Donor Spotlight: Meet the Franks Family!

The Franks are big First Stage fans! We’ve been season ticket holders for several years. We started with the First Steps series and are now attending Young Company shows. We’ve attended preview shows, parties, class trips, and Academy classes. We’ve even submitted an idea for a play!

Michael Frank, Julie Wojcik and children Brian (age 9),
Tim (age 9) and Grace (age 12).

We moved to Wisconsin from New York City about nine years ago and wondered if we would be depriving our kids of exposure to the arts. By having a resource like First Stage here in Milwaukee the answer is, no. We often brag to out-of-town friends about the quality of the productions and programming.   

A First Stage show and a family meal is always a great outing - quality family time away from the beeping and blipping of ever-present electronic distractions. First Stage shows can spark important family discussions about issues like race and inequality. Sometimes it is just fun to see one of our favorite books come to life. The Christmas Eve show has become one of our family’s holiday traditions. 

We believe First Stage through its shows and Academy does transform the lives of Milwaukee children. That is important to us, and we chose to financially support this local non-profit. We’ve made cash donations in the past, and in recent years with the stock market rallying, we’ve gifted appreciated stock.  It is easy to do, easier on cash flow, and its smart tax planning. 

First Stage is one of the many quiet gems that make Milwaukee unique. We look forward to creating more family memories in the future.  

                                                                – Michael Frank & Julie Wojcik

As a non-profit organization, we can’t do it alone. Approximately half of our revenue comes from ticket sales and class fees and the other half from generous contributions from individuals - like the Franks, corporations, foundations, government sources and UPAF.

CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can support First Stage or contact Development Director Nancy Clarkin at (414) 267-2936 or email nclarkin@firststage.org for information about how to make a gift of stock.