and mother of a seven-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy, said, “When
Anna actively flexed her knees and performed a plié, I cried tears of joy. She ‘got’ it. Thanks to the dancers and
therapists involved. It is nothing short of amazing.”
In July 2015, Milwaukee Business Journal awarded Tour de Force with a Eureka Award for its creativity and
innovation in performing arts.
PHOTO: BOB GREGORY
In week two, Avi’s mom told us that for the first time in her life, Avi stretched at home on her own, with
the ballet CD the teacher had given her.
13
CLASSY CELEBRATIONS
Milwaukee Ballet’s Classic Summer Party kick-started the season with a memorable evening at Peabody’s Interiors
and Wade Weissman Architecture, hosted by Kelly Gallion and Wade Weissman. Guests enjoyed summer
cocktails and catering by Shully’s Cuisine while wandering the gardens and sitting by the beautiful reflection pool.
The 12th Annual Nutcracker Tea, held at The Wisconsin Club and sponsored by BMO Private Bank, provided
a delightful day for families who have adopted this joyous event as one of their favorite holiday traditions.
Ball attendees were transported to ancient Rome this year for our most lavish event—Togas for Tutus:
Bacchanal the Ball. Thanks to our outstanding Ball chairs Gail Lione & Barry Grossman, Shontra & Andre
Powell, Katie Heil, and Andy Nunemaker. Fundraising and attendance set records with 310 guests raising over
$195,000 for financial assistance, performance sponsorships and general operating expenses.
GROSSMAN PHOTO: HW PHOTOGRAPHIC; PEABODY’S INTERIORS PHOTO: M MAGAZINE
Princes and princesses were taken to a far away land as they participated in Milwaukee Ballet’s Cinderella
Celebration! Wishes were granted, sweets were eaten, and most left dripping in jewels.
Counter-clockwise from left: Milwaukee Ballet dancers join Ball guest on the dance floor. Gail Lione and Barry Grossman having a ball. Ballet class at The Nutcracker Tea. Scott McBride,
Susanna and Justin Mortara, and Michael Pink at Peabody’s Interiors. Steve and Nancy Einhorn enjoying a cocktail with Donald Baumgartner at the Classic Summer Party.
14
THE BUSINESS
OF THE BALLET
For nearly two decades, the Herzfeld
Foundation, led by Carmen and Bill
Haberman, has invested in the continued growth and
development of Milwaukee Ballet. From capitalization to capital
campaign planning and community outreach, to strengthening
marketing and development, to investing in data analysis, each
carefully planned contribution has served to move Milwaukee
Ballet forward.
During the 2014/15 season, the Board of Directors at the Herzfeld
Foundation made a strategic investment that continues to yield
dividends in the Ballet’s future success. In addition to their operating,
marketing, and outreach support this past season, the Herzfeld
Foundation supported the search for a candidate to fill the
critical role of Executive Director as well as an analysis of
the Ballet’s marketing and patron database services,
conducted by TRG Arts.
TRG Arts analyzed five years’ worth of data
on patron behavior and matched it against
national trends and industry best practices.
The ability to make informed decisions based
on true and current data positions Milwaukee Ballet well to build upon what we do best—create and perform
great art. Carmen and Bill Haberman provide exceptional guidance for Milwaukee Ballet. The city of Milwaukee
is fortunate to have the Herzfeld Foundation’s investment in strengthening arts and culture now, and for our future.
The Herzfeld Foundation was awarded Milwaukee Ballet’s Leadership Award at the 2014/15 Annual Meeting.
Marize Fumero and
Mengjun Chen
CARMEN & BILL HABERMAN, HERZFELD FOUNDATION
PHOTO: BRIAN LIPCHIK
“The Herzfeld Foundation is a longtime supporter of Milwaukee Ballet
because we believe the Ballet is a strong and beloved arts group. Most recently
we supported the search for a new executive director and a consultant to
review and make recommendations to enhance the Ballet’s infrastructure.
We believe a strong infrastructure is vital to sustain and promote the Ballet,
its school and its many outreach programs.”
