Local 706 - The Artisan

Fall 2016

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6 LOCAL LOCAL PERSPECTIVE BY TOMMY COLE Business Representative, I.A.T.S.E. Local 706 Through the years, in articles for The Artisan and our monthly Bulletin Board, I have spoken on the subject of "giving" and "giving back"; supporting our own members and being generous to those in need. Giving can come in many forms … it might be as simple as a kind word, a hug, treating someone to dinner, hiring someone in need of hours for their health benefits, or giving a friend a job to help pay bills and put food on the table. It also can mean getting involved in causes that help our mem- bers and others in our industry. In that area, there is one charity that Local 706 contributes to and is involved with in events each year, and that is the MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund). In June, they put on "Heartbeat of Hollywood" and "Hollywood LITE." Heartbeat of Hollywood involved three separate golf tournaments played over three golf courses. This year, 310 enthusiastic golfers participated, rais- ing $685,000 for the Fund. The same afternoon, a total of 110 union mem- bers, studio executives and friends par- ticipated in Hollywood LITE, a truly lighthearted event full of fun-filled & spirited competition at miniature golf. We raised $31,000. Both events ended the day with great food, raffles, a live auction and awards, all meeting at the MPTF Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills. In October, my wife Aileen and I, along with more than 550 participants from our entertainment community, enjoyed the fifth annual MPTF/IATSE "Day at the Races," a wonderful family day at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA, with great food from two different industry caterers, camaraderie, raffles, fun kid things to do, along with a little horseracing for those adults who enjoy the race track. From ticket sales, raffles and donations, more than $146,000 was raised for the Fund ($17,000 more than 2015). Weather was great and we are looking forward to next year. Also in October, we had the pleasure of attending "Hollywood's Night Under the Stars," the Motion Picture Television Fund's 95th anniversary at the MPTF Wasserman Campus. Hosted by George Clooney, with a boatload of stars lined up to perform, it was the highlight of the year! … A night filled with terrific music, talent and most of all, GENEROSITY. The "generosity" had to do with the Fund, the charity that is the caregiver for so many in our industry. As its mission reads, " MPTF supports our entertainment community in living and aging well, with dignity and purpose, and in helping each other in times of need." MPTF has our back, and has been the benefactor and support system for not only our mem- bers, but all people who work in television and film, whether above or below the line. Besides great entertainment, there were also some very poi- gnant, heartfelt moments, such as Jeremy Renner's story of a 40-year-old working actor whose family received much- needed support from MPTF before he passed at such a young age, and Bryan Cranston and Chris Pine tell- ing of their personal connections to the campus where Cranston's mother and Pine's grandmother both lived out their final years. Two of our Local 706 members are now living on campus, and through the years, many of our members have been the recipients of the Fund's services and generosity. The highlight of the evening was when icon- ic actor Kirk Douglas was honored with a giant birthday cake for his upcoming 100th birthday, and more importantly, for his years of commitment to MPTF. He has given millions to help sustain the Fund to be able to give back to our industry and carry on its goal of pay- ing forward to future recipients in the television and film trades. This 95th celebration also signaled the launch of the Fund's new "ALL IN" program, which is aimed at involving industry members, particularly those from the next generation who will carry on their mission. To learn more about MPTF or to make a donation, please go to www.mptf.com. Your contribution, no matter how much, will help to perpetuate the Fund for the future. With the holidays around the corner, there is no better time to remember that there are still some of our members who are in need, either for work or hours or both. Please, if you have the wherewithal, be generous of heart and most importantly, embrace those close to you every day. May you, your family and friends have a wonderful holiday season. Please enjoy this issue of The Artisan. Sincerely and Fraternally, The next generation… will carry on (MPTF's) mission. " " Sincerely and Fraternally,

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