Milwaukee Panthers

MKEPANTHERS.COM | 42 HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN SUPPORTING MILWAUKEE ATHLETICS? We were first introduced to UWM over 10 years ago when we won a silent auction package that included a five-day basketball camp. At the first day of Milwaukee Basketball Camp, Elani was running drills on the Panther Court and Mark was approached by UWM Manager and legend, Michael Poll. "Hi, my name is Michael, would you like to see the locker rooms?" Mark agreed and was led across the parking lot. Michael then asked if we had season tickets, which we did not, but within minutes of talking about it we walked away saying, "We're season ticket holders". From that experience, we have had the opportunity to meet with coaches, players, and be around many special people within the department. We have seen through examples of how caring, genuine, and special the Milwaukee Athletic FAMILY is. For example, the women's basketball team has helped children afflicted with Autism for many years, including a basketball clinic for Children with Autism. The team and coaches volunteer for Dylan's run for Autism, Easter Seals "Walk with Me", and Sportsmanship and Anti-Bullying assemblies in area elementary and middle schools. WHERE DOES YOUR PHILANTHROPIC SPIRIT COME FROM? It is paramount to help those who help others. When you have an opportunity to make your community a better place and help those who make our community a better place, you act. It is the Wisconsin idea. We have been involved with several charitable organizations. Philanthropy is a two-way street. Milwaukee Athletics provide both tangible and intangible value to children, other charities, the underprivileged, those who are less fortunate, have physical and emotional challenges and our community as a whole. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR SUPPORT, GIFTS? To help Milwaukee Athletics continue to provide the resources allowing them to continue their mission and continue to be a priceless asset to the Milwaukee-area community. They have positively influenced and improved tens of thousands of lives, including our son, Anthony, who was born with Autism. We believe UWM was an integral part of Anthony's development, and he has been doing statistics for the basketball teams for several years. This experience taught Anthony a great deal and has helped him obtain other jobs and interests that he is excelling at today. IF YOU HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED OR SUPPORTED MILWAUKEE ATHLETICS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THEM? The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is Milwaukee's Gem. It is the second largest university in Wisconsin, and provides the Milwaukee area, State of Wisconsin, the USA, graduates who will change our world. Daily, they are making our community a better place to live. The Milwaukee Athletic Department community outreach provides education, role models, and help to our area youth, adults, seniors, and those who visit our world class city. When you have an opportunity to make a difference, it is important to partner with an organization that has a genuine interest in helping others and making our community a better place. We have learned that providing resources to nonprofit organizations that can leverage the contribution into a value multiple times greater than the donation itself. ***

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