15
FISCAL INTEGRITY
Milwaukee Ballet continues to focus on remaining fiscally responsible. Every
expenditure is scrutinized, every donor dollar responsibly spent, saved, or invested
in infrastructure and new works. We are happy to report that the 2014–2015 fiscal
year resulted in a positive pre-depreciation bottom line.
With this focus on proper cash management and adherence to the established
budget, the Ballet paid the least amount of interest expense to credit facilities of
any fiscal year thus far. We will continue to work to increase operating reserves in
order to continue this trend.
Contributed Revenue
(45% of total revenue)
In Kind 2%
Special Initiatives 4%
Sponsorship 6%
Annual Fund
36%
Grants
11%
The Ballet’s Season of Classics exceeded budgeted revenue for ticket sales,
reaching sales of $1.6 million—a 10% increase over the previous year. The School &
Academy had a solid year, once again effectively fully-enrolling its Summer Intensive
program. As a result, earned revenue drove the Ballet’s bottom line, representing
55% of the Ballet’s total revenue.
The generosity of our Milwaukee community kept pace with our increased
earned revenue, as contributions to the annual fund increased by just over 15%.
The United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF) remained our single-largest supporter.
The Herzfeld Foundation provided tremendous continued support for the Ballet
and additionally awarded grants to pay for the costs of the national search for the
Ballet’s next executive director as well as the costs of a comprehensive analysis of
our patron data with TRG Arts. Season sponsors Donna and Donald Baumgartner
and performance sponsorships such as BMO Harris Bank’s second consecutive
sponsorship of The Nutcracker helped to support contributed revenue goals.
Special
Events
11%
UPAF
30%
Earned Revenue
(55% of total revenue)
School &
Education
44%
Ticketing
51%
Milwaukee Ballet is grateful for the financial support provided by donors,
patrons, and school families, and we are appreciative of all of the “sweat equity”
invested by our outstanding corps of volunteers.
2014–15 FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Unrestricted
Temporarily
Restricted
REVENUES
Earned Income
Subscriptions & Tickets
School & Outreach
Other
Total Earned Income
$ 1,675,111
$ 1,441,187
$ 191,106
$ 3,308,004
$
$
$
(6,340)
1,329
(5,011)
$ 1,675,111
$ 1,434,847
$ 192,435
$ 3,302,993
Contributions & Grants
Total Contributed Income
$ 2,692,954
$
209,401
$ 2,902,355
$ 6,000,958
$
204,390
$ 6,205,348
Total Revenue
EXPENSES
Artistic Expense
School & Outreach
Administration
Marketing & Development
Other
Permanently
Restricted
Total
$ 2,933,202
$ 1,235,009
$ 743,003
$ 1,107,594
$
83,920
$ 2,933,202
$ 1,235,009
$ 743,003
$ 1,107,594
$
83,920
Total Expenses
$ 6,102,728
$ 6,102,728
Increase (Decrease) in
Net Assets*
$ (101,770)
*post-depreciation
$
204,390
$
102,620
Other 6%
Expenses
Other 1%
Development 7%
Artistic
48%
Marketing 11%
Administration
13%
School & Education
20%
16
THANK YOU
In recognition of our contributors, with special gratitude to
the following individuals, corporations and foundations.
The artistic and educational programs of Milwaukee Ballet are made possible by the support of our friends. While space limitations prevent
us from listing gifts under $250, the Company gratefully acknowledges the generosity of all of our donors.
The Annual Report donor list reflects all gifts received between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015. Milwaukee Ballet strives to be accurate in the
acknowledgement of its valued donors. If an error has occurred in your listing, please contact the Development Department at 414-902-2104.
