For more information, please contact:
Gloria Gappa-Grundman, (414) 588-9571
MILWAUKEE, Wis. —Jan. 12, 2006 — What are the greatest things about living, working and playing in the City of Milwaukee? The public is invited to find out by attending the City’s 160th Birthday Party, which will take place Wednesday, Jan 25, at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center.
The public has been voting for the past two months in the Gems of Milwaukee Contest (www.gemsofmilwaukee.com). More than 7,000 people voted in the contest. The top 10 winners will be announced during a special ceremony at the City Birthday Party.
More than 600 people attended the City Birthday Party last year, and a larger crowd is expected this year, according to Julie Pedretti, chairwoman of the committee that is organizing the party. “Last year’s party was a networking extravaganza, but this year’s party should be even better. It’s going to be a special celebration,” said Pedretti who is the public relations director at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.
The Gems of Milwaukee contest is striking international appeal, as voters from around the world weighed in about the things that make Milwaukee special, according to Steve Jagler, president of the Milwaukee Press Club, which presents the annual City Birthday Party. “The Gems program has really struck a chord. There is a lot interest in finding out who will be the top 10 Gems,” said Jagler, who is executive editor of Small Business Times.
The top 10 Gems will be unveiled at the City Birthday Party in a special recorded video presentation by actress Jane Kaczmarek, star of Fox Television’s “Malcom in the Middle” series. Kaczmarek grew up in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett will lead the partygoers in singing “Happy Birthday” to the city, and musical entertainment at the party will be provided by Streetlife with Warren Wiegratz, the house band of the Milwaukee Bucks. Many other special activities are planned for the party.
SAVE THE DATE: The Milwaukee City Birthday Party will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2006 at the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, 509 W. Wisconsin Ave., from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Admission to the party is $20. Additional information is available at www.milwaukeepressclub.org.
PREVIEW: The list of the top 50 vote-getters in the Gems of Milwaukee Contest is attached. The top 10 Gems will be announced at the City Birthday Party on Jan. 25.
CORPORATE SPONSHIPS for the City Birthday Party are still available by calling Gloria Gappa-Grundman at (414) 588-9571.
