‘Even with insurance, the bills were overwhelming‘
Denver Actors Fund aid recipient: Longtime local actor Tim Fishbaugh recently played bossman Mr. Hammerschmidt in Benchmark Theatre’s “Parfumerie.” OnStage Colorado‘s Lane Ware called Fishbaugh the anchor of the production, “deftly moving from the autocratic businessman at the start to a bewildered and broken-hearted man emerging from his soul searching to discover what truly matters.” Before that, he played three roles in Miners Alley Playhouse’s “Our Town,” Mr. Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors” and Herr Schultz in “Cabaret.” He will be playing Richard Maynard if and when Miners Alley can ever stage “Moon Over Buffalo.” Tim works in Facilities Management at Colorado School of Mines in Golden and describes himself as “and ne’er-do-well actor about town.” Tim doesn’t broadcast this, but he also organizes monthly drive-by drop-off sack lunches for area homeless people, including sandwiches, bottled water, food and a pair of sturdy white men’s crew socks – mostly at his own expense. (Send socks or donations to “The Joy of Sox,” c/o Carla Kaiser Kotrc, 6501 W. 64th Ave., Arvada, CO 80003)
His medical story: In February, Tim fell down a flight of stairs and was knocked unconscious, necessitating an ambulance ride, many CT scans and time spent in both the E.R. and ICU. Although he has medical insurance, he was left with a sizeable out-of-pocket bill that he has paid down to his present obligation of $4,907.03
How we helped: The Denver Actors Fund has been experiencing an unprecedented run on our reserves in 2020, having sent out more than $58,000 in direct medical relief in the first four months of the year alone – not including the more than $50,000 in emergency funding we have paid out through our new DEAR Fund to support Colorado theatre artists who have lost the ability to earn income during the COVID-19 shutdown. So the Board has instituted a slightly more conservative, temporary reimbursement formula. Essentially, until we can start replenishing our general fund through live performance fundraisers, the Board is compensating qualified applicants at a level that is about 70 percent of normal. In Tim’s case, the Board has voted to reimburse him with $3,435, or 70 percent of his remaining obligation.
How you can help us help Tim more: Even after our assistance, Tim has about $1,500 remaining on his balance. If you would like to direct a specific donation to help Tim pay down his remaining bill, simply mail checks in any amount made out to The Denver Actors Fund (with Tim Fishbaugh’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 Tim Fishbaugh. (He 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 Tim: “The Denver Actors Fund kept us from suffering a financial crisis in our home. Even with insurance, the bills were overwhelming. Thanks to this great organization, our life is back to normal.”
The Denver Actors Fund now has made more than $543,000 available to Colorado artists in need.
How you can help us help us help more Colorado theatre artists: If you would like to make a donation to The Denver Actors Fund, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80211. Or use this donation link, 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 $543,000 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.
