Join Cathedral Square Friends, This is It! and host Karen Valentine to help raise funds for our historic public square. On February 25th, from 1 p.m. to 5.pm. This Is It!, 418 E. Wells St., is holding a fundraiser for Cathedral Square Friends. This Is It! will donate 25% of sales to the cause!
We are raising funds to bring beautiful hanging flower baskets to Cathedral Square in 2018 and beyond. We’ve raised over $16,000 for the effort and plan to install a number of flower baskets this summer, with more baskets being added in the future.
This is It! will be offering up an eclectic grouping of prizes for two raffle drawings, one at 3 p.m., and then a 50/50 raffle at 5 p.m.
Drinks are two for one on Sunday before 5 p.m, and This Is It! also offers Endless Mimosas! Showtunes will be playing, so come prepared to sing along with Karen and us!
On November 6, 2017, Cathedral Square Friends launched our first effort, the “Color the Square” initiative. We plan to hang baskets filled with bright, multi-colored flowers from light poles inside and around Cathedral Square. We are seeking sponsors and donations to help fund the baskets, their installation, and many years of maintenance.
We have now raised over $15,000 for the project and we will be able to install a number of baskets this summer but we are still looking for additional funds to complete the project. To donate to Color the Square click here.
Color the Square is the first of many initiatives the Cathedral Square Friends has planned to give new life to this historic public gathering place in the heart of Milwaukee. Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves.
We appreciate your time in reviewing and considering your financial involvement in this project that will help to transform the square into a more beautiful setting!
Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. The Color the Square campaign will add colorful hanging flower baskets to Cathedral Square. The nonprofit is seeking donations to fund the purchase of the baskets, their installation and multiple years of maintenance.
Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
“Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and we believe it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves,” said Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends.
92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2016, the fifth year of #GivingTuesday, millions of people in 98 countries came together to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $177 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.
To learn more about Color the Square and donate online, please visit the Color the Square campaign page. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org).
About Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
The mission of Cathedral Square Friends is to support, maintain and enhance Cathedral Square as a historic public gathering place. Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
MILWAUKEE, November 6, 2017 – Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. announced today the launch of the “Color the Square” initiative. The nonprofit plans to have baskets filled with bright, multi-colored flowers hanging from light poles inside and around the perimeter of Cathedral Square. The group is seeking sponsors to help fund the purchase of the baskets, their installation and multiple years of maintenance.
Seeds will be planted in the baskets in late winter or early spring at the landscaper’s greenhouses and will be flowering when the baskets are installed late spring on brackets attached to the poles. The landscaper will water the baskets throughout the summer to keep the plants vibrant.
Cathedral Square Friends is an all-volunteer group that is dedicated to improving Cathedral Square for the benefit of all Milwaukeeans. Color The Square is the first of many initiatives the organization has planned to give new life to this historic public gathering place in the heart of Milwaukee.
“Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and we believe it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves,” said Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends.
Cathedral Square in Downtown Milwaukee will be more colorful next summer if the initiative of Cathedral Square Friends succeeds. To learn more about Color the Square and donate online, please visit the Color the Square campaign page.
About Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
The mission of Cathedral Square Friends is to support, maintain and enhance Cathedral Square as a historic public gathering place. Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
We spent many Thursday nights meeting neighbors at Jazz in the Park.
Cathedral Square Friends at Jazz in the Park.
Saturdays were spent listening to ideas and concerns from neighbors at the Cathedral Square Market.
Cathedral Square Market.
We even spread the word during Bastille Days.
Cathedral Square Friends at Bastille Days.
We added three new board members: Eddie Sturkey, Jim Orth and Derek Peruo.
And we began building our mailing list of individuals interested in Cathedral Square.
All in all we spent countless hours spreading the news and listening to neighbors.
But our biggest news this summer is that we have officially received our 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government. This allows membership fees and contributions to be tax deductible. This will allow us to truly begin the work of improving Cathedral Square.
Soon we will tackle our first project, Color the Square. But to do so we’ll need your help. More on this soon.
On Wednesday, May 17 2017, Cathedral Square Friends held a public community engagement meeting at the atrium of the Cathedral of St John, located on Cathedral Square. Approximately 50 people attended the event, which lasted about 90 minutes. Members of the Friends group were present, along with representatives from Milwaukee County Parks, as well as City Alderman Robert Bauman.
In the weeks leading up to the meeting, meeting announcements were posted in social media, notices were posted in local residential buildings, and Alderman Bauman sent a mailing card to his local constituents with an invite to the neighborhood meeting.
The intention of the meeting was to introduce the concept of a “friends group” for Cathedral Square to the community. It was explained how a friends group is separate organization from Milwaukee County Parks and differs from East Town (who runs various events in the square), but rather is a group of local residents, businesses and organizations who come together set goals, create plans and develop strategies to execute projects to help improve the quality of the public space.
