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