Entertainers extend a helping hand

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.