Madison Festivals history and facts

1. History & Events
2009

2. History & Events
2009
Madison Festivals, Inc. (MFI), incorporated on April TASTE OF MADISON
5, 1993, was formed by the Greater Madison Conven- Held since 1983, the Taste is MFI’s
tion & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) for the creation and flagship event, with over 60 res-
operation of events for the greater Madison area. taurants, 4 entertainment stages
MFI started as a 501(c)(6) non-stock corporation and and 16 beverage stands drawing
later became an income-tax- over 150,000 to the Capitol Square
exempt 501(c)(3) organization. over Saturday and Sunday of Labor
The corporation was formed Day weekend. There is no charge
exclusively to organize and man- for admission or entertainment.
age charitable events for the United Cerebral Palsy has been
education, participation, and Taste’s charity partner since 1983
entertainment of the public in and staffs the beverage stands
the area of the City of Madison, with over 700 volunteers and
Wisconsin. licensed bartenders. From 1995 to
2008, MFI has donated $366,570 to
MFI operates events they own UCP This does not include tips the
.
(Taste of Madison, Madison volunteers collect for UCP .
Marathon, Kids Expo) and was
contracted to manage others (Brat Fest 2007-2009). MADISON MARATHON
MFI is operated by a volunteer Board of Directors The Madison Marathon is held
and a paid President. MFI contracts with Madison- on Memorial Day weekend.
based event management company, It consists of a marathon and
Purple Door Productions, to run its half marathon that begin and
events. Income is derived from spon- finish at the Alliant Energy Center. Short-
sorships, beverage sales, vendor fees er distances (5k, 6k, 10k, kids race) have
(e.g.: restaurants at Taste; booths at also been offered. A Quarter Marathon, a
the Marathon Health & Fitness Expo and first of its kind in the country, was added
Kids Expo) and runner registrations. in 2008. A Health & Fitness Expo is held
on Saturday; the races are on Sunday.
MISSION: Madison Festivals, Inc., a The courses are specifically designed to
non-profit, volunteer based organiza- showcase the city of Madison to both
tion, produces and develops events in residents and visitors to our great city.
the greater Madison community that American Cancer Society became MFI’s
exceed the expectation of our guests. charity partner in 2007; they provide
These events enhance the quality of some of the volunteers and offer the ACS
life for residents, showcase the area to Charity Runner Program which brought
visitors, and provide assistance to local them over $50,000 their first year.
charitable organizations.

3. History & Events
2009
KIDS EXPO three year agreement for MFI to manage the evet.
Capital Newspapers hired MFI to A new record of brats sold in four days was set in
assist in the management of Kids 2008 and again in 2009. MFI was instrumental in
Expo 2008. adding a festival with music and
Later that same rides, securing a major sponsor,
year, Capital and adding 5,000+ runners plus
Newspapers elected to discontin- families and friends, making Brat
ue operating future events. MFI Fest a profitable event for the
purchased the contract rights first time in it’s 25th year (2007).
to Kids Expo from Capital News- Brat Fest is a four day festival
papers in September, 2008. MFI held Memorial Day weekend. Over
changed it from a ticketed event 95 charities provided volunteers,
to free admission. Ronald Mc- earning $90,000 in 2009. MFI will
Donald House was chosen as the not manage the 2010 event.
2009 charity and provides 100
volunteers. Kids Expo is held on 2009 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
a Saturday and Sunday, Novem- Rita Kelliher, President
ber 14 & 15. 2009 at the Alliant Krista Flanagan, Chair
Energy Center with exhibitors Eric Rottier, Vice Chair
and activities and entertainment Stephanie Hammes, Secretary
for kids and families. Jim Mason, Treasurer
Mark Anderson
BRAT FEST Jane Fitzgerald
In 2007 MFI was Scott Smith
hired to man- Joe Way
age the World’s Mike Westcott
Largest Brat Fest John Williamson
(Brat Fest does Ken Woodford
the operations). Brat Fest formed
its own 501(c)(3) December 27, 2007 and signed a
Event sponsors include:

4. Benefiting Groups
2008 Total Raised for Dane County Charities and Lighthouse School
Non-Profits: $203,832 Lighthouse Speech/Debate Club
Lil-A-Team
Luther Memorial
We appreciate all the time and effort of every individual LVM Dreams Big
associated with these groups. We are also happy to en- Mad City Dancers Madison Area Retired Educators
gage volunteers who reflect the diversity of the commu- Madison Area Youth Special Olympics
nity we serve. Benefiting charities and non-profits include Madison West High School Forensics Team
but are not limited to (this should not be construed as an Madison West Softball Booster
endorsement by Madison Festivals, Inc. of the benefiting Madison Youth Choir
groups or views of the organizations): Make a Wish Foundation
Memorial Baptist Church
Middleton Gator Swim/Dive Team
2008 benefiting groups included:
Middleton High School Boys Soccer
Abundant Life Christian High School
Model UN - Middleton High School
Arbor Covenant Church
Monona Swim/Dive
Asbury United Methodist Church Youth
NARAL- Prochoice Wi
Group
Nepali American Friendship Assoc.
Badger Bots
New Life Church
Beta Zeta
Newspapers in Education
Bethany United Methodist Church
North/Eastside Senior Coalition
Bethel Horizons
North/Eastside Sherman BBall
Boy Scout Troop 101
Orchard Ridge Youth Group
Boy Scout Troop 120
Parkside Presbyterian Church
Boy Scout Troop 122
Pi Sigma Epsilon
Boy Scout Troop 140
PKP Wisconsin Alumni Assoc
Boy Scout Troop 15
Queen of Peace School
Boy Scout Troop 2 A volunteer for United Cerebral Palsy is all River Valley High School Class of 2009
Boy Scout Troop 420 smiles at Taste of Madison. Ronald McDonald House of Dane County
Boy Scout Troop 940
RSVP of Dane County
Boy Scout Troop/Pack 90
Salem United Church of Christ Youth Group
The Boys & Girls Club of Dane County
Sons of Norway
Bristol Blazer 4H
Spina Bifida Family Nework
Calvary Gospel Church
Spring Harbor Middle School
Capital Chordsman Chorus
Stoughton St.Vincent De Paul
Capital Sound Drum/Bugle
Team Survivor Madison
Campus Vegetarian Society
Triangle Community Ministry
Chrysalis, INC
United Cerebral Palsy of Dane County
Cuna Mutual Group
VA Employee AssociationCentro Hispano
Dane Co. Parent council/ head Start
Verona Area High School Swim
Edgewood Tennis
VFW Post 8216
Epilepsy Foundation South Central Wisconsin
Virgina Davis School of Dance
Falk Elementary - First Grade
Walbridge School
FLAME
West High School Boy’s Cross Country
Foster Care Network
West Madison Senior Center
Friends Of Kettle Ponds
West Madison Special Olympics
Give Kids the World
Wisconsin Children’s Choir
Helping Hands
Yahara River Chorus
Imagine A Child’s Capacity
Yonim Israeli Dance
LaFollette High School Tennis
Young Shakespeare Players
LAHSO
Lake Edge Lutheran Church
League of Women Voters