Summer 2014

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ACTORS FUND

summer 2014 ISSUE: VOLUME 17, NUMBER 1

Celebrating Milestones

of Service and Support In this issue of Marquee, we celebrate four very special people who keep The Actors Fund responding to those most in need in our creative community. CEO Joe Benincasa—whose leadership and vision enabled The Fund to evolve to help more than 17,000 people last year (p. 2); and three women with 75 years of combined service to The Fund in philanthropy, administration and social services (p. 3). We also pay tribute to our friends at Disney Theatrical Productions in celebrating their incredible 20 years on Broadway and more than $3 million in support for The Actors Fund (p. 4). Finally, we highlight the expansion of our programs and services during the 25 years of visionary leadership of our CEO by hearing from a few of our celebrity leaders who share their passion for our mission, and from members of our creative community who share first-hand the care they received when they needed it most (pgs. 5-6). Thank you for your support which keeps the arts alive by helping those most in need in entertainment and performing arts!

729 S eve nth Aven ue , 10 th F l o o r Ne w Y or k , N Y 1 0 0 1 9

In this issue Celebrating Milestones of Service and Support....................................................... 1 Views from Joseph P. Benincasa....................... 2 25 Years of Service to the Creative Community......................................................... 2 The Heart and Soul of The Fund....................... 3 Disney Celebrates 20 Years on Broadway..........4 18th Annual Tony Awards® Viewing Party.........4 Special Performances and Events..................... 4 Real Stories, Real Lives................................ 5 – 6

BECOME A PART OF THE LEGACY Jock and Joan give back through a Charitable Gift Annuity “The Actors Fund is the finest philanthropic organization that I was fortunate to become associated with at the end of my personal business career. I have seen the wonderful growth of The Fund over many years, and Joan and I wish it continued success for years to come.” Jock and Joan give back to help those in need in our creative community by including The Fund in their estate plans as part of the Edwin Forrest Society. To learn more, call Jay Haddad at 917.281.5928, email [email protected] or visit actorsfund.org/PlannedGiving.

Photo: Trustee Emeritus Jock Duncan and his wife Joan at The Actors Fund’s annual Jock Duncan Celebri-TEE Golf and Tennis Outing.

2 MARQUEE Summer 2014 volume 17, number 1

VIEWS

Joseph P. Benincasa President & CEO The Actors Fund

from Joseph P. Benincasa

Dear Actor—

Dear Supporter—

You are on stage or in front of the camera, backstage or front of house, in an office or at home someplace on this planet, creating that story, character, set or agreement. What you are doing is enriching how we see one another and understand our place in the world. Your success may not be readily visible. It’s built on individual talent melded into collective enterprise. It’s inspired and inspiring, and not usually easy or financially rewarding. It is important. The Actors Fund understands you. Please remember that we can help during hard times, in times of transition, at the beginning of your journey and as you envision this life’s end. We are constantly changing as the community you serve evolves. Thank you for accepting the call to play the many roles you do, and remember that your “Actors Fund for Everyone in Entertainment” is here to assist you.

Actors, stagehands, writers, producers, theatre and studio owners—everyone who creates entertainment and the art behind it—engage our imaginations and enrich our lives. They create films and theater that speaks to our souls, music that lifts our spirits, dance that transcends our own physical limitations. Some use their celebrity to promote important causes, others use their technical and broadcasting skills to ensure that we have up-to-the-minute information and news when we need it. These people who dedicate their careers to enriching our lives in good times and in bad often need the help provided by The Actors Fund. You know this and I believe you support The Actors Fund for this reason. Most people in the creative community will never attain the kind of fame which gets headline recognition for great artistic achievement. But the vast majority will be part of a team that does, and I know that they are profoundly proud of their personal contributions to collaborative successes. They appreciate your support and The Actors Fund thanks you.

To All— Thank you for making the world a better place and for supporting The Actors Fund. It’s a great honor to serve and our achievements— all collaborative efforts—make me very proud.

