STAGEHANDS EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND

INTRODUCTION

The Stagehands Emergency Relief Fund (“SERF”) was established to provide both short-term and long-term emergency financial relief to Stagehands who work in theatres, arenas, hotels, convention centers and similar venues throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It was also formed to provide educational scholarships to Stagehands and their dependents. This pamphlet outlines some important information regarding the background of SERF, its management and how to apply for benefits. We encourage you to become familiar with the work of SERF and to support its efforts. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

SERF BACKGROUND

To give you some history as to how this fund came to fruition, some years ago a Stagehand affiliated with I.A.T.S.E. Local 22 passed away suddenly. He left behind his wife and two children. Such a tragedy alone is heartbreaking enough, but to make matters worse the departed was the sole provider of health insurance for his family. His wife was a cancer survivor; she could not maintain health insurance from another plan and she needed financial help to keep her current coverage. Generous Stagehands passed the hat and a collected a good portion of what was needed.  This is where the idea for SERF was born.

SERF MANAGEMENT

SERF is managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Executive Board of I.A.T.S.E. Local 22. The current members of the Board of Trustees include President McIntyre, Business Agent Chavka and, Secretary-Treasurer Ruble. The Trustees have appointed a Selection Committee to evaluate applications for aid and scholarships. The Selection Committee includes Sister Wendy Cassidy, Brother Richard Reynolds Jr. and, Brother John Ottaviano The Trustees and the members of the Selection Committee are committed to the well-being of individuals in the theatrical industry that perform stage carpentry, electrical, sound, property, rigging, audio and visual, and all related work. If you wish to get involved with SERF or have any questions regarding the work of SERF, please contact a Trustee or a member of the Selection Committee at 202-269-0212 between 8:30am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

SERF APPLICATIONS

The Selection Committee has developed an application for aid. The application sets forth detailed information regarding eligibility criteria, selection criteria and other important information. If you wish to request an application, please contact a member of the Board of Trustees or the Selection Committee, or follow the link below.

SERF DONATIONS

We are proud to manage and utilize this fund to benefit members of our industry in times of crisis. We are also proud to offer scholarships to Stagehands and their dependents who wish to pursue higher education.