September 14, 2015
By Neal Tepel
New York, NY – On Labor Day, September 7, 2015, the musicians union Local 802 AFM launched #NotesForRelief, a new fundraising campaign and website to help musicians in need. This project will be coordinated by the union's Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund. A non-profit, founded in 1967 which has provided assistance to hundreds in need.
"The Emergency Relief Fund is a vital life preserver for many of our fellow musicians in times of crisis," said award-winning Musician/Producer and Musical Director, ABC-TV's Dancing With the Stars Ray Chew. "We need to do all we can to keep this fund alive and well."
Contemporary musicians live in hard times. Often creativity is exploited in ways that make it harder than ever for performers to survive. A major health crises can devastate a family. The Local 802 Musicians' Emergency Relief Fund is there when union musicians need it, and it deserves support. The Fund is a vital life preserver for many musicians in times of crisis.
"I encourage everyone to visit the website, read the stories of our members who have been helped enormously by this important service, and donate what you can to give crucial support to musicians who are going through serious hardships," said Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802 AFM President Tino Gagliardi.
*** Local 802, AFM is one of the largest local unions of professional musicians in the world. Members include musicians who play on Broadway, at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as clubs and venues throughout the city.
