Industry Support Fund: What the Future Holds

The Industry Support Fund, founded by the Writer's Guild Foundation to provide financial relief to non-WGA industry members impacted by the strike, has raised over a quarter million dollars, and has already given away more than half of what they've raised. The fund anticipates continuing to donate $40,000 - $45,000 a month over the next several months as industry members find their feet financially.

The Writer's Guild Foundation is working closely with the Actor's Fund to help distribute the money. Separately, The Actor's Fund has spent half a million on strike-related relief since the beginning of the strike. A non-profit that offers an array of services to all performing arts professionals, The Actor's Fund is not just for actors. For more information check out their website at www.actorsfund.org.

To find out how to get help from the Industry Support Fund, or to make a donation, go to www.wgfoundation.org/supportfund.html.

Many thanks to Chris Brancato, President of the Writer's Guild Foundation, Angela Kirgo, Director of the Writer's Guild Foundation, Jonathan Estrin, Chair of the Industry Support Fund Committee, along with Robin Swicord, Dan Petrie, John Furia, and Bruce Joel Rubin - all members of the Industry Support Fund Committee who helped start and shape the fund. And also many thanks to Suzi Fellows, Member Services, who coordinates the fundraising.

Check out upcoming fundraising events below:

INDUSTRY SUPPORT FUND BENEFITS
The proceeds from the events listed below will go to the Industry Support Fund for non-WGA members affected by the strike

SAT MARCH 8
STAGED READINGS BY WGA MEMBERS
"Diva", written by Howard Michael Gould, directed by Neal Keller. Four one-act plays by Howard A. Rodman, Nancy De Los Santos, Ellen Sandler, and Stephanie Liss. First reading begins at 1:00 pm. $30 donation for each reading (Diva and Four One Acts), $25 for WGA members. Lyric Theatre, 520 N La Brea Ave 90036.

SUNDAY MARCH 9
STAGED READINGS BY WGA MEMBERS
"The Music Begins", written by Lyn Roth, and "Faces of War", written by Stephanie Liss. First reading begins at 1:00 pm. $30 donation for each reading, $25 for WGA members. Lyric Theatre, 520 N La Brea Ave 90036.

BENEFIT CELEBRITY POKER TOURNAMENT
$200 Buy-in, $100 Re-buys. Hollywood Park Casinos, 3883 W Century Blvd 90303. Sun March 9, 1 PM to 6 PM. For more information go to www.wgapoker.com or email: wgapoker@gmail.com.

MONDAY MARCH 31
STAGED READINGS BY WGA MEMBERS
"The Last Seder", written by Jennifer Maisel. Reading begins at 8:00 pm. $30 ($25 for WGA members). Lyric Theatre, 520 N La Brea Ave 90036.