Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/754215
64 SAG-AFTRA | Fall 2016 | SAGAFTRA.org only masterful at what he did and crossed into all performance platforms from TV to film to stage, but he is trans-generational. From his work in Good Morning, Vietnam as a broadcaster to his voiceover for the Genie in Aladdin, he's a touchstone for every member of our community and someone whose legacy will live on through the years." "This beautiful new facility is a fantastic resource for members. The Foundation is to be commended for perpetuating its mission to provide state-of-the-art resources to performers. The Robin Williams Center perfectly reflects that vision," said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris, who attended the Oct. 5 grand opening, along with SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President and Foundation Vice President Rebecca Damon, Secretary-Treasurer Jane Austin and other leadership. SAG-AFTRA New York First Vice President Maureen Donnelly, Senior Advisor John McGuire and emeritus board member Eugene Francis were in attendance. All are founding board members who have served continuously since 1985. Current Foundation board members Damon and National Executive Director David White were also seated front row for the unveiling, which marked the culmination of Damon's years- long effort to open a New York center for members. "From day one I dreamt that we would realize this project right here in the heart of midtown Manhattan. It's accessible to members so they can participate in our great programming and it is also a marquee space that plants the flag for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation and SAG-AFTRA members." said Damon, who led the committee responsible for overseeing and managing the project on behalf of the board. To mark the grand opening of the Center, the Foundation hosted a special celebration of Robin Williams, which opened with remarks by Wilson, followed by a screening of one of Williams' appearances in the Foundation's Conversations program in Los Angeles in 2003. In his Q&A, the animated entertainer discussed the craft of acting and the challenges of performance. Above, Phil Donahue and Marlo Thomas. Above right, SAG-AFTRA executive leadership and New York Local Board members celebrate the opening of the Robin Williams Center at the afterparty at Feinstein's/54 Below. Right, Williams' children Zachary Pym Williams and Zelda Williams attend the grand opening. NEILSON BARNARD X3/GETTY IMAGES SAG-AFTRA Foundation Executive Director Cyd Wilson speaks during the grand opening of the Foundation's Robin Williams Center. NEILSON BARNARD/GETTY IMAGES