Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251534
79 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2020 | sagaftra.org Locals Team Up to Help Working Families U nion work provides good wages and stable benefits throughout the Pacific Northwest, but some union households can struggle during the holidays. Thankfully, nonprofit organizations such as Labor's Community Service Agency in Portland and the Puget Sound Labor Agency in Seattle aid working families in the region who are facing difficult times. The Portland Local has supported LCSA's Presents from Partners holiday event for years with donations of toys and gifts. In 2019, the local wanted to do more for union families in the Northwest, so it challenged fellow SAG-AFTRA members in the Seattle Local to donate more toys to the annual Puget Sound Labor Agency Children's Holiday Party than Portland members could donate to Presents from Partners. Over two weeks, Portland and Seattle members rushed to bring their donations to their respective nonprofit agencies, taking photos of themselves with the toys, puzzles and games they were providing. In the end, Portland was victorious — but the real winners were the more than 750 people from union households who benefited from the nonprofits' holiday events. What does the winning local get for its victory beyond bragging rights? The Seattle Local Board has agreed to serenade the Portland Local Board with the Oregon state song at the upcoming Pacific Northwest SAG-AFTRA joint board retreat. ● RIK DESKIN Seattle Local President Rik Deskin with donations to the Puget Sound Labor Agency Children's Holiday Party Seattle MARY MCDONALD-LEWIS National Board member Mary McDonald-Lewis poses for a selfie with donations to the Presents from Partners holiday toy drive. Portland O n Nov. 15, Washington-Mid Atlantic Local Board members, members-at-large and staff joined nearly 300 industry professionals across the Mid-Atlantic region to celebrate Maryland's entertainment industry at the Maryland Film Industry Coalition's 10th annual Reel to Real Party. This annual event not only celebrates the best of Maryland, but also raises funds to support and enhance the coalition's mission to improve business conditions for the entertainment industry and ensure the continuation of a vibrant film production incentive program. Attendees were treated to an evening of great live music, networking, fantastic food and drinks; a silent and live auction featuring a wide selection of movie memorabilia; awards for up-and-coming student filmmakers; and a surprise appearance by John Waters, who was there to honor the work of lauded production designer Vincent Peranio. Amid the stories and laughs shared throughout the evening, was the attendees' passion to work toward the collective goal of attracting film and television productions to Maryland that create high-paying jobs for crews, actors and production staff. ● Movies Mean Money for Maryland Washington-Mid Atlantic Local President Lance Lewman, center, poses with members Gina Grinkemeyer and Anita Moore. Washington- Mid Atlantic ASHTON PILKERTON/PILKERTON PHOTOGRAPHY