‘When I learned that my application was approved, I started crying from relief’
Aid recipient: Mike Martinkus, a Fort Collins native now living in Lakewood, most recently appeared in the title role of Theatre Company of Lafayette’s “Pippin, as Rich in Equinox Theatre’s “Be More Chill” and in the ensemble of Town Hall Arts Center’s “American Idiot.” His many other credits span productions with the Firehouse Theater Company, Miners Alley Playhouse, Vintage Theatre, OpenStage Theatre & Company, and Front Range Community College. He graduated from Fort Collins High School and earned his acting degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.
His medical story: Mike diagnosed with a large kidney stone during an E.R. visit in January, which required surgery and resulte in a lot of time missed from his day job at the University of Denver. After insurance, Mike was left with $1,354.80 in out-of-pocket medical bills.
How we have helped: The board of The Denver Actors Fund voted unaimously to pay Mike’s portion of the bill, or 1,354.80.
A message from Mike: “For all of 2019, I was dealing with some major health issues, and already had a few procedures done, which was making it hard for me to work. Then in January my body decided to throw a kidney stone in there at the same time for good measure, making me miss even more work. I was already running out of medical-leave time at my job, so my paychecks were reduced. My parents are retired and they’re already helping me with medical and everyday expenses since I haven’t been able to work as much. So when I had to have surgery and got a bill for more than $1,300 – all due just a couple of weeks later, I panicked. The DAF was there to ease this burden on me and my parents. When I learned that my application was approved, I started crying from relief. The DAF is a truly amazing organization that really is here to help us out in times of need, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you to DAF, and to all Colorado artists who contribute. We’re a family, and need to continue treating each other as such. Thank you!”
The Denver Actors Fund now has made more than $477,000 available to Colorado theatre artists in medical need.
How you can help us help us help more Colorado theatre artists: Simply mail checks in any amount made out to The Denver Actors Fund to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80211. Or use this donation link. Your donation will be applied to the replenishment of the Denver Actors Fund’s general fund, with our humble thanks.
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 $477,000 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
GET INSTANT, FREE MEDICAL ADVICE: The Denver Actors Fund has launch of a major new FREE medical service for qualified Colorado theatre artists: We are partnering with Hippo Health to provide access to emergency medical evaluations via video conferencing with a Board-certified physician. Click to read more about this wonderful, innovative new partnership that will further improve the lives of artists!
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
SHOP AT KING SOOPERS
Sign up for King Soopers’ Community Rewards Program and raise money for The DAF just by shopping for your groceries – and it doesn’t cost you an extra penny. It’s like the Amazon Smile Program. To sign up, simply go here and designate The DAF as your preferred non-profit. Each quarter, King Soopers sends us a donation based on how much our supporters have spent. Thanks to all of you who are shopping for The DAF!
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.