Encore Society
In recognition of supporters who
have made commitments to Milwaukee
Ballet through their estate plans
William and Mary Barrock Bonfield, Jr.+
Mary Dohmen
Robert Eiseman +
Mariette and Phillip Orth +
Jane Will +
Grand Jeté Circle
$100,000+
Donald and Donna Baumgartner
Herzfeld Foundation
BMO Private Bank
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony W. Bryant
Kathleen and Randall Crocker
The Cudahy Foundation
Einhorn Family Charitable Trust
Gail Lione and Barry Grossman
Stanley Kritzik
Laura and Allen Leverett
Sheldon & Marianne Lubar
ManpowerGroup
Milwaukee County CAMPAC
Susanna and Justin Mortara
Joyce and Bruce Myers
Jane Bradley Pettit Foundation
Sue and Allan “Bud” Selig
Mrs. Joan Stein
David & Julia Uihlein Charitable
Foundation
Wisconsin Arts Board
$5,000–$9,999
$50,000–$99,999
BMO Harris Bank
The Lynde & Harry Bradley
Foundation
Einhorn Family Foundation
Steve and Nancy Einhorn
Heil Family Foundation
Ms. Nita Soref
$25,000–$49,999
Anonymous
Robert Dohmen
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Marvin W. Haesle Fund for
the Arts
MPS Partnership for the Arts and
Humanities
Northwestern Mutual Foundation, Inc.
The Shubert Foundation, Inc.
von Briesen & Roper s.c.
$10,000–$24,999
Anonymous
Associated Banc-Corp
Donald W. Baumgartner Family Trust
Mr. and Mrs. James D. Bell
Anonymous
Badger Meter, Inc.
Robert W. Baird & Company
Angela and Christopher Batterman
Linda E. Benfield and Steven C. Wallace
Burke Properties
Capital Midwest Fund
Mae E. Demmer Charitable Trust
Ralph Evinrude Foundation, Inc.
Foley & Lardner LLP
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Norman and Lucy Cohn Fund
Virginia Booth Vogel Fund
Heartland Funds
Katie Heil
Evan and Marion Helfaer Foundation
Sally Baumgartner Jarrar
Jessica Jubelirer Design
Johnson Controls Inc.
Sarah and Richard Kimball
Dr. Dean and Mary Klinger
Maihaugen Foundation
Marcus Corporation
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Dr. Suzanne Martens
Michael Best & Friedrich
Milwaukee Arts Board
Mortara Instrument, Inc.
Andy Nunemaker
Anne E. Oberbeck
Peck Foundation, Milwaukee LTD
PNC Financial Services Group
PNC Foundation
Gene & Ruth Posner Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. John Rumpf
Jeff and Sandy Schlinsog
Nan Gardetto and Richard Slater
Jessica and Judson Snyder
Bert L. & Patricia S. Steigleder
Charitable Trust
Paula M. Steiner Family Foundation
The Edward & Jennifer Straszewski
Family
John and JoAnn Touchett
We Energies Foundation
Wegner LLP
Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek SC
Mrs. Jane R. Will +
Mr. James Yee
Pas de Deux Circle
$3,500–$4,999
Anonymous
Briggs & Stratton Corporation
Foundation, Inc.
Sarah and Peter Damsgaard
Suzy B. Ettinger
Jason and Wanetta Fricke
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
David C. Scott Foundation Fund
Luedke-Smith Fund
Amy Schmidt Jones and
Andrew Jones
Ms. Anne K. Klisurich
Eileen and Barry Mandel
Ms. Mary N. Vandenberg and Mr.
Keith Mardak
Ms. Anne L. Martino
Jill G. Pelisek
Candy and Bruce Pindyck
Kathleen D. Ryan
Kathleen and Frank Thometz
Maxine Wishner
Petit Allegro Circle
$1,000–$3,499
Anonymous (2)
Mr. Bradley Allen
Mr. and Mrs. Dave Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Andritsch
Theodore W. Batterman Family
Foundation, Inc.
