Photo Flash: Haley Joel Osment, Stephanie Szostak & More Take Part in Ron Perlman’s Golf Classic for SAG Foundation

September 30, 2014

BroadwayWorld.com | by BWW Special Coverage

 

On Monday, September 29, award-winning actor Ron Perlman took to the green to once again host the SAG Foundation’s 2nd annual New York Golf Classic, which was held at the Trump National Golf Club in Westchester, NY. Like last year, the event was a benefit for the Foundation’s Catastrophic Health Fund and Assistance programs, supporting performers facing life-threatening illnesses and severe economic hardship.

Perlman was joined by celebrity players and SAG Foundation supporters including Jace Alexander, Ben Bailey, Coach Jim Calhoun, D’Monroe, Clifton Davis, James McCaffrey, James McDaniel, Kevin O’Rourke, Haley Joel Osment, Stephanie Szostak and Rich Vos.

The tournament concluded with dinner and an awards ceremony. Perlman, a member of the SAG Foundation Board, spoke eloquently about the cause, explaining that “Many people aren’t familiar with the SAG Foundation, which is a philanthropic nonprofit dedicated to serving SAG-AFTRA performers, but they have so many resources to help my fellow actors when they’re at their most vulnerable and run out of options. They’re there to help lift you up and get you back on your feet. It’s a cause that’s very close to my heart,” Perlman continued, “and it makes me realize how lucky I am and how lucky union performers are that we have the SAG Foundation.”

Perlman then introduced Joe Narciso, a fellow actor whose career was just taking off with roles on “The Sopranos” and “Law & Order” before being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Narciso praised the work of the SAG Foundation’s Catastrophic Health Fund. “The life of a working actor is already filled with so many financial unknowns and unpredictable outcomes, but when you unexpectedly find yourself saddled with a disability that makes it impossible to work, it’s good to know the SAG Foundation has your back,” he said. “It makes a real difference in the lives of real people and some of us wouldn’t be here without it.”

SAG Foundation’s new Executive Director, Cyd Wilson, took to the stage to explain that “This event, and indeed this Foundation, are about actors helping actors,” before awards were presented to the day’s top teams and players.

Celebrity golfers Rich Vos (Last Comic Standing), Victor Williams (The King of Queens) and James McDaniel (NYPD Blue) all took home prizes for various achievements. Host Perlman’s team came in second place for the day, and he actually had a lot to celebrate as he signed copies of his memoir, Easy Street (The Hard Way), which tells the tale of his life and career, as well as the power of persistence, and hits bookstores today.

The Screen Actors Guild Foundation provides vital assistance and educational programming to the professionals of SAG-AFTRA while serving the public at large through its signature children’s literacy programs. Founded in 1985, the Screen Actors Guild Foundation is a national non-profit organization, independent from SAG-AFTRA, which relies solely on support from grants, corporate sponsorships, and individuals to maintain its programs and create new ones. Visit www.sagfoundation.org.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for SAG Foundation