The meeting started at 6 p.m. with a short introduction by Alderman Bauman. Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends, began with a presentation which explained how this idea developed and the steps that have occurred to date to launch the group. Efforts for the organization to receive a federal tax status of a 501(c)(3) organization, one that allows supporters to deduct contributions on their taxes, is underway and hopefully will be in effect soon.
Ald. Bauman Mailer.
Following the introduction, Carl Baehr gave a brief history to show the significance of the square throughout the history of Milwaukee up till current times. The square, originally known as Courthouse Square, pre-dates the founding of Milwaukee by more than a decade. As the first, and later second courthouses that occupied the north end of space were razed, the square was enlarged to its current size. Over the years, the square has seen many variations and changes.
Greg Patin presented slides on the current condition of the Square and the notable issues of concern. Concepts of short term improvement, such a pavers around the perimeter between the curb and the sidewalk, and the addition of flower baskets hanging from streetlight fixture around the perimeter and within the square was discussed. Milwaukee County Parks planned efforts to rebuild the existing playground were also discussed.
The featured guest speaker was architect Chris Socha of TKWA/Urban Lab, who gave a presentation on the process of creating or re-creating public spaces. He gave multiple examples of how this has been accomplished in other locations, and then focused on other efforts currently in discussion in other parts of downtown Milwaukee. The conclusion of Chris’ presentation brought the conversation back to the idea of a longer term vision for the square. A vision that would be built upon public community input and carefully looking at the needs and goals for the space.
The last part of the meeting focused on questions, answer and discussions. The lively group brought up more than a few dozen items, each of which often led to answers by various people in attendance.
In the conclusion of the meetings, Dave requested that meeting attendees leave Cathedral Square Friends representatives their contact information, and better yet, sign up as members.
Throughout the summer, Cathedral Square Friends will be reaching out to the public to make them aware of the efforts and encourage people to join.
First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017First Public Meeting, May 17, 2017
Posted: February 11, 2018 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. Leave a Comment
This Is It! Fundraiser For Cathedral Square Friends
Join Cathedral Square Friends, This is It! and host Karen Valentine to help raise funds for our historic public square. On February 25th, from 1 p.m. to 5.pm. This Is It!, 418 E. Wells St., is holding a fundraiser for Cathedral Square Friends. This Is It! will donate 25% of sales to the cause!
We are raising funds to bring beautiful hanging flower baskets to Cathedral Square in 2018 and beyond. We’ve raised over $16,000 for the effort and plan to install a number of flower baskets this summer, with more baskets being added in the future.
This is It! will be offering up an eclectic grouping of prizes for two raffle drawings, one at 3 p.m., and then a 50/50 raffle at 5 p.m.
Drinks are two for one on Sunday before 5 p.m, and This Is It! also offers Endless Mimosas! Showtunes will be playing, so come prepared to sing along with Karen and us!
For more details see the Facebook event here.
Posted: January 8, 2018 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. Leave a Comment
Cathedral Square Friends Reaches a Milestone
On November 6, 2017, Cathedral Square Friends launched our first effort, the “Color the Square” initiative. We plan to hang baskets filled with bright, multi-colored flowers from light poles inside and around Cathedral Square. We are seeking sponsors and donations to help fund the baskets, their installation, and many years of maintenance.
We have now raised over $15,000 for the project and we will be able to install a number of baskets this summer but we are still looking for additional funds to complete the project. To donate to Color the Square click here.
Color the Square is the first of many initiatives the Cathedral Square Friends has planned to give new life to this historic public gathering place in the heart of Milwaukee. Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves.
We appreciate your time in reviewing and considering your financial involvement in this project that will help to transform the square into a more beautiful setting!
Last Updated: November 28, 2017 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. Leave a Comment
Cathedral Square Friends Joins the Global #GivingTuesday Movement
Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. The Color the Square campaign will add colorful hanging flower baskets to Cathedral Square. The nonprofit is seeking donations to fund the purchase of the baskets, their installation and multiple years of maintenance.
Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
“Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and we believe it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves,” said Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends.
92Y − a cultural center in New York City that, since 1874, has been bringing people together around its core values of community service and giving back − conceptualized #GivingTuesday as a new way of linking individuals and causes to strengthen communities and encourage giving. In 2016, the fifth year of #GivingTuesday, millions of people in 98 countries came together to give back and support the causes they believe in. Over $177 million was raised online to benefit a tremendously broad range of organizations, and much more was given in volunteer hours, donations of food and clothing, and acts of kindness.
To learn more about Color the Square and donate online, please visit the Color the Square campaign page. For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website (www.givingtuesday.org).
About Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
The mission of Cathedral Square Friends is to support, maintain and enhance Cathedral Square as a historic public gathering place. Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Posted: November 6, 2017 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
Colorful Facelift for Cathedral Square
MILWAUKEE, November 6, 2017 – Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. announced today the launch of the “Color the Square” initiative. The nonprofit plans to have baskets filled with bright, multi-colored flowers hanging from light poles inside and around the perimeter of Cathedral Square. The group is seeking sponsors to help fund the purchase of the baskets, their installation and multiple years of maintenance.
Seeds will be planted in the baskets in late winter or early spring at the landscaper’s greenhouses and will be flowering when the baskets are installed late spring on brackets attached to the poles. The landscaper will water the baskets throughout the summer to keep the plants vibrant.
Cathedral Square Friends is an all-volunteer group that is dedicated to improving Cathedral Square for the benefit of all Milwaukeeans. Color The Square is the first of many initiatives the organization has planned to give new life to this historic public gathering place in the heart of Milwaukee.
“Cathedral Square is older than the city itself, dating back to 1837 when Milwaukee’s founders donated the land to the public. The square has played an important role throughout Milwaukee’s history and we believe it remains a vital public space for the residents of Milwaukee today. Color the Square is the first step towards bringing it the new life and vibrancy it deserves,” said Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends.
Cathedral Square in Downtown Milwaukee will be more colorful next summer if the initiative of Cathedral Square Friends succeeds. To learn more about Color the Square and donate online, please visit the Color the Square campaign page.
About Cathedral Square Friends, Inc.
The mission of Cathedral Square Friends is to support, maintain and enhance Cathedral Square as a historic public gathering place. Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
Last Updated: September 25, 2017 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. Leave a Comment
Summer on the Square
It was an exciting summer for Cathedral Square Friends.
All in all we spent countless hours spreading the news and listening to neighbors.
But our biggest news this summer is that we have officially received our 501(c)(3) non-profit status from the federal government. This allows membership fees and contributions to be tax deductible. This will allow us to truly begin the work of improving Cathedral Square.
Soon we will tackle our first project, Color the Square. But to do so we’ll need your help. More on this soon.
Last Updated: July 8, 2017 by Cathedral Square Friends, Inc. Leave a Comment
First Public Meeting of Cathedral Square Friends –May 17, 2017
On Wednesday, May 17 2017, Cathedral Square Friends held a public community engagement meeting at the atrium of the Cathedral of St John, located on Cathedral Square. Approximately 50 people attended the event, which lasted about 90 minutes. Members of the Friends group were present, along with representatives from Milwaukee County Parks, as well as City Alderman Robert Bauman.
In the weeks leading up to the meeting, meeting announcements were posted in social media, notices were posted in local residential buildings, and Alderman Bauman sent a mailing card to his local constituents with an invite to the neighborhood meeting.
The intention of the meeting was to introduce the concept of a “friends group” for Cathedral Square to the community. It was explained how a friends group is separate organization from Milwaukee County Parks and differs from East Town (who runs various events in the square), but rather is a group of local residents, businesses and organizations who come together set goals, create plans and develop strategies to execute projects to help improve the quality of the public space.
The meeting started at 6 p.m. with a short introduction by Alderman Bauman. Dave Reid, President of Cathedral Square Friends, began with a presentation which explained how this idea developed and the steps that have occurred to date to launch the group. Efforts for the organization to receive a federal tax status of a 501(c)(3) organization, one that allows supporters to deduct contributions on their taxes, is underway and hopefully will be in effect soon.
Following the introduction, Carl Baehr gave a brief history to show the significance of the square throughout the history of Milwaukee up till current times. The square, originally known as Courthouse Square, pre-dates the founding of Milwaukee by more than a decade. As the first, and later second courthouses that occupied the north end of space were razed, the square was enlarged to its current size. Over the years, the square has seen many variations and changes.
Greg Patin presented slides on the current condition of the Square and the notable issues of concern. Concepts of short term improvement, such a pavers around the perimeter between the curb and the sidewalk, and the addition of flower baskets hanging from streetlight fixture around the perimeter and within the square was discussed. Milwaukee County Parks planned efforts to rebuild the existing playground were also discussed.
The featured guest speaker was architect Chris Socha of TKWA/Urban Lab, who gave a presentation on the process of creating or re-creating public spaces. He gave multiple examples of how this has been accomplished in other locations, and then focused on other efforts currently in discussion in other parts of downtown Milwaukee. The conclusion of Chris’ presentation brought the conversation back to the idea of a longer term vision for the square. A vision that would be built upon public community input and carefully looking at the needs and goals for the space.
The last part of the meeting focused on questions, answer and discussions. The lively group brought up more than a few dozen items, each of which often led to answers by various people in attendance.
In the conclusion of the meetings, Dave requested that meeting attendees leave Cathedral Square Friends representatives their contact information, and better yet, sign up as members.
Throughout the summer, Cathedral Square Friends will be reaching out to the public to make them aware of the efforts and encourage people to join.
The Presentation