Mr. John P. Baumgartner
The Brasser-Vos Family
Mr. and Mrs. Randal J. Brotherhood
Mr. Barney Brumm
Mr. José A. Carlino
Mr. and Mrs. Brad D. Chapin
Glenn and Kathryn Christenson
Credit Suisse
Joan Lubar and John Crouch
Amy Taylor and Jason Diamond
D.R.E.A.M. Fund
Mary and Tim Dondlinger
Albert J. & Flora H. Ellinger Foundation
Jeff and Kelly Fitzsimmons
Jeff and Keri Francis
The Gardner Foundation
Colette and William Goldammer
Bob and Joan Goodman
Greater Milwaukee Association of
Realtors’ Youth Foundation
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Schomer Lichtner Scholarship Fund
Mariette C. and Philip W. Orth
Endowment Fund
Ivan P. Steingart Fund
Mrs. Beverly Greenberg
Mr. and Mrs. F. William Haberman
Mimi and Bob Habush
Glen and Claire Hackmann
George A. Hanneman
Ms. Carla H. Hay
Mrs. R. Goeres Hayssen
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Heflich
Liv and Wayne Heidenreich
Ms. Colleen Henderson
Ms. Michelle Herro
Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Hofman
Rosemary and Philip Hudson
Suzanne and Michael Hupy
PHOTO: NATHANIEL DAVAUER
17
Hupy & Abraham, S.C.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Ignatowski
Jewish Community Foundation
Mark & Cheryl Brickman Donor
Advised Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Joerres
Ms. Lynn Johnson
Mike Jones
Journal Communications
Matt and Kathryn Kamm
Herbert H. Kohl Charities Inc.
Ruth DeYoung Kohler
Krause Family Foundation
Mr. Peter J. Kudlata
Mary Ann and Charles P. LaBahn
Mr. Varun Laroyia and Ms. Radhika
Maheshwari
Ms. Arlene Wilson and Mr. Joel S. Lee
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Luber
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond J. Manista
James L. McFarland
Mr. and Mrs. Maurice McSweeney
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Meeusen
Anne and Tom Metcalfe
Gregory and Susan Milleville
George and Julie Mosher Family
Foundation
Ms. Mary Louise Mussoline
National Christian Foundation–
Wisconsin
Dr. and Mrs. David L. Larson
North Shore Dance Studio
Charles D. Ortgiesen Foundation, Inc.
Sarah Thomas Pagels and Jesse Pagels
Peabody’s Interiors
Mr. Anthony J. Petullo
William and Margaret Raasch
The John & Mary Raitt Family
Foundation
The Reider Family
Roadrunner Transportation
Services, Inc.
Kathleen D. Ryan
Michael and Mary Burke Ryan
Joel and Adele Sandberg Fund
Ms. June K. Schloerb
Dr. Linda L. Sell
Lyn and Bob Slater
Barbara Steinmetz
Ms. Joyce Stephanson
Mr. and Mrs. William Taibl
Ms. Peggy Kelsey and
Mr. Michael J. Teich
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Venable
Vilter Foundation
Wade Weissmann Architecture Inc.
Mrs. Heide Wetzel
Mr. Wilfred W. Wollner Jr.
Woman’s Club of Wisconsin
Foundation
Sharon Busey and Craig Young
Kay and Richard Yuspeh
Adagio Circle
$500–$999
Anonymous (5)
Patricia and David Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Barnard
Erika S. Baurecht
Wendy W. Blumenthal
Joan and Fred Brengel Family
Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Christy Brown and Mr. Brian
Bullock
Jim and Susan Cerletty
Alyson Chavez
Ms. Stephanie Chedid
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Connelly
Amy and Dennis Connolly
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Degnan
Judge John and Judge Jean DiMotto
Mr. Gary W. Drescher
Terese and Daniel Einhorn
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Einhorn
Mr. Joseph Engman
Mr. Nick J. Faleris and Ms. Kathryn
Gallagher
Lori Flanigan
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Florsheim
Tim and Sue Frautschi
David R. Friedland
Allan and Mary Ellen Froehlich
Molly F. Gallagher
GE Foundation
Inez and Gene Gilbert
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
Joan and Peter W. Bruce Fund
Donna and Tony Meyer Fund
Drs. George and Christine
Sosnovsky Fund
Bill and Gwen Werner Fund
Kimberley Goode
Dr. John and Andrea Grant
Mr. and Mrs. Brian J. Hartnett
Ms. Joanne Hulce
Diane and Robert Jenkins
Jewish Community Foundation
Pam Kriger Donor Advised Fund
Jack & Lucy Rosenberg Donor
Advised Fund
JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Mary and Charles Kamps Fund
Dr. Madan and Dr. Gwen Kandula
Kevin Langreck
Ms. Amy Lackas
Ellen Hing and Chris Leadley
Ravenna and Randy Lipchik
Robert and Mary Loots
Peter Lovance
Ann R. MacIver
Jan and Vince Martin
Mary and Robert Matthews
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Matthews
Ms. Jean Baumgartner McGrath
David and Genie Meissner
Mr. and Mrs. Mark J. Mingo
Dr. Laura Mirhoseini
Dr. Arthur Moats
Jan Merfeld M.D. and
Kevin Murray M.D.
