May 26, 2026 I Philanthropy
All-In Milwaukee Receives $11M Gift from Former Hal Leonard CEO
Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg
All-In Milwaukee has announced that philanthropists Keith Mardak and Mary Vandenberg have made an $11 million gift to the organization, the largest contribution in All-In Milwaukee’s history. The investment will help 500 additional Milwaukee students attend and complete college over the next 10 years.
Since launching in 2018, All-In Milwaukee has provided comprehensive college access and success support to hundreds of low-income students across the city, helping scholars enroll in college debt-free and persist through graduation.
“This gift is transformational for us,” said Allison Wagner, executive director of All-In Milwaukee. “For the next 10 years, 50 of our annual scholar spots are now funded. It creates a strong foundation for us to continue growing and serving more students across Milwaukee.”
Keith Mardak, former CEO and chairman of Milwaukee-based music publisher Hal Leonard, and Mary Vandenberg, former vice president of business affairs for the company, said the organization’s long-term student support model inspired their investment.
“What makes All-In Milwaukee so special is the comprehensive, wraparound support,” Mardak and Vandenberg said in a joint statement. “That model keeps us invested and gives us confidence that our support is truly changing the trajectory of students’ lives.”
The gift reflects the couple’s commitment to youth development and the arts. They have previously supported various other organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra and First Stage.
All-In Milwaukee’s inaugural class included 40 students. This coming academic year, the organization will support 215 new scholars, with a goal of reaching annual cohorts of 250 students by 2029. To date, approximately 250 students have graduated through the program. Nearly all participants come from low-income households, with 98% identifying as students of color and 86% being first-generation college students. Students apply during their senior year of high school and are matched with one of eight partner colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Most scholars attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison, UW-Milwaukee or Marquette University.
Partner institutions provide the maximum available financial aid, while All-In Milwaukee contributes an additional $12,000 per student to help cover expenses, such as laptops, summer coursework and other educational costs. Each scholar is also paired with a mentor who provides academic, personal, and career guidance throughout college.
The Mardak and Vandenberg gift designates support for students connected to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, Carmen Schools of Science and Technology, Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy, and Milwaukee Academy of Science. Wagner noted that while the donors chose to prioritize these communities based on their experiences and interests, All-In Milwaukee remains committed to serving students broadly across the city.
“We’re agnostic of sector,” Wagner said. “We work to ensure our scholar cohorts reflect the diversity and needs of Milwaukee.”