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps all professionals in performing arts and entertainment. The Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis or transition. National Headquarters 729 Seventh Avenue 10th Floor New York, NY 10019 212.221.7300 Fax: 212.764.0238 Central Region 8 South Michigan Avenue Suite 601 Chicago, IL 60603 312.372.0989 Fax: 312.372.0272 Western Region 5757 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 400 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.933.9244 Fax: 323.933.7615 The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic 475 West 57th Street New York, NY 10019 212.489.1939 The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence (formerly The Aurora) New York, NY 212.489.2020 The Palm View West Hollywood, CA 323.933.9244

Celebrating

The Lillian Booth Actors Home Englewood, NJ 201.871.8882 The Schermerhorn Brooklyn, NY 718.640.1845

25 Years of Service to the

Marquee 212.221.7300 ext. 176 Fax: 212.536.7658 [email protected]

Creative Community

Actors Fund Programs:

By Barbara Davis, Actors Fund Chief Operating Officer It was 25 years ago that Joe Benincasa came to The Actors Fund as a fundraising consultant and was quickly hired as the Director of Development. Because of his tireless enthusiasm, commitment and vision, he was promoted to Executive Director one year later. At that time, The Fund was in financial crisis, so Joe got down to work. He sought guidance from trustees like Bernie Jacobs and Deane Johnson and brought in top volunteers from the National Executive Service Corps. He entrusted his professional staff to steer the financial assistance and social services programs. Joe encouraged transparency and took responsibility for making the tough decisions. He led The Fund to a place of stability and growth. By building bridges between organizations, Joe created individual and organizational friendships that have benefited The Fund and the entire community in countless ways. Upon becoming Executive Director, Joe joined the Board of our sister organization, Career Transition for Dancers, to support their growth and help The Fund better serve dancers. He joined the Board of the Actors Work Program to help guide them to stability, and eventually integrated them into The Actors Fund. Because of this expansion, The Actors Fund Work Program now helps thousands of performing arts professionals every year. As our community was being devastated by the AIDS crisis, Joe knew The Fund had to step up and deepen its commitment to our colleagues living with HIV/AIDS. With the help of then Actors’ Equity President Colleen Dewhurst, Joe brought The Fund together with what eventually became

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/ EFA). Working together, The Actors Fund and BC/EFA have harnessed the energy, devotion and love of the Broadway community and continue to care for our colleagues in need. With Tom Viola’s compassionate leadership of BC/EFA, The Actors Fund has been able to provide millions of dollars in financial assistance to those facing the challenges of living with HIV/AIDS. Joe recognized that many of our clients were living in sub-standard, challenging apartments, making it more difficult to get the care they needed. By identifying the right partners and funding sources, The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence (formerly The Aurora) in Manhattan and Palm View residence in West Hollywood were developed, allowing hundreds of our clients to live in safe, affordable and accessible housing with support, care and respect. Joe continued to push the organization to take risks, think big and come up with new ways to serve the creative community. As a result, we now have the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Dancers’ Resource, Howl Helps!, the Financial Wellness Program, The Schermerhorn residence in Downtown Brooklyn and more. With Joe’s guidance, The Fund continues to improve and expand its crown jewel—The Lillian Booth Actors Home. Joe matched donor interest and organizational capacity. He passionately supported our core services, even when they weren’t popular with funders. He listened to his staff and trusted our judgment. Today,

The Schermerhorn in Downtown Brooklyn is one of three affordable and supportive residences for people in entertainment developed under Joe’s leadership over the past 25 years.

The Lillian Booth Actors Home is an award winning facility and one of the most respected residences in the country. Twenty-five years at The Actors Fund is an incredible milestone. It seems completely correct that The American Theatre Wing chose to bestow a special Tony Award® to Joe this year. Joe exhibits the same enthusiasm, passion and devotion to the creative community today that he did on his first day. When asked why he has stayed this long, Joe answers “The Actors Fund fulfills my desire to do good, to work with people I love and admire, and to make a real difference in the lives of those who define our culture and express our dreams.” Personally, I will never forget working on our first strategic plan when Joe had us watch a clip from the 1986 classic sports film Hoosiers. “Five players on the floor, function as one unit—team, team, team!” I know I speak for everyone on The Actors Fund team when I say THANK YOU JOE, for being the best coach, our biggest cheerleader and The Actors Fund’s greatest fan.

