ORLANDO | Kenny Howard, Michael Wanzie and Rich Charron are returning to YouTube April 18 at 5:30 p.m. for a Happy Hour edition to their social distance showcase, Wanzie announced April 14.
“Social Distancing Showcase: Out of Work Performers Performing Outside of Work to Benefit Out of Work Performers,” which originally streamed live on YouTube April 4, helped to raise more than $8,000 for the Central Florida Performing Artist Relief Fund, a fund created to provide immediate financial assistance to those within the Greater Orlando area’s performing arts community in need. The fund raised an additional $5,000 since the showcase aired.
The Artist Relief Fund received 187 valid applications and have been able to provide gifts of $100 each to 130 of those in need.
“That will still leave 57 worthy applicants on the wait list,” Wanzie wrote on Facebook. “So the fundraising showcases will continue. And we hope donations will continue to accrue as well. We don’t see the need ending anytime soon. And after all if someone had a need this month they are likely to still have that need next month should they remain unemployed.”
Howard and Wanzie return to host the virtual extravaganza from Howard’s downtown Orlando home while Charron will again produce the live production from his home on the Space Coast. Watermark Publishing Group will continue to host the fund’s donation and application page.
Something being added to the showcases moving forward will be an online tip jar which will allow viewers to tip individual performers on the show with 100% of tips going to the designated performer.
“Applications for assistance have been temporarily suspended until such time as we are able to meet our current goal of providing gifts to the 57 wait-listed individuals still patiently waiting,” Wanzie advised in his post.
While a full list of performers has not been released yet, Wanzie did confirm comedian Jeff Jones, musician Tod Kimbro and playwright Donald Rupe will be among the guests on the April 18 show. Wanzie also stated that this and future shows will have a focus on original material created by Central Florida artists.
To donate to the Central Florida Performing Artist Relief Fund, go to WatermarkOnline.com/ActorsFund.
