For 34 years, the UPAF Ride for the Arts, sponsored by Miller Lite, has raised more than $9 million to support local performing arts groups. Now raising money for the Ride has just gotten easier thanks to the support of Johnson Bank, who will match the pledges raised by Ride participants up to $25,000 and serve as the “Exclusive Bank Partner for the Ride.”

With the Johnson Bank pledge match, registration for the 35th Annual UPAF Ride for the Arts is now open at www.UPAFRide.org.

Raising pledges is an important strategy for the Ride for the Arts as a way to increase the support for the performing arts in Southeastern Wisconsin. In 2015, pledges for the event increased more than 50 percent over the prior year.

“The UPAF Ride for the Arts is a fun tradition here in Southeastern Wisconsin, but we often lose sight that it exists to raise needed funds for the community’s many excellent performing arts groups,” said Gus Hernandez, president, Johnson Bank, Milwaukee. “Johnson Bank understands the connection between quality of life and a vibrant performing arts scene so serving as the pledge match sponsor should enhance the Ride experience while helping raise additional dollars for a worthwhile cause.”

The 35th UPAF Ride for the Arts will take place Sunday, June, 5. The event is one of the nation's largest one-day recreational bike rides, signals the unofficial start of summer to many in Southeastern Wisconsin.

The Ride offers four bike routes that all start and finish at the South Gate of the Summerfest Grounds. The various routes travel past several Milwaukee landmarks and continue along the scenic shores of Lake Michigan through numerous Milwaukee-area communities and parks.

CBS 58 is a proud partner of the UPAF Ride for the Arts.