Campaign to Help Fund New State Bar Center
Excitement is growing as the "Building the Future" campaign
shifts into high gear to raise funds for the new home of the State Bar
of Wisconsin. The campaign to help fund the $4.65 million facility is in
the hands of more than 30 talented attorneys who serve as fund-raising
cabinet members. These attorneys have volunteered to spearhead the
campaign and recruit attorneys in their regions to support the
effort.
Chaired by attorney Nathan A. Fishbach and Retired Chief Justice
Nathan S. Heffernan, the cabinet is reaching out to all segments of the
Bar - young lawyers, sole practitioners, large firms, government
attorneys, and nonresident members alike. "The new Bar Center is a
monumental event in State Bar history. The campaign provides everyone
with the opportunity to invest in the future of the Bar and be
recognized for their contribution," says Fishbach, who also chairs the
State Bar Board of Governors. The cabinet hopes to raise at least $1.5
million from Bar members, vendors, and friends to build a new
headquarters serving the attorneys of Wisconsin. The sale of the current
Bar Center and the liquidation of short- and intermediate-term
investments will fund about half of the new building. The "Building the
Future" fund-raising campaign will help reduce or retire the remaining
$2.25 million debt.
Recognition and honor opportunities
To thank contributors for their generous contributions, the campaign
cabinet has devised several tasteful and appropriate recognition
opportunities. Everyone who makes a pledge, large or small, is investing
in the future of Wisconsin's legal community and deserves to be honored
in the new facility.
Naming Rights. Naming opportunities in the new
building include: the rotunda - $500,000; three assembly halls -
$150,000 each; one boardroom contributed by past presidents; one
computer training center - $75,000; two main foyers - $75,000 each;
three conference rooms - $50,000 each; six interior wings - $50,000
each; and individual offices - $25,000 each. Individuals or entities
contributing at this level may donate in their own name or honor a
deceased colleague, family member, respected jurist or other person or
organization.
Founders Club. The names of all contributors who
pledge $10,000 or more will be engraved on the second floor galleria
(see accompanying illustration).
Recognition Wall. The names of contributors who
pledge $500 or more will appear on the Recognition Wall in the main
floor rotunda and will be categorized by the level of the gift. Names
will be engraved in equal size. Categories are $500 - patrons; $1,000 -
fellows; $2,500 - benefactors; $5,000 - partners; and $10,000-plus -
founders. Founders will be recognized for their leadership gifts in
categories of $10,000, $25,000, $50,000, $75,000, $100,000, $150,000 and
over.
100% Club. The 100% Club includes all firms, sole
practices, and government agencies that contribute at least $300 per
attorney ($100 a year, for three years, payable over the three years).
100% Club participants will be honored by name of firm or agency
engraved in the foyer. The 100% Club will recognize all firms equally.
If an individual(s) in the firm or agency makes the contribution on
behalf of the entity, the individual(s) name will appear on the
Recognition Wall; the firm name will be listed on the 100% Club Wall.
Any firm contribution that includes at least $300 per attorney will
qualify for the 100% Club. (Thus, individuals or entities could receive
multiple recognition.)
Honor Roll Book. All contributors will be listed in
a leather-boundbook on permanent display in the main lobby.
How you can contribute
For more information or to contribute to "Building the Future,"
please contact Trina E. Haag, campaign coordinator, at the State Bar of
Wisconsin at (800) 444-9404, ext. 6025, or use the online fundraising
campaign request form. You also can contact the fund-raising cabinet
member in your area. All contributions can be paid annually or
semi-annually over three years.
Wisconsin Lawyer