Ms. Lacey Sadoff and Mr. Evan Nicoud
Ms. Judith Olson
Dr. Sandra L. Osborn
Mr. and Mrs. Adam Peck
Carole and Howard Pollack
Mrs. Mary Poorman
Mr. and Mrs. Andre Powell
Ms. Christine Radiske and
Mr. Herbert Quigley
Mr. and Mrs. David Radtke
Ms. Pamela Rasche
Eileen Kehoe and Bud Reinhold
Mr. Paul Richter
Mr. and Mrs. George D. Riemer
Ms. Mary M. Roberts
Mr. James Ruff
Judy Saichek
Sazama’s Fine Catering
Molly Schweiger
Beverly and Peter Smiley
Ellen Soren and Family
Cynthia and Jim Stoll
Mr. George Stone
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Toth
Mrs. Joan Urdan
Corinthia Van Orsdol
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Weitenbeck
Mr. Jeffery W. Yabuki
Ms. Elizabeth Levins and
Dr. Herbert Zien
Mr. and Mrs. Steven D. Zimmerman
Pirouette Circle
$250–$499
Anonymous (3)
Ms. Carol A. Ariens
Mr. Robert and Dr. Julia Armstrong
Dr. and Mrs. Robert B. Ashmore
Jean J. Baesemann
Alan and Rose Marie Baron
Janine F. Barre
The Barrow Family
Mr. William J.K. Beaudot
Susan C. Bellehumeur
Ms. Joanne Bergum
Arthur and Carolee Beutler
Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Brenner
Jill and Frits Broekhuizen
Mr. Louis Chicquette
Sue Cleary Koch
Ms. Lisa Collins
Ms. Mary E. Connely
William J. Crowley M.D.
Ms. Christine Culver
Mr. Dominique Delugeau
Ms. Karen G. Duffy
William E. Eastham
Mrs. Audrienne W. Eder
Raquel and Steve Filmanowicz
Ms. Rachel E. Finger
Janet and Stanley Fox
Luz San Miguel
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Drs. Mark and Virginia Gennis
Ms. Lynda Gould
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
William J. Radler Foundation
Jim Gronowski
Carol and Raymond Grundman
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Harmon
Mr. Arthur Heise
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Hogan
Ms. Ann Janikowsky
Jewish Community Foundation
Margery H and Irvin Becker
Donor Advised Fund
Joseph Family Donor Advised
Fund
Marilyn W. John
Bob and Amy Johnson
Johnson Controls Foundation
Marlene Kagen
Ann Keiper
Mr. George Kelly
Dr. and Mrs. Russell T. Kittleson
Kloth Tax Advisory Group, LLC
Maureen Komisar
Mr. and Mrs. John Kordsmeier
Don and Jo Anne Krause
Tony and Susan Krausen
Melinda Krei
Ms. Jeanne C. Kuelthau
Ms. Mary Beth Kuester
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur J. Laskin
Mr. Pasquale Laurino
Ms. Amalia Levit Todryk
Eve and Elliot Lipchik
Ms. Donna Luber
Mr. Dan E. Luedtke
Ms. Ann M. Maher
Alan Shlimovitz and Susan Marcus
Ms. Melissa Marschka
Rose Mary and Frank Matusinec
Amy and Drew Maxwell
Howard and Sara Miller
Joseph and Claudia Moll
Cindy Moon-Mogush and
Dave Mogush
Ms. Cindy H. Molloy
Dr. Barry Mullen
Dr. Richard C. Murray
Mr. Gerald L. Ogren
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Parsons
