Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
66 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org Right, journalist and author Jeffrey Toobin moderates a career retrospective with broadcast news anchor Tom Brokaw on Oct. 8. Below right, a conversation with Grammy Award-winning producer, academician, and activist 9th Wonder on Oct. 7. It was moderated by the host of NPR's Microphone Check, Frannie Kelley. DIA DIPASUPIL The Robin Williams Center capital campaign needs your support. Your donation will help to fund the building and operations costs of this invaluable new resource in New York. Please contact Foundation Director of Grants and Gifts Jon-Michael Hice, (323) 549-6430 or jhice@sagaftra.foundation, for information on donor and naming opportunities. Following the screening, a panel of Williams' colleagues that included Hank Azaria (The Birdcage), Billy Crystal (Comic Relief, Father's Day), Whoopi Goldberg (Comic Relief), Bonnie Hunt ( Jumanji) and writer/director Barry Levinson (Good Morning, Vietnam, Toys, Man of the Year) shared personal stories about the actor and reminisced about the man and his extraordinary career. After the panel, invited guests continued the celebration of Williams' life and career at Feinstein's/54 Below, where more stories and memories were shared. "You know, Robin was a really generous guy," said Goldberg. "He danced in the spotlight, but he took all of us with him. He was really about connection, and I know he'd love this." Crystal also reflected on Williams: "Robin truly understood the importance of giving back. He loved to encourage young talent and felt it was almost his duty. That kind of support is what can keep you going, and the fact that it's happening here, in his name, I can't think of a better gift." The Center completes the Foundation's phase II expansion of services to SAG-AFTRA members and pushes forward the vision of growth set by Wilson, President JoBeth Williams and Foundation Board members two years ago. Permission to name the space after Williams was a singular distinction. "What was especially touching about this process," Wilson noted, "was the response we received from Robin's family. It's a lot to ask, putting the name or likeness of someone you love out in public, on a building or wherever it may be, and it really needs to be representative of that person. This is the first time his family has agreed to lend his name, and we were so incredibly honored that they granted us this privilege without hesitation. It really pushes the bar higher to ensure the center lives up to Robin's amazing legacy." The Robin Williams Center is poised to fulfill that legacy — a high-tech, intimate space that allows actors, broadcasters, recording artists and singers to embark on premiere experiences of sight, sound and education, immersing themselves in the stories of legendary performers, top casts, and industry leaders who provide essential career advice and practical know-how. More importantly, it's a space where established performers and POLINA YAMSHCHIKOV those pursuing higher career goals can meet and feel connected. Any members who are in New York City, even if they are just visiting, are welcome to attend these events. In addition to the grand opening celebration of the Robin Williams Center, the Foundation hosted two additional opening events for recording artists and broadcasters: a conversation with Grammy Award-winning producer, academician and activist 9th Wonder, and a career retrospective with legendary broadcaster and journalist Tom Brokaw. As an actor, Foundation President Williams feels a unique affinity to the center. "Actors are always looking for connections — to one another, to their audience, to their craft — and it's often a solitary quest," she said. "This screening room is so intimate, one on one, actor to actor, and so welcoming — you can feel it in the room. These people are our family. This is our home." "Robin was a really generous guy. He danced in the spotlight, but he took all of us with him." — WHOOPI GOLDBERG