Foundation Programs Expand in New York

April 29, 2011

We’re thrilled to announce that SAG Foundation programming is expanding to reach more actors than ever in New York. Here’s the current press release about this exciting development:

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April 29, 2011         For Immediate Release

SAG Foundation Programs Expand
Non-Profit Service Organization Announces Increase in Benefits to New York Actors

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation has announced expansion of its programming, with greater availability of its services to New York actors.

The non-profit organization, which since 1985 has provided free programs to SAG members across the nation, has added New York City-based staff to better serve local performers. The Foundation assists, educates and inspires actors and facilitates active involvement by actors in children’s literacy.

“The expansion of Foundation programming in New York will create exciting opportunities for SAG actors.  We look forward to delivering excellent programming on their behalf,” said Sallie Weaver, Interim Executive Director of the SAG Foundation.

SAG Foundation programs include:

New York Casting Access Project (NYCAP): Free workshops giving actors a chance to meet and hone their audition skills with leading casting professionals

Conversations: An ongoing event series during which high-profile actors share their career and industry knowledge in a moderated Q&A before an audience of Guild members.  The events often include screening of recently released films.

LifeRaft: Career-focused seminars in which established industry professionals guide Guild members through the business side of acting

BookPALS (Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools): A volunteer program that engages   over 2200 actors in reading to over 100,000 children weekly at schools, shelters and hospitals across the country, empowering children with the love of the written word.

John L. Dales Scholarship Fund: A scholarship competition for SAG members and their children which has awarded over 6 million dollars in scholarships at accredited institutions.

Self-Pay Assistance and Catastrophic Health Fund: Programs which have provided over 20 million dollars in health insurance grants to actors in times of medical distress.

A 501(c)(3) organization, the SAG Foundation utilizes no portion of Guild member dues or initiation fees in the administration of its programs. Instead, the Foundation relies on grants and tax deductible donations to maintain and improve its programs and operations.

Screen Actors Guild members are encouraged to visit sagfoundation.org for further details including eligibility requirements regarding SAG Foundation programs, tax-deductible donation opportunities, and to register to receive New York SAG Foundation event notices.

About the Screen Actors Guild Foundation

Founded in 1985, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation is an educational, humanitarian and philanthropic 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Governed and funded independently of SAG, the SAG Foundation offers substantive services to Guild members, free of charge, in its mission to assist, educate and inspire actors toward their fullest potential in career, life and community. For more information, please visit www.sagfoundation.org or call (323) 549-6708.