SOCIAL SERVICES Entertainment Assistance Program Mental Health Addiction and Recovery HIV/AIDS Initiative Senior and Disabled Care Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative Financial Wellness The Dancers’ Resource HOWL Emergency Life Project Conrad Cantzen Shoe Fund Funerals and Burials Union/Partner Programs HEALTH SERVICES Artists Health Insurance Resource Center Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING The Actors Fund Work Program (AWP) SUPPORTIVE AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING The Lillian Booth Actors Home The Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence (formerly The Aurora) The Schermerhorn The Palm View For more information on Actors Fund programs, please call 800.221.7303 or visit our website at www.actorsfund.org. Photo credits: Desert Raven Photography, Jay Brady Photography, Joann Coates, Heidi Gutman, Michael McIlwee, Anita & Steve Shevett Design: Holly Wheeler Copy: Joseph P. Benincasa, Barbara Davis, David Engelman, Karissa Krenz, Susan Latham

programs & services

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Heart and Soul—

Judy Fish, Roz Gilbert and Gloria Jones

Meet three very special women who are each celebrating 25 years with The Actors Fund. Whether it’s raising funds, supporting the social workers who are the backbone of our services or caring directly for people in need in entertainment, these ladies are a vital part of the heart and soul of The Fund.

25 Years of Fundraising— Membership Manager Judy Fish Judy’s perfect combination of a warm smile and New York chutzpah helps keep our donors coming back year after year. But believe it or not, she started off as a shy girl from Brooklyn. Unsure of the direction she wanted to take, she attended business school. She immediately landed a job at the United Way where working the switchboard quickly drew out her inner extrovert. Over 18 years, Judy worked her way up to managing their speakers and tours programs and acting as a production assistant on United Way films and NFL TV spots. Eventually she was wooed away by a certain former United Way colleague who was leading the fundraising charge for The Actors Fund. “Joe was always very energetic and positive, as he still is,” Judy says of CEO Joe Benincasa. And she should know—the two have been colleagues over the past 35 years. Judy is in awe of The Fund’s evolution over the past decades. “I’m proud that we keep on meeting the changing needs of people in entertainment. It was the AIDS crisis in the 80s and 90s, then women’s health. Now it’s health insurance, financial wellness and the growing senior population in our creative

community,” she adds, emphasizing that “we’re there for them” with more programs and services than ever. Having joined The Fund in the midst of the AIDS crisis, Judy and her colleagues at the time bore witness to a community facing catastrophic loss. “That really changed my life significantly,” she says. “I became really good friends with many of our clients, and was privileged to be with them on their journey, including being with many of them when they died. It’s why today I try to choose a joyous attitude.” Celebrity support for The Fund has always been strong, and Judy has observed many of the “greats” in action, doing their part to help those in need. Whether it’s trustee Helen Hayes dropping by Judy’s office to make a phone call to a donor, watching trustee Colleen Dewhurst help people in need access emergency financial assistance or working personally with trustee Barnard Hughes on fundraising appeals, Judy is proud of her part in Actors Fund history. Judy gets a lot of satisfaction from helping supporters, adding, “it’s the donors that make my day. It’s the interaction with them that I love.” She takes pride in addressing any of their concerns. “If you deal with people honestly, they feel it.” After 25 years, Judy’s dedication and commitment to raising revenue for a cause she is still passionate about keeps donors giving to help everyone in our entertainment community.

