MILWAUKEE — Art has always been a major part of Milwaukeean Tony Busalacchi’s life.
When you walk into his condo on the lake, you are transported to a whimsical world filled with his art. There is creativity around each corner.
Now, he’s turned his decades-long passion into an opportunity for those less fortunate.
Busalacchi is in his early 90s and for the past seven years, he has been selling his art for donations to an organization that is close to his heart.
“There is such a gratification to know that people want these things,” Busalacchi said. “They are willing to make a donation.”
On his 85th birthday, Busalacchi made his first donation of $1,000 to St. Ben’s with Capuchin Community Services. He said he wanted to help fund one of their ongoing projects.
That donation sparked his idea to sell his art and use all the proceeds as donations for St. Ben’s in Milwaukee.
Since he began selling art and hosting art shows for that purpose, he’s been able to donate over $200,000 to the organization.
“There they are working with homeless people, people who need food, shelter, medical assistance, legal assistance, and they don’t take a holiday,” he said. “There is no holiday at St. Ben’s.”
Brother Henryk Cisowski with Capuchin Community Services said without people like Busalacchi, they wouldn’t be able to complete their mission and serve others.
“Our ability to provide help comes from so many people like Mr. Tony and so many other people and communities that make this possible,” Cisowski said. “We are doing important things. We provide an essential hub for people who are on the street, for poor families. All this comes from people who are generous, people who want to give back.”
Busalacchi’s walls and rooms are filled with dozens and dozens of his creations. Even his outside hallway is filled with artwork he has created.
A majority of this art is up for grabs. All Busalacchi asks for is a donation to St. Ben’s in return.
“I’m at that point where I am willing to almost sell everything we have as a fundraiser for St. Ben’s,” he said. “I have that much faith in what these brothers are doing.”
He said he grew up in a home where giving back was a part of the family dynamic. He’s held onto that for all these years and said he wants to leave behind something positive.
“I don’t just want to exist,” he said. “I want to do something. To my dying day, I want to be a positive person.”
Busalacchi said he has no plans to slow down on his artwork or donating to those in need in the community.