AFTRA Foundation Sets Up Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund

The AFTRA Foundation has set up a $50,000 fund to support and aid active SAG-AFTRA members in their recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, the foundation announced. The fund will be administered by the Actors Fund in New York.

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SAG-AFTRA members are eligible to apply to the AFTRA Foundation Hurricane Relief Fund if they are currently active and have paid their dues through the May 2012 billing cycle. Grants of up to $1,000 will be administered through the Actors Fund through a confidential and streamlined process aimed at aiding members quickly and effectively as they rebuild and recover from the superstorm.

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“Our hearts are behind our actions and, like a true family, the AFTRA Foundation is here to help our members when they need help the most,” said AFTRA Foundation president Shelby Scott. “We’ve seen great loss and suffering caused by this storm. Helping our members rebuild their lives is the most important work we can do at this time.”

“This is the type of work the foundation is devoted to and was designed for,” said SAG-AFTRA co-president Roberta Reardon. “We are grateful to all who support us and to the Actors Fund for partnering with us.”

Members affected by the storm can apply for assistance by contacting The Actors Fund in New York at (212) 221-7300 ext. 119 or intakeny@actorsfund.org.

The SAG Foundation and the Screen Actors Guild Motion Picture Players Welfare Fund jointly set up a similar fund several days ago, funded at $200,000 and providing grants of up to $4,800. Like the AFTRA Foundation fund, it’s administered through the Actors Fund.

Donations to the AFTRA Foundation Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund can be sent to: AFTRA Foundation, Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund, 260 Madison Ave. 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016.

Founded in 1997, the AFTRA Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable and educational organization funded through tax-deductible voluntary contributions, grants and bequests – not member dues – to support projects outside the scope of normal activities of the Union.

The Actors Fund is a national human services organization that helps everyone -- performers and those behind the scenes -- who works in performing arts and entertainment, serving more than 12,800 people annually. Programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance, housing, and employment and training services.

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