"In 2017, my 12-year-old boy and I had parked our vehicle on the side of the highway when we were struck from behind by a semi-truck traveling at 70 mph. What followed afterwards was months of painful rehabilitation and slow healing. A key part of our recovery was enthusiastically provided by the Denver Actors Fund, a local organization created by arts journalist John Moore. As I struggled to piece my life back together, the Fund helped me with medical costs, meals and onsite aid.
"As the Denver Actors Fund survives entirely by donations, I got the idea to create a fundraiser event for the organization. As a member of the Actors’ Equity Association, I had previously helped to organize a Tony Awards viewing party in San Diego, one of many that take place around the country, and thought that it might be a unique opportunity to bring the local performing arts community together while supporting a very worthy cause. I approached C. Clayton Blackwell, a fellow member and the chairman of the AEA’s Denver-Area Liaison Committee, and with his and John’s help, we began to work on the idea. Soon after, we had the Cap City Tavern as a venue, and an event date.
"As a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA and a Colorado Theatre Guild Board member, I thought that this was also an opportunity to expand the scope of the event and build a bridge between the two organizations. I approached the Local Board president, Sheila Ivy Traister, and the Guild Board, and both were highly enthusiastic and supportive of the concept. Together, we were able to create a unique event that would appeal to a large-cross section of the Denver performing arts community."
Photo: Members of the SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local and family at the Tony Awards Viewing Party on June 9. The viewing party was a benefit held to raise funds for the Denver Actors Fund, a local non-profit that provides financial, medical and emotional aid to performing artists in need.
"I am deeply grateful for SAG-AFTRA’s help and the confident energy of Sheila and T. David Rutherford, whose efforts added a wonderfully creative element to the event."
All photos by Michael Ensminger
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