Without the help of Behind the Scenes, these people - and many more - would have been in real financial difficulties as a result of illness or injury. By Design Day, a major fundraiser for the charity, is being held this year on Saturday, 23 April. It is the day for members of the design community to make a personal donation, hold a collection at work or support the day by giving a day's royalties.
Raising money for Behind the Scenes in both North America and the UK, By Design Day returns this year supported by a galaxy of well-known champions. Neil Austin, Ken Billington, Paule Constable, Rick Fisher, Howard Harrison, and Hugh Vanstone have all put their name behind the one day in the year when designers get together to raise money for Behind the Scenes.
Donations in the past have come from lighting, projection, sound, scenic and costume designers in the West End and on Broadway, from regional theatres and touring productions, who want to ensure their colleagues and those who bring their designs to life are cared for when tragedy strikes.
Behind the Scenes provides financial support via grants tailored to each individual; uses include basic living costs, medical related expenses, transportation, and funeral expenses. Calls for assistance are increasing on a daily basis. Without your support, our work would not be possible.
Both organizations are registered charities, so contributions to Behind the Scenes UK can be easily gift aided by UK taxpayers, making them worth even more and contributions to Behind the Scenes are tax deductible in the US. The exact amounts of all personal contributions will be kept confidential.
So please join our champions. Put Saturday 2 April in your diary and help us to help others. Visit www.behindthescenescharity.org/bydesignday for more information and to make a donation.
(Jim Evans)
