The Actors' Fund's mission is "to advance, foster and benefit the welfare of all professionals in the entertainment community who are in need of help, ensuring that these efforts are accomplished with compassion, confidentiality and preservation of dignity for the individuals concerned."

BRIEF HISTORY

Joe Benincasa, Executive Director and Tom Dillon, President Emeritus, with "CATS"

A century ago, there were prevailing feelings of prejudice against people in the theatre. When actors and others in the theatrical profession needed help, they had nowhere to turn. The more successful members of the entertainment community decided to assist those who were less fortunate in the industry by collecting money from their peers. Thus, The Actors' Fund was founded with a tradition of "taking care of our own." The organization served as a catalyst for reducing discrimination and improving the image and quality of life for entertainment professionals. An early purpose of The Actors' Fund was to pay for proper burials, and this service continues.