25 Years of Giving— Donor David Graham “Judy and I have become friends over the phone. Whenever I make donations she helps me out. I’ve had a good career and I’m very fortunate, but it’s very important to support The Fund. I appreciate what they do for everyone in our community in need.” Our donors have a passion for the arts, and many work in show biz. Hundreds of them give generously year after year—like agent and casting director David Graham. David’s entertainment career started in 1943 when he joined Actors’ Equity and spans more than 60 years. He cast the 1977 film The Turning Point and the popular sitcom Three’s Company, among others.

JOIN TODAY  actorsfund.org/Membership

25 Years of Support—Administrative Coordinator Gloria Jones It takes an entire company to put on a show, and we all know the people backstage are equally—if not more— important than the stars on stage. While The Fund’s team of social workers helps more than 17,000 people every year, there is an unsung crew behind the scenes who support them. One person who has been a vital part of our New York office for more than two decades is Administrative Coordinator Gloria Jones. A native New Yorker, Gloria worked as an office manager for a school in Harlem and as a retail credit collections manager before joining The Fund in 1989. “I’m a jack of all trades, master of none,” Gloria jokes.

But many would argue that point. Whether it’s keeping the office running smoothly, managing Medicaid reimbursements for clients, or helping maintain detailed paperwork necessary to process emergency financial assistance, Gloria assures the New York social work team can respond efficiently to calls for help. “Our social workers help thousands of people every year. If you are working with someone in a crisis situation, that can be very stressful,” says National Director of Social Services Tamar Shapiro. “Gloria supports us and makes sure we have everything we need to help our clients. She’s a vital member of our team, and she’s terrific.” Gloria has also mastered the ins and outs of the funeral industry, as she helps people access one of the The Fund’s older services: funerals and burials for those in need. In 1886, The Fund purchased its first plot at the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Brooklyn and, in 1904, bought its second

at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. These locations are now the final resting place of over 2,000 entertainment professionals. Today, The Fund continues to assist with the cost of funerals and provides a grave with a headstone to those who can’t afford one. “I’m proud of the fact that everyone we help is treated with that same dignity,” says Gloria. Known as the resident party planner, Gloria helps to coordinate and decorate staff wedding and baby showers, farewell parties and even the occasional staff pot-luck. “It helps keep people’s spirits up and it’s fun.” And her off-duty hobbies? Gloria is an aspiring author with three murder mysteries already finished, which she plans to self-publish.

25 Years of Caring—Supervisor of Addiction and Recovery Services Rosalyn Gilbert, L.C.S.W. Entertainment professionals are no strangers to the problems of substance abuse; it has damaged careers, ruined performances, destroyed families and brought creative lives to an early end. As Supervisor of The Fund’s Addiction and Recovery Services for 25 years, Roz Gilbert provides support for industry professionals and their family members who are struggling with addiction. Together, she helps people develop a plan, get treatment, stay sober and get their lives back on track. Originally from California, Roz received her bachelor’s from UCLA and a Masters in social work from Columbia University. Her work as a New York State narcotics parole officer led her to a career path in addiction and recovery and extensive experience in psychiatric and substance abuse treatment programs before joinging The Fund.

Roz has helped hundreds of people find their way back to sobriety and hope. She is an advocate when people have problems getting their insurance to provide the treatment they need, and she has negotiated lower fees if a client has to pay out of pocket. “I feel good when I can fight for my clients and for what I feel is right,” she says. And Roz is particularly proud of recent trainings for unions such as Local 1 IATSE and industry employers including Jujamcyn Theatres, which have helped people recognize the signs of addiction. “We’ve begun training supervisors, employers and industry professionals about abuse and addiction, helping them understand the impact on the workplace, on the industry, and on people’s lives,” she says. “We teach them to identify addiction and abuse problems and how to respond and take steps by working with us to get people the help and treatment they need. We want to change the industry culture of denial to one of understanding, support and providing help for its own.” Roz spoke with us about her supportive and life-changing work. Read more  actorsfund.org/Roz

23 Years of Sobriety— Actor and former client Ed Dixon “In 1991 Roz Gilbert facilitated my drug treatment, which saved my life. She did this in a few moments, and I thought, ‘How is it possible that this woman was here working for this organization during my entire drug addiction and just around the corner from me and able to do THIS and I had no idea?’ Then she oversaw my aftercare which saved my life many times over and continues to save my life every day. I have worked with many therapists in my life, but none so astute or comprehensive as Roz Gilbert. A great woman doing great work for a great many years.”

