Basilica of St. Josaphat

Transforming a humble bus shelter into a high-tech attention grabber.

Built in 1901, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is a lavish architectural icon – with lavish maintenance expenses. In order to meet its fundraising goals, the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation needed to raise its profile within the community. The goal was simple: To make Milwaukeeans understand why this one-of-a-kind piece of our cultural heritage is worth preserving.

Bus sanctuary? Basilica stop? We transformed a humble transit shelter at Cathedral Square into an experience. The shelter-turned-sanctuary featured a vintage church pew, stained glass and a ceiling fresco straight from the Basilica – bringing this South Side gem to the heart of the city. The “Save Our Sanctuary” messaging relayed the urgency of this campaign, while NFC technology facilitated immediate, on-the-go donations. Less than six months into the campaign, The Foundation received nearly $1.3 million in donations and pledges.