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New York, NY — Behind the Scenes has reached an important milestone in the history of this very young charity – it has now issued over a quarter of a million dollars in grants to entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured. These grants have gone to a wide array of industry members including stagehands, designers, programmers, cameramen, gaffers and grips, costumers, scenic artists, production managers and technical directors, as well as individuals working in a variety of positions for companies who supply products and services to the industry. Grants have also assisted widows and children with expenses after the passing of an industry member. Without these grants, many recipients would have faced eviction or foreclosure, their utilities would be turned off, they would be unable to purchase much needed medications or pay for doctor or physical therapy visits, and they would lose their health insurance coverage.

Here is what that assistance has meant to two individuals and their families: The wife of a cameraman with cancer who underwent radical surgery, chemo and radiation and was about to lose his health insurance wrote, “We are overwhelmed by your kindness and help to us. I promise we will pay this kindness forward to someone in need like you have done for us. Thank you so very much from our hearts and our children. You have shown our children the true kindness of fellow man.”

An audio engineer undergoing multiple surgeries and lengthy treatment due to an autoimmune disease wrote, “I am the sound man - that guy whose name you may not remember. I couldn’t believe that when I needed help, Behind the Scenes was there and didn’t turn their back on me. I am the crew guy, not the superstar. Without Behind the Scenes I would not have made it - that’s a fact. I can never thank them enough for their help, and I can never thank them enough for the compassion they showed me in my true time of need. For everybody who contributes to Behind the Scenes, thank you. You helped save my life.”

The assistance provided by Behind the Scenes brings both help and hope in times of need. You can help support this program in two important ways. Spread the word that Behind the Scenes is here to help those in need and if you know of someone who has been ill or injured, be sure to tell them about the program. All funding for Behind the Scenes comes from individuals and companies in our industry. Please join them by making a donation, purchasing Behind the Scenes swag including our specially designed holiday cards, supporting one of the many industry initiatives benefitting Behind the Scenes such as the Long Reach Long Riders, or purchasing from one of the industry companies who have designated the profits of certain products to the charity.

For more information about Behind the Scenes, visit www.estafoundation.org/bts.htm