ArtsWave reaches Campaign Goal with Community Contributions of $11.2 Million
Cincinnati, OH – April 25, 2012 - ArtsWave announced the successful completion of the 2012 Annual Community Campaign, with gifts totaling $11,200,053 in support of arts across the region.
“We set a bold goal this year to grow the campaign after three years of holding steady at $11 million,” said Mike Michael, Chair of the 2012 campaign and President, Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati. “Our success demonstrates the community’s passion for the arts, and our shared belief that investing in the arts makes our region a great place to live.”
For the first time since 2008, total contributions exceeded $11 million. Most contributions to the annual campaign are individual gifts in amounts less than $150; $75 is the amount most commonly donated. New fundraising tools launched through social media and mobile technology reached people living in Cincinnati and beyond. To date, ArtsWave has added 8,022 new donors to the campaign in 2012.
Fun workplace campaigns at local businesses helped spur new donors to action. Employee campaigns at companies as diverse as Fifth Third Bank, Frisch’s, The Kroger Company, and the KnowledgeWorks Foundation exceeded their goals. Nineteen local businesses ran employee campaigns for the first time, including Tata in Milford and Vantiv in Mason. As in years past, ArtsWave also secured additional gifts from foundation and corporate supporters.
ArtsWave recognizes that the long-term success of the arts and culture in the region depends on community engagement. Four Macy’s Arts Sampler events brought together thousands of people for free events showcasing the area’s arts organizations and the wide variety of experiences they offer. ArtsWave also partnered with digital company Possible Worldwide to create a short film, Radius, which brings to life the arts ripple effect and inspires people to engage in the arts.
“People are proud of the theatre, museums, music, dance, and more that make the Cincinnati region amazing,” said Mike Michael. “They understand that the arts are essential to a vibrant, healthy community, as demonstrated by the extraordinary number of individuals who participate in this campaign every year. We are so thankful to all our donors, and to the hundreds of volunteers who worked so hard to help us reach our goal.”
“The 2012 campaign had the highest goal in four years, and we are thrilled that the community helped us reach it,” said Mary McCullough-Hudson, President and CEO of ArtsWave. “This campaign is growing again and we now have great momentum carrying us into the 2013 campaign.”
ArtsWave hosted a party to celebrate the successful 2012 campaign on April 25, 2012 at the Cincinnati Art Museum. At the event, Mike Michael introduced next year’s community campaign leader, George Vincent, Managing Partner and Chairman, Dinsmore.