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Actors Fund

Special Performances and Events

PHOTOS | actorsfund.org/photos VIDEO | youtube.com/actorsfundorg

Disney Celebrates 20 Years on Broadway with $1.6 Million Benefit Night The 2014 Actors Fund Gala raised a record-breaking $1.6 million, as a sold-out audience at the New Amsterdam Theatre witnessed stars of 20 years of Disney on Broadway perform highlights from the producing powerhouse’s history of award-winning shows. The evening honored the creative collaborators and staff members of Disney Theatrical Productions. Formed in 1994 and operating under the direction of president, producer and Fund Trustee Thomas Schumacher, Disney received the Medal of Honor along with Fund CEO Joseph P. Benincasa for his 25 years of service to the creative community. Special thanks to Title Sponsor Disney Theatrical Productions, Presenting Sponsors Flemington Car & Truck Country, the Nederlander Organization and the Somerset Patriots, as well as more than 1,600 donors at the sold-out benefit concert and more than 950 donors and guests who attended the private cast party the New York Marriott Marquis.

Read more  actorsfund.org/DisneyGala

Stay Connected actorsfund.org/SignUp /theactorsfund @theactorsfund /actorsfundorg actorsfund.org/Blog

Board of Trustees Brian Stokes Mitchell Chairman of the Board Marc Grodman, M.D. Secretary Abby Schroeder Assistant Secretary Steve Kalafer Treasurer Lee H. Perlman Assistant Treasurer Philip S. Birsh Vice Chair

The 18th Annual Tony Awards® Viewing Party

Bebe Neuwirth Vice Chair

The Fund’s 18th Annual Tony Awards® Viewing Party at the Skirball Cultural Center was once again the place to be in Los Angeles on Broadway’s biggest night. Ticket sales and sponsorships along with the online and silent auctions and the evening’s special pledge led by Michele Lee and Roger Bart raised more than $300,000—our most successful party to date. Hosts Florence Henderson and Constantine Maroulis started the evening off by leading our guests in a rousing version of “76 Trombones,” complete with a 28 piece marching band from the Palos Verdes High School’s Red Tag Regiment—all in honor of Broadway legend and this year’s Julie Harris Award winner Barbara Cook. Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor Wells Fargo; Director’s Committee Sponsors Ralph Remington, Actors’ Equity Association; Ilyanne Morden Kichaven, SAG-AFTRA; Host Committee Sponsors Anne Jeffreys; Scott Mauro, Scott Mauro Entertainment, Inc.; David Rambo and Ted Heyck; Stephanie F. Troulman; Bonnie Tseng, CTBC Bank Corp. (U.S.A.); Martin Wiviott, The Nederlander Organization; and David Young, Writers Guild of America West as well as the evening’s many donors, supporters and hard-working volunteers. Special thanks to our Event Committee Chairs Jomarie Ward and John Holly, as well as this year’s writer, producer and director Luke Yankee.

Read more  actorsfund.org/TonyParty2014

Philip J. Smith Vice Chair Joseph P. Benincasa President and CEO

Special Performances—Broadway Gives Back! Standing ovation to these Broadway companies who donated their time and talent at these extra special nights to raise much-needed funds for those in need in our community!

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events!

Visit actorsfund.org to join us for the best seats and the hottest tickets!

July 7 First Wives Club Reading, NYC July 18 Wicked, Special Performance, NYC July 21 Jock Duncan Celebri-TEE Golf & Tennis Outing, Tenafly, NJ July 30 The Lion King, Special Performace, Washington DC August 16 Broadway Under the Stars, Hollywood August 17 The Lion King, Special Performance, NYC September 28 Bullets Over Broadway, Special Performance, NYC For tickets: In New York, call 212.221.7300 ext. 133 In Los Angeles, call 323.933.9244 ext. 458 Visit actorsfund.org.

