Contribute to WVA

In May, Endowment Chair Barbara Banerian, David Sear, Gary Gresl, and Virgi Driscoll met with Robert Rajir to discuss past and future directions for the WVA Endowment. Mr. Ragir, who has been instrumental in helping WVA guide the fund in this incubation period, is eager to see us meet his matching grant by raising $12,500 by the end of 2011. At this meeting, he committed $3500 that matches the funds we have already raised! This money is invested with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. When we reach the $50,000 mark, WVA will then be able to draw on the returns from this fund to help us financially. The fund is permanent and invested in perpetuity. Anyone can donate or make it a part of their estate planning. This fall, we plan to put together a small campaign to help us get to our $50,000 goal. Thank you all for your support. This is the beginning of a gift for present and future artists in our state!

THE WVA ENDOWMENT FUND...OUR FUTURE
Years ago WVA established an Endowment Fund to help secure its financial future. This fund is a traditional interest bearing investment for WVA, but we have not promoted it and therefore it has remained relatively small.  We need to build it substantially in order for the investment to really be helpful.

Members and friends of WVA are strongly encouraged to consider contributing to that Endowment, immediately or in the future. WVA is a 501c(3) tax exempt entity and your donations are tax deductible.

One possible means of eventual support is for persons to consider gift giving through their Last Will and Testament and/or a Revocable Living Trust. WVA has had the assistance of a legal representative in creating this Endowment. Attorney Fredrick J. Safer of Safer & Stein Law Firm,s.c.will provide limited free advice to those who might want to create a clause in their estate documents in order to benefit our Endowment Fund. This pro bono advice is only related to WVA activities. Fred, however, is very experienced in matters of estate planning including endowments, trusts and gift giving. He can assist you beyond discussions of the WVA Endowment. Feel comfortable in calling Fred at his office, 414-357-7555

The work our organization does has proven very valuable to artists and citizens of our State.  Our activities include the wonderful artist/art exchange with Japan called “Two Cultures, One Spirit”, the important Wisconsin Artists Biennial, our partnership with the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters in their Steenbock Building Gallery, our partnership in creating the Wisconsin Visual Art Lifetime Achievement Awards, the publication and distribution of “Art In Wisconsin”, other exhibits and professional level associations.
 Please seriously consider contributions to the WVA Endowment Fund. Contact your area WVA Chapter Chair to discuss this matter, or call Attorney Safer at the number above.  Thank you for your good work and generous thoughts.