‘I am now able to continue working in the theatre without incredible financial stress’
Aid recipient: Katie Burke is a Fort Collins actor and teacher who last appeared in “A Wonderful Life” at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse in Johnstown. Other credits include at Missoula Children’s Theater, Up In Lights and playing Cinderella’s dreadful stepsister in Candlelight’s 2016 “Into the Woods.” She was an instructor on The Academy at Midtown Arts Center’s 2018 production of “Grease Jr.” (Now called The Academy by Divabee). Katie is a graduate of Fort Collins High School and studied Theater Education at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. She recently spent time in South Korea teaching English.
Her medical story: Katie was recently in a boating accident and lost her front tooth. She required emergency surgery for a bone and skin graft. After that heals, she will require a second surgery for a tooth implant. To date, Katie (who has no dental insurance) has accrued medical bills totaling $1,335.60, and she has been told the final overall bill after the second surgery will be around $5,000.
How we have helped Katie: The Denver Actors Fund Board of Directors has voted to reimburse Katie for the $1,335.60 in bills she has accrued so far, while leaving her case for further consideration after she has her second surgery.
How you can help us help Katie more: If you would like to direct a specific donation to help Katie pay down the cost of her upcoming second surgery, simply mail checks in any amount made out to The Denver Actors Fund (with Katie Burke’s name written in the topic field), to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80211. Or use this donation link. If you use the online option, be sure to designate that your donation is targeted for Katie Burke. (She will receive 100 percent of your donation.) Otherwise, your donation will be applied to the replenishment of the Denver Actors Fund’s general fund.
A message from Katie: “I am incredibly grateful to The Denver Actors Fund for the help I have received. After going in for my initial visit, I learned the damage was worse than anticipated, and that this was going to cost the entirety of my savings, and then some. I contacted The Denver Actors Fund at the suggestion from a fellow actor who received assistance in the past. I was stunned at the extent at which they were able to help me. The Denver Actors Fund is such an incredible organization that has provided me, and many others, with some peace of mind in a difficult situation. I am now able to continue working in the theatre without incredible financial stress. Thank for Denver Actors Fund for all you do!”
The Denver Actors Fund has now made more than $375,000 available to Colorado artists in medical need.
Read testimonials from other Denver Actors Fund beneficiaries here
Note: At The Denver Actors Fund, anonymity of aid recipients is presumed and fully protected, unless and until the recipient chooses to have their story told.
ABOUT THE DENVER ACTORS FUND:
The Denver Actors Fund is a modest source of immediate, situational relief when members of the local theater community find themselves in medical need. In addition to $375,000 in financial relief, a team of more than 60 Denver Actors Fund volunteers have offered good neighborly assistance to more than 100 beneficiaries including meal prep and delivery, child care, transportation, errands, construction, pet-sitting and more. For more information, visit our web site at DenverActorsFund.Org.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AID:
To apply for Denver Actors Fund aid: Fill out this brief online form here
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
DONATE ONLINE:
Go to our online giving site at: ColoradoGives.Org
DONATE BY MAIL:
Send checks made out to The Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80211
VOLUNTEER:
Ever thought about taking a more active role in The Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information
COME TO OUR EVENTS:
Friends, we at The Denver Actors Fund believe in building community while building funds. Most of our events are performative in nature so that you have a good time while helping a good cause. Here are some of the events that are currently being planned on our behalf. Visit denveractorsfund.org anytime for an updated list.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22: Jason Spillman and his family band “Gin & Tonix” are playing at the Clocktower Cabaret and donating 10 percent of total tickets sales to The Denver Actors Fund. Gin & Tonix, a group of talented musicians who have made music together for many years, features the harmonies of Morgan Griego, Kacie Thomas, Trinity Thomas and Eileen Adair, backed by Madi Spillman on guitar, Ian Spillman on drums and vocals, and Jason Spillman on bass and vocals. Gin & Tonix will be performing songs by Pentatonix, The Indigo Girls, The Eagles, The Avett Brothers and more. This is expected to be a sold-out show so reserve your seat now. Tickets are $20. Show starts at 7 p.m. at 16th and Arapahoe streets on the 16th Street Mall.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: “Miscast,” which is presented each year by Robert Michael Sanders as a benefit for The Denver Actors Fund, is an opportunity for local performers to sing songs and act out scenes they would never … ever! … get cast to perform on any legit stage. Think gender-bending, race-bending and age-bending. Odd couples and mixed groups. Wrong is oh so right. “Miscast” has evolved over the years into one of the biggest nights of the year in the Colorado theatre community – and it is a really good show. “Miscast 2019” will be held Sept. 30 at a new location: The Aurora Fox Arts Center. Tickets are on sale here.
VISIT OUR ONLINE MERCH STORE:
Click here to see how you can buy DAF products such as T-shirts, key chains, puzzles and much more.