Photos (clockwise l-r): Tony® winner Gabriel Ebert thanks the audience at Matilda The Musical. Tony® winner Billy Porter congratulates Tony® winner Jessie Mueller at Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Tony® winner Tyne Daly and the company of Mothers and Sons take a bow for their donated performance.

Alec Baldwin Annette Bening Jeffrey Bolton John Breglio Ebs Burnough James J. Claffey, Jr. Nancy Coyne Merle Debuskey Rick Elice Janice Reals Ellig Teresa Eyring Joyce Gordon Marc Hostetter Ken Howard David Henry Hwang Anita Jaffe Kate Edelman Johnson Michael Kerker Chris Keyser Stewart F. Lane Paul Libin Matthew Loeb Kristen Madsen Kevin McCollum Lin-Manuel Miranda Sam Nappi James L. Nederlander Martha Nelson Phyllis Newman Harold Prince Roberta Reardon Charlotte St. Martin Thomas Schumacher David Steiner Jack Tantleff Edward D. Turen Tom Viola Jomarie Ward Joseph H. Wender David White B.D. Wong Nick Wyman

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Real Stories, Real Lives In 1882, The Actors Fund began its long and important tradition of providing vital services to entertainment and performing arts professionals who were facing times of need, crisis or transition. Since then, the myriad ways in which The Fund can help individuals has expanded exponentially—especially in the last few decades. Under the 25-year leadership of President Joe Benincasa, The Fund has added programs like the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative (PNWHI), The Dancers’ Resource, The Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC), the HIV/AIDS Initiative, The Actors Fund Work Program (AWP), and others, and has also built upon its affordable and supportive housing offerings, crisis response and more. These services and many others have ensured that more than 17,000 people every year have help in times of need. But the real story of The Actors Fund is best told by people in our creative community who know first-hand how The Fund helps artists to thrive. Here are just a few. We invite you to read more on our website!

Read more  actorsfund.org/Blog

“I don’t know what I would have done. I would have probably lost my apartment.The people at The Actors Fund went above and beyond, and were so wonderful and supportive during the whole process.” PNWHI helped actor, dancer and stuntwoman Julie Basem with an emergency financial grant to pay her rent for two months to prevent her eviction after a nearly fatal motorcycle accident prevented her from working. Today, Julie is on the mend and back to work.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Julie

Phyllis Newman on The Actors Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative (PNWHI)

“I know from personal experience the fear and pain that can spring from a major medical crisis. In 1983, I was diagnosed with breast cancer which led to a double mastectomy. At that time, you didn’t hear a lot of inspirational stories, and you didn’t know many people who were survivors because everyone was so quiet about it. This is no longer the case. Today, my female colleagues in entertainment have PNWHI: a safe place to go to address serious medical concerns or crisis and get confidential and compassionate help.”

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“When I came to The Actors Fund, an expert showed me my options in a clear, efficient and simple manner and got me signed up. Her expertise and professionalism made all the difference. Without AHIRC I probably would not have health care today.” Michael Kamber is a freelance photojournalist and founder/ director of the Bronx Documentary Center. When he welcomed AHIRC’s Renata Marinaro to the center to give a presentation to freelance artists and journalists about the Affordable Care Act, he discovered that he could afford health insurance. AHIRC helped him navigate the process.

Lin-Manuel Miranda on The Actors Fund’s Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)

“Healthy artists means healthy arts! I’m so proud of how AHIRC connects creatives around the country to health insurance and affordable health care. And they’ve been doing this since 1998. Today, our community has experts to help them navigate and access affordable health insurance under the new Affordable Care Act. Bravo!”