Dr. Deborah Paul
Mr. and Mrs. James R. Petrie
Mr. Michael Pink
Makenzie Plonka
Edward and Harriet Purtell
Mr. and Mrs. Mitch Quick
Toby Recht
Kristina Ropella
Jo and Al Salzstein
Tammy Zelten and Michael Schuler
Scott Byron & Co., Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Neil S. Siegel
Heidi and Kevin Sjostrom
William C. and Sarah A. H. Slaughter
Deborah Solis
Pat and Dave Steinbach
UBS Financial Services
Mr. John Utz
Tracey and Andrew Wadsworth
Mr. and Mrs. Willard T. Walker
Mr. and Mrs. Blair Williams
Michelle and Peter Witt
Ms. Diana Wood
Tribute Gifts
IN HONOR OF:
Consiglia and Nicola D’Allessandro
Ms. Linda Atkinson
Donna Baumgartner
Mr. John P. Baumgartner
Kelly Fitzsimmons
Dr. John and Andrea Grant
Sally Baumgartner Jarrar
Carolyn B. Maruggi
Jean Baumgartner McGrath
Donna and Donald Baumgartner
Mr. and Mrs. F. William Haberman
Miss Thekla P. Brumder
Sarah and Will Slaughter
Phyllis Coffey
Tera Miner
Mary K. Schmidt
Lillian Dessloch’s 100th Birthday
Ms. Paula Rauth
Nancy Einhorn
Einhorn Family Charitable Trust
Ms. Eileen Gosman
Nancy and Steve Einhorn
Mr. and Mrs. James M. Connelly
Nancy and Steve Einhorn’s 50th
Wedding Anniversary
Steve and Katy Almond
Mr. and Mrs. Jon A. Christiansen
Kathleen and Randall Crocker
Einhorn Family Charitable Trust
Terese and Daniel Einhorn
Faith and Robert Einhorn
Ms. Judith Gorra
Ms. Lynda Gould
Carmen and Bill Haberman
Herbert Heflich
Katie Heil
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Isaacson
Sue Kimmel
Laura and Allen Leverett
Elizabeth Levins Dr. Herbert Zien
Betsy Lewis
Ms. Peggy McGuire
Mr. and Mrs. George A. Mosher
Robert Norton
Carole and Howard Pollack
Ms. Heidi Rattner
Marlene and George Riemer
Ms. Donna Runge
Adele and Joel Sandberg
Dianne and Stan Sehler
Jessica and Judson Snyder
Mr. and Mrs. Gary Sobel
Mary and Bill Taibl
Ms. Patti Weigler
Jodi Peck and Les Weil
Dr. Maya Evans
Julia Fishler
Ravenna Helson
Eve and Elliot Lipchik
Julianne Kepley
Ms. Anne M. Spratlin
Stanley Kritzik’s Birthday
Mrs. Frances Franklin
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Lewensohn
Alla Levin
Nancy Weiss-McQuide
John Neumaier
Rose Mary & Frank Matusinec
Asha Metcalfe’s 9th Birthday
Ms. Sheeba Pannu
Ms. Nicholla Raube
Ms. Victoria Teerlink
Marion Read
Alice E. Read
Milwaukee Ballet Development Team
Angela T. Reilly
Nita Soref
Ellen Soren and Family
Edie Suetholz
Mary Anne Gross
Kassandra Tiedjens
Rosemary and Philip Hudson
The Excellent Teachers of Milwaukee
Ballet School & Academy
IN MEMORY OF:
Joseph Attansasio
Ms. Nita Soref
Phyllis Coffey’s Father
Steve and Nancy Einhorn
Sylvia DePottyondy
Kristina Ropella
Betty DerDerian
Maureen and William Carollo
Leah Lehman and Bernard
Grootwassink
Jetty Villas Condo Assoc., Inc.
