InvestSMART

Entertainers extend a helping hand

BEHIND the scenes, life isn't always happily scripted for entertainers. Those who have fallen on hard times or need help managing the highs and lows of an unpredictable industry now have a charitable organisation to turn to, Entertainment Assist.
print
InvestSMART
By InvestSMART · 21 Oct 2011
print
Share
InvestSMART
By InvestSMART ·
21 Oct 2011
Share
comments Comments
print Print
BEHIND the scenes, life isn't always happily scripted for entertainers. Those who have fallen on hard times or need help managing the highs and lows of an unpredictable industry now have a charitable organisation to turn to, Entertainment Assist.

At the first fund-raising dinner next Friday, Gotta Have Heart, performer Chelsea Gibb (pictured below) will open the show with the song You've Gotta Have Heart. Gibb, who starred in the musical Chicago as showgirl Roxie Hart, believes Entertainment Assist is essential for performers and crew when times aren't so good.

Based on the motto "Before times get tough, it's OK to talk and ask for help", entertainers and backstage personnel can reach out for financial aid, education, mentoring, counselling and financial planning services.

"There are always times when there is no work and you have to pay the mortgage or the rent," Gibb said. "When I started out, I knew nothing. No one teaches you survival skills, like learning about superannuation and saving for the future."

Governor-General Quentin Bryce accepted an invitation to be patron in chief of Entertainment Assist.

One of the patrons, arts lover and Pratt Foundation philanthropist Jeanne Pratt, donated $120,000 over three years and $10,000 for the website.

Comedian Tracy Bartram is MC-ing the fund-raiser and performers include Icehouse, singers Paris Wells and Michael Paynter, magician Cath Jamison and Las Vegas tribute group Oh What a Night, which performs the hits of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

One of the auction items is a bass guitar signed by Suzi Quatro. SUZANNE CARBONE

Entertainment Assist's Gotta Have Heart fund-raiser is at the Sofitel on October 28. For tickets, go to www.entertainmentassist.org.au

or phone 0432 734 574.

Google News
Follow us on Google News
Go to Google News, then click "Follow" button to add us.
Follow us
Share this article and show your support
Free Membership
Free Membership
InvestSMART
InvestSMART
Keep on reading more articles from InvestSMART. See more articles
Join the conversation
Join the conversation...
There are comments posted so far. Join the conversation, please login or Sign up.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

Entertainment Assist is a charitable organisation that helps performers and backstage personnel by offering financial aid, education, mentoring, counselling and financial planning services to support them through the ups and downs of an unpredictable industry.

Many entertainers face periods with no work and ongoing costs such as mortgages or rent. The industry is unpredictable and new performers often lack training in survival skills like superannuation and saving, so Entertainment Assist helps fill those gaps.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce accepted the role of patron-in-chief, and philanthropist Jeanne Pratt (Pratt Foundation) is a major donor who contributed $120,000 over three years plus $10,000 specifically for the charity’s website.

The 'Gotta Have Heart' fund-raiser is Entertainment Assist’s first fundraising dinner, scheduled for October 28 at the Sofitel. It features live performances, an MC, and auction items to raise money for the charity.

Performers and participants include Chelsea Gibb (opening the show), Icehouse, singers Paris Wells and Michael Paynter, magician Cath Jamison, Las Vegas tribute group Oh What a Night, and comedian Tracy Bartram as MC.

Yes — one highlighted auction item is a bass guitar signed by Suzi Quatro, among other attractions planned for the evening.

For tickets and more information, visit www.entertainmentassist.org.au or phone 0432 734 574, as listed by Entertainment Assist for the Gotta Have Heart event.

Philanthropic donations — like Jeanne Pratt’s multi-year gift and website funding — help pay for essential services (financial aid, counselling, education and planning) that give performers practical support and more stability during lean times.