The Entertainment Community Fund (formerly the Actors Fund) held its first annual meeting since changing its name in May.
Brian Stokes Mitchell was re-elected as Chairman of the Fund. This will be his 19th term as a Tony Award winner.
Five new Directors were elected to the Board of Directors: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, Elliot Greene, Sharon Karmazin, Tyler Perry and Alvin Vincent Jr. These individuals work together to support and carry out the Foundation’s mission, which includes expanding services nationwide.
Crabtree-Ireland is SAG-AFTRA’s National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator. Green is the Chief Operating Officer of the Shubert Organization. Karmazin is a producer and philanthropist. Perry is an award-winning writer, director, producer, and actor, Tyler of Atlanta, who is also the founder of Perry Studios. Vincent is currently Executive Director of the Actors’ Equity Association.
Joseph Benincasa, president and CEO of the fund, said: “And with Stokes re-elected as chair, the life-changing work we have done over 140 years will continue to support the performing arts and entertainment communities.”
“I am honored to continue to chair the Foundation’s Board of Directors,” Mitchell said. We look forward to supporting entertainment professionals.”
In addition to the elections, the foundation’s board announced the creation of new awards. The Medal of Distinction recognizes those in the arts and entertainment community who have dedicated their lives to supporting their peers.
John Bowab and Marty Wiviott were announced as the first two winners. Boab has had a career spanning over 50 years as a director and producer, while Wiviot has been on stage for over 60 years as his manager, producer and executive. The two worked together for a series of well-received concerts in the lobby of California’s Pantages Theater.
Since 1882, the Foundation has worked to support the lives of the arts by providing stability for entertainment professionals. By providing programs that include emergency financial assistance, workshops, support groups, mental health resources, and more, the Foundation continues to help make life in the arts more sustainable.