Read more  actorsfund.org/Michael

“When I really say it changed my direction in my career, I really mean it. I don’t think I’d be sitting here right now if The Actors Fund’s Dancers’ Resource wasn’t available to me.” After a debilitating dance injury sustained while on tour left her in need of surgery, The Dancers’ Resource provided dancer Jennifer Cadden with guidance to file her worker’s compensation claim. Today, Jennifer has healed and after multiple scholarships, is back to training, teaching and performing.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Jennifer

Bebe Neuwirth on The Actors Fund’s Dancers’ Resource

“I started this program to create a support system and address the unique situations faced by dancers. The program is here to help us all keep dancing, stay healthy and enjoy our beautiful gift as long as we can. I’m hoping that dancers everywhere will remember The Actors Fund when they hear of colleagues and friends in need.”

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Annette Bening on The Actors Fund’s Affordable and Supportive Housing

“This living situation saved my life in terms of what was going on with me at that time. It’s been wonderful. I absolutely love it. Everyone is incredibly supportive.”

“A measure of our humanity is how we care for those in need among us. We should be proud of how we help at our four residences— and how the healthy and working join with the ill and disabled to build community. The Actors Fund is devoted to caring for one another and dedicated to collaborating with government, foundations, individuals, unions and guilds, trade associations—everyone who shares our commitment to supporting the arts by helping the artist.”

Years after an accident left him partially paralyzed, Tony® Award winning director Jack Hofsiss was facing the possibility of homelessness. He found a safe and affordable alternative at The Actors Fund’s Dorothy Ross Friedman Residence. Today, he continues to teach (even offering his students classes in the building’s Colleen Dewhurst Community Room from time to time) and to direct on a regular basis.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Jack

BD Wong on The Actors Fund’s HIV/AIDS Initiative

“It’s been a godsend to me, and I know for a lot of other people, too. I don’t know if we would have been able to survive in New York—or anywhere—without it.”

“When the AIDS crisis hit in the mid-1980s, The Actors Fund quickly responded by creating the HIV/AIDS Initiative. To this day, they continue to work with those who are newly diagnosed, those living and working with the virus and those who are ill. And our ongoing ability to take action has been a direct result of the creation and support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.”

Originally diagnosed with HIV in 1987, dancer Joseph Carman received emergency financial assistance and ongoing counseling to help him over the course of his journey. Today, he participates in The Actors Fund’s weekly long-term survivors support group, and at the urging of his social worker, he’s thriving by continuing to study and teach yoga on a regular basis.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Joseph

“For the first time I was able to bridge the gap between who I am as an artist and who I am as a professional outside show business. I think that’s why it’s important to have The Actors Fund, because it’s a unique place where creative artists can get help to not only make ends meet, but also to find fulfilling and sustainable parallel career options that can help us thrive as artists.”

Vanessa Williams on The Actors Fund Work Program (AWP)

Sina Lewis is a Los Angeles–based actress and singer. When she found herself unable to find sideline work to support herself, she turned to AWP, which helped her regain her confidence, hone her job-seeking skills, and ultimately connect her with a position as IT Coordinator for American Film Institute that’s the perfect complement to her creative career.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Sina

“When I showed up there it immediately put my mind at ease, because I felt that I wasn’t alone. I had found this amazing resource.”

“Work is always sporadic in the entertainment field. Shows close, a film or Photo: Rod Spicer television show wraps and its back to square one. The episodic nature of our business poses a constant and unique challenge to people in the arts trying to find steady work in their field. AWP is a lifeline to a caring community of artists all committed to helping each other survive and thrive.”

Unsure what direction to take after giving up a long-time sideline job, actor and voiceover artist Desmond Dutcher utilized AWP’s free seminars, classes and weekly job bulletin to plan his next steps. Today, he’s found a position that he finds meaningful, with the flexibility to pursue work as an actor and voiceover artist.

Read more  actorsfund.org/Desmond

Thank you to our Corporate Partners Bank of America PNC Bank The New York Times

CTBC Bank Ulysse Nardin Road Concierge

Lladro TD Bank

Official NYC Hotel

Official Airline

For Corporate Membership and Sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jean Lee at 917.281.5935 or [email protected] or visit actorsfund.org/Corporate.