Frank Nelson Fund Celebrity Golf Classic Raises More Than $60,000

LOS ANGELES (July 23, 2010) – More than 40 celebrities took to the greens of Mountain Gate Country Club on July 19 to raise more than $60,000 for the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ Frank Nelson Memorial Sick & Benefit Fund (FNF).

The Inaugural Frank Nelson Fund Celebrity Golf Classic was hosted by Cleveland Cavaliers Head Coach Byron Scott and brought together AFTRA performers, broadcasters, recording artists, athletes and other entertainment industry professionals for a day of golf followed by an awards dinner, with entertainment provided by AFTRA member DJ Shy of KIIS-FM, silent auction and live auction.

Tournament foursomes were paired with celebrity golfers, including Sean Astin, Drew Tyler Bell, Kathleen Bradley, Kevin Dobson, Scott Elrod, Don Ford, Christian de la Fuente, Lane Garrison, Willie Gault, Brian Goodell, Leann Hunley, Gregory Itzin, Eric Johnson, Christopher Knight, Ted Lange, George Lazenby, Hal Linden, Kate Linder, Paul Linke, Joe Mantegna, Ron Morgan, Harrison Page, Robert Pine, Christopher Rich, Casey Sander, Bill Smitrovich, Randy Stoklos, Alan Thicke, Fred Williamson and Robert Wuhl. Actress and comedian Geri Jewell (“Deadwood”) was a featured speaker at the awards dinner, speaking of the monetary help she received from the Frank Nelson Fund.

The funds raised at the event will go to the AFTRA Los Angeles’ Frank Nelson Memorial Sick & Benefit Fund, which has a mission to provide emergency financial aid and other resources to AFTRA members in crisis. For the past two years, the Frank Nelson Fund has provided more than $200,000 in emergency grants to AFTRA members for living and healthcare expenses and more than $2.5 million in aid since its incorporation in 1988.

“This golf tournament allows for the Frank Nelson Fund to continue helping AFTRA members in financial crisis and need,” said AFTRA member and fund president Jon Joyce. “I’m thrilled by the turnout we had for our inaugural golf classic and the support we received from our members and sponsors. I’m looking forward to next year’s event.”

Corporate sponsors included Coors Light, Miller Lite, GABCO, Paul Mitchell and Century West BMW. David Mirisch served as tournament director.

Select photos are available upon request. Getty Images also has a gallery of photos available by searching “AFTRA’s Inaugural Frank Nelson Fund Celebrity Golf Classic” at www.gettyimages.com.

The Frank Nelson Memorial Sick & Benefit Fund is named in the memory of actor Frank Nelson, whose credits spanned 60 years, including 38 years as a series regular on Jack Benny’s radio and TV programs and his unforgettable appearances on “I Love Lucy” in various roles, including Ralph Ramsey. Nelson served AFTRA as both a National president and Los Angeles Local president and led the Union’s successful fight for the creation of the first-ever health and retirement plan for AFTRA freelance performers and broadcasters.

Nelson was also the driving force behind the creating of the Los Angeles Local Sick & Benefit Fund, which was renamed in his memory following his death in 1986.

About the Frank Nelson Fund
The Frank Nelson Memorial Sick & benefit Fund (FNF) provides emergency financial aid and other resources to qualified members of AFTRA Locals west of Omaha. The Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, separate from AFTRA, the union. Its long-standing mission is to help qualified AFTRA members who face a crisis caused by illness, injury or other emergency with temporary financial assistance for basic living needs. AFTRA member dues do not support the Frank Nelson Fund. Grants, individual contributions, bequests, distributions, and fundraising activities provide that support.

About AFTRA
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, AFL-CIO, are the people who entertain and inform America. In 32 Locals across the country, AFTRA members work as actors, journalists, singers, dancers, announcers, hosts, comedians, disc jockeys, and other performers across the media industries including television, radio, cable, sound recordings, music videos, commercials, audio books, non-broadcast industrials, interactive games, the Internet and other digital media. The 70,000 professional performers, broadcasters, and recording artists of AFTRA are working together to protect and improve their jobs, lives, and communities in the 21st century. From new art forms to new technology, AFTRA members embrace change in their work and craft to enhance American culture and society.