Doug and Debbie Kullman
Beatrice and John Macdonald
Peter Matlack
Jaime Perlson
Lorraine Russo
Marife Woods and Nick Snyder
Ethelmarie Hendee
Anne. E Oberbeck
Shirley Kritzik
Ms. Mila Barskiy
Jane and Tony Battaglia
Donald and Donna Baumgartner
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Behling
Mr. and Mrs. Mark E. Berkson
Ms. Ellen Bladorn
Ms. Mary E. Bockhorst
Ms. Lori Bowen
Mark and Cheryl Brickman
Ms. Marian Brill
Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Cook
Ms. Sari Dweck
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Einhorn
Lynn and Judith Ettenheim
Mrs. Frances Franklin
Inez and Gene Gilbert
Ms. Sara Gimbel
Mr. and Mrs. Donald I. Grande
Mrs. Beverly Greenberg
Carmen and Bill Haberman
Mimi and Bob Habush
Katie Heil
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Herz
Barbara and Joseph Himes
Jewish Community Foundation
Margery H & Irvin M Becker
Donor Advised Fund
Melvin and Leila Goldin Donor
Advised Fund
Joseph Family Donor
Advised Fund
Marley and Gary Stein Family
Donor Advised Fund
Eva and Stan Jolton
Karen and Alan Katz
Joan and Pat Kerns
Dr. and Mrs. Russell T. Kittleson
Stanley Kritzik
Susan Kritzik and Bruce McAuley
Ms. Aneta Kuta
Ms. Aina Lakis
Ms. Muriel Green Lappin
Ms. Lois Le Vine
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Lewensohn
Mr. Shel Lozoff
Sheldon and Marianne Lubar
Ms. Donna Luber
Dr. and Mrs. Allan J. Luck
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford R. Mallin
Mrs. Joan G. Mandel
Anne and Robin Matell
Donna and Tony Meyer
Michael Best & Friedrich
Donna Miller
Dorthie and Gil Palay
Ms. Alina Pawelec
Micki and Bernie Peck
Ms. Larisa Rimer
Elaine Selsberg and Dan Recht
Jeff and Lori Ross
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Ms. Geraldine Schmidman
Sue and Bud Selig
Mr. and Mrs. Neil S. Siegel
Ms. Nita Soref
Mrs. Joan Stein
Mr. and Mrs. Royal Taxman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Teper
Patty Blommer & Tim Wallis
Jodi Peck and Les Weil
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Winter
Georgiann Langreck
Kevin Langreck
Christopher Lehmkuhl
Barney Brumm
Paul Mandracchia
Mr. Gary Hollander
Michelle and Mona Mandracchia
Mr. Jack Norell
Wally Oestreich
Ms. Rachel E. Finger
Geraldine Root
Wendy and Warren Blumenthal
Mrs. Frances Franklin
Mr. Stanley Kritzik
The Mahler Family
Sue and Bud Selig
Ms. Nita Soref
Mrs. Joan Stein
Christian Steinmetz
Suzy Ettinger
Jim Thompson
Nancy and Steve Einhorn
Jane R. Will
Caryl Hines
Matching Gift Companies
Our special thanks to the following
businesses that have generously
matched their employees’ donations
to Milwaukee Ballet.
PHOTO: BRIAN LIPCHIK
Robert W. Baird & Company
Caterpillar Foundation
GE Foundation
IBM Matching Grants Program
Johnson Controls Foundation
PNC Financial Services Group
UBS Financial Services
US Bancorp Foundation
We Energies Foundation
Gifts In Kind
Thank you to the following individuals
and businesses whose donations and
services keep Milwaukee Ballet a
thriving organization.
Anonymous
Aloft Milwaukee Downtown
Ascedia
AP Bar & Kitchen
Bartolotta Restaurant Group
Beyer Construction
BMO Harris Bank
Boulevard Estate Wines, LLC
Braise Restaurant & Culinary School
Mr. Barney Brumm
BuySeasons
Buzz Monkeys
Ellen Checota
Sarah and Peter Damsgaard
Steve and Nancy Einhorn
Evolution Gastro Pong
Florence Eiseman Company LLC
Jason Fricke
Helium Trampoline & Climbing Park
Michelle Herro
Timothy A. Hertweck
InterContinental Milwaukee Hotel
Lily Jones & Family
Mae Jones & Family
Kris Juergens
Jump Zone of Franklin
Kids in Motion
Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
Michelle A. LaPaglia
Laura and Allen Leverett
Rachel Malehorn
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Massage Envy Spa Whitefish Bay
Amy Maxwell
Jenn Mazza
Meraki
The Metcalfe Family
Timothy O’Donnell
Pandora Bayshore Town Center
Peabody’s Interiors
The Pfister Hotel
Jayne Pink
Royal Ramseur
RD Image
The Reider Family
Rinka Chung
Sazama’s Fine Catering
Molly Schweiger
Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
The Steinmetz Family
The Chef’s Table
von Briesen & Roper s.c.
