Main fundraiser photo

Help Philly Theater Artists get Flu Shots

Donation protected

The Philadelphia Liaison Committee represents over 1,300 members of Actors Equity Association - the Professional Union for Actors and Stage Managers. Our reach extends as far as Lancaster, Delaware & New Jersey. We represent Artists who love to perform for your families, who routinely work holidays, who rehearse 6 days a week to create the highest quality entertainment.

This past year and a half, our industry has been devastated by COVID-19. We are a live medium that had to immediately pivot and adapt to a digital world. We have been waiting to hear that it is safe to perform for our live audiences and share that connection and experience again. 

Vaccinations are readily available.  Our Industry is slowly reopening under strict safety guidelines- but due to the continued presence and adaptation of COVID-19,  live performance remains at risk.  Infiltration still occurs, and shows are shut down. Because casts and companies rehearse/perform in such close proximity, sickness has always spread with ease.  

A new required presence, and expense, is the employment of a Covid Safety Monitor. Their job is to keep our theater companies as safe as possible, so that our shows stay open for the entire run.  They monitor the cleanliness of our venues, and the health and symptoms of our members.  Covid symptoms run a wide- range, but do share several commonalities with another respiratory virus we encounter annually that, if caught, could only enhance the dangerous effects of COVID.  Every Fall/Winter Production fears the company spread of the Flu. 

Influenza is a serious respiratory disease that kills an average of 36,000 persons and hospitalizes more than 200,000 persons in the United States each year.  Compounding the effects of the flu with COVID could, and has been, fatal. 

Actors Equity Association already recognized the threat of the Flu and has an annual program in place to benefit its members who reside in NYC. Artists are given multiple dates to visit the Equity Building and receive a free flu shot. This program exists because of a donation allotted specifically to cover the cost of those vaccines.  Philadelphia artists deserve this same opportunity, and the Philly Liaison Committee is working to make that possible. 

*Doesn't insurance cover the cost of the Flu Shot?
- Yes, and we encourage any artists, with insurance, to utilize this path.
However, many of our members only qualify for health insurance based upon their ability to work and earn "weeks." This year, more than ever, so many of us find ourselves without insurance.  There was little to no work available in 2020 & most of 2021. Medical costs are now paid out of pocket in full.  Let's not let cost be a reason someone is unable to prioritize their health and receive their flu shot. 

If anyone caught our "4 Unions 1 Cause" Fundraiser, back in March, we showed solidarity as a Union city. We believe that our Artists both on stage and off must be protected.  This is why for 2021 we are expanding to include Philadelphia's IATSE, AFM & SAG-AFTRA Members in our goal to get the flu-vaccination to our ENTIRE Union Arts Community. 

Our location will be centrally located so that it is easily accessible to our Philadelphia Arts Members and those reliant on public transportation. 

We are partnering, once again, with Jefferson Hospital to have the vaccinations administered.  

What We Need:
Funds to cover the base cost of the vaccine.  A standard Flu vaccine is roughly $29. We, the Philadelphia Liaison Committee, are looking to raise $3,000 for our second annual Philadelphia Union Artist Flu Shot Day.  

Funds exceeding that goal will be reserved and put towards 2022s Flu Vaccine.... or we leave ourselves open and hopeful that we would be able to apply funds towards a similar program covering testing for COVID-19. 

Our Flu-shot timeline is brisk because we need our administration date to be in October/early November to maximize our impact. Signups will be time-specific to guarantee social-distancing. We will follow all CDC Guidelines. We are excited to host this program for our second year and hope it continues as a benefit for all members. 

Any funds you are able to contribute will help a Philly-based Union Artist keep themselves healthy and safe. The reach extends to include their families at home and on stage.  

If you are unable to  financially contribute, we ask that you simply ‘share’ the fundraiser. Everyone, nationwide,  has benefit from the work of Artists. We’ve inspired your laughter, tears, dreams, and provided comfort, connection, and temporary escape. The more we can guarantee our health and safety, the sooner we can return to the stages we love and miss. 

Thank you for your support. 

We cannot wait to see you at the Theatre.

The Philadelphia Liaison Committee 

Organizer

Meredith Beck
Organizer
Philadelphia, PA

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.