Bette Midler took time out from bashing Pres. Trump on Sunday night (Aug. 2) to share a very important message with her Twitter followers about helping out the countless costume industry veterans who are facing indefinite unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Timelines for reopening of entertainment venues continue to shift; shutdown could last anywhere from eight to eighteen months. Members know their survival is in jeopardy; their orders have largely been cancelled or delayed indefinitely,” wrote Midler, who pointed to the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC) site for more information.
“In response to the entertainment industry shut down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City’s custom costume industry has launched the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC) to advocate for their survival,” she explained, adding that the nonprofit Artisans Guild of America (AGA) has created the AGA COVID-19 Artisan Workroom Temporary Relief Fund to help support out-of-work members.
Midler said the AGA Relief Fund is offering grants to qualified small businesses to cover their overhead expenses and help with cash flow problems they may be having, with the majority of CIC Members eligible for the grants.
“Collectively, the CIC Members are facing a $4.5 million shortfall between July 1 and December 31, when they calculate rent, employee health insurance, liability insurance and utilities,” Midler wrote, encouraging a visit to the AGA site to learn how to get involved.
See Midler’s tweets below.
In response to the entertainment industry shut down caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City's custom costume industry has launched the Costume Industry Coalition (CIC) to advocate for their survival.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 3, 2020
The Artisans Guild of America (AGA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to perpetuating the American tradition of the artisan work room. In response to the pandemic, they have created the AGA Covid-19 Artisan Workroom Temporary Relief Fund (AGA Relief Fund).
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 3, 2020
The AGA Relief Fund will offer grants to qualifying small businesses to cover overhead expenses to bridge the cash flow hemorrhaging they are currently experiencing; the majority of the CIC Members will be able to apply for such grants.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 3, 2020
Collectively, the CIC Members are facing a $4.5 million shortfall between July 1 and December 31, when they calculate rent, employee health insurance, liability insurance and utilities. Visit the AGA website to learn how you can get involved.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) August 3, 2020