Wade Weissmann Architecture
Walt Disney World Co.
Wegner LLP
2014–15 Event Sponsors
A CLASSIC SUMMER PARTY
Peabody’s Interors
Wade Weissmann Architecture
THE NUTCRACKER TEA
BMO Private Bank
TOGAS FOR TUTUS:
BACCHANAL THE BALL
Presenting Sponsors
von Briesen & Roper, SC
Event Sponsors
Associated Banc-Corp
BMO Harris
Cudahy Foundation
Herzfeld Foundation
ManpowerGroup
Dancer Sponsors
Robert W. Baird
The Heil Family
Table Sponsors
Badger Meter
Burke Properties
Donna & Donald Baumgartner
Capital Midwest
Credit Suisse
Foley & Lardner LLP
Heartland Advisors
Jessica Jubelirer
Johnson Controls
Gail Lione & Barry Grossman
Majic Productions
Marcus Hotels & Resorts
Michael Best & Friedrich
Mortara Instrument
Northwestern Mutual
Andy Nunemaker
PNC Financial Services
We Energies
Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek
CINDERELLA CELEBRATION
BuySeasons
Marie Varlet and Ryan Martin in Garrett Smith’s Mortal Form
We thank retiring dancers Ryan Martin (10 years), Courtney
Kramer (10 years), and Jennifer Ferrigno (2 years). Bravo!
THE LICHTNER PROJECT
Cows, ballet and creative collaboration!
Schomer Lichtner (1905–2006) was one of Wisconsin’s great
artistic treasures. Renowned for his whimsical renderings of
ballerinas, rural landscapes and beloved Wisconsin Holsteins, his
work is sophisticated, colorful and immediately recognizable.
Milwaukee Ballet was very fortunate to be gifted several pieces
of Lichtner’s art by the artist himself, as well as by The Kohler
Foundation. This year, we were very fortunate to have two other
Milwaukee Ballet lovers—Katie Heil and Ellen Checota—donate
their time, talent and resources to launch The Lichtner Project at
Milwaukee Ballet.
Executed by Ellen Checota Designs and with support from
Katie, we were able to create an exclusive and affordable line of
wearable art carrying Lichtner’s artwork. Katie, a Milwaukee
Ballet Board Member since 1990, said she hopes the popularity
of these boutique items will increase next season. This limited
edition merchandise of totes, handbags, watches, aprons and
other high-end items was extremely well received at the Ballet
Boutique during Milwaukee Ballet’s Cinderella performances in
May 2015. Under Boutique Manager Lori Barrieau’s fine eye, our
Ballet Boutique continues to delight patrons with its innovative
and inspiring items. “It has been a wonderful challenge to find
the perfect gift item, or find the perfect new shirt design and how
to display the items in the perfect way,” said Ms. Barrieau.
“I am thrilled to help bring Lichtner’s
artwork to life in a new medium, and to
share his love of ballet and Wisconsin
with new audiences.”
Top: Schomer Lichtner’s classic Ballerinas and Cows.
Bottom: Katie Heil and Ellen Checota. Art by Ellen Checota.
ELLEN CHECOTA, ELLEN CHECOTA DESIGNS
“Schomer was such a unique and important artist in our State and he’s left us a beautiful legacy of his
art. I’m just so glad we’ve been able to introduce a new generation of ballet lovers to his artwork,” Katie said.
If you would like to see more of the designs, please contact Lori Barrieau at [email protected].
Or keep your eye out for the Schomer Lichner line at the Ballet Boutique at any Milwaukee Ballet performance!
504 W. National Avenue | Milwaukee, WI 53204 | 414.643.7677 phone | www.milwaukeeballet.org