‘To have a resource like The Denver Actors Fund touches me so very deeply.’
Aid recipient: David Jensen just completed a run of “Our Town” at Miners Alley Playhouse playing the town drunk, Simon Stimson. David’s recent roles have included Henry and others in “Angels in America,” directed by Timothy McCracken; Dr. John Buchanan Sr. in “Summer and Smoke”; Carl in “Nobody”; and Ludie Watts in “The Trip to Bountiful,” all through DCPA Education, where David studies acting extensively. Aside from acting and improv comedy, David trains professionals to communicate and assists in improving their bedside manner. David is from Golden, graduated from Wheat Ridge High School and the University of Colorado Denver, and previously worked for the Boulder County AIDS Project.
His medical story: David ended up in the emergency room in late January with intense stomach pain he thought was an ulcer. After two months and much further testing, he was diagnosed with diverticulosis. After all was said and done, David was left with $2,204.72 in post-insurance, out-of-pocket medical bills.
How we have helped: The Denver Actors Fund board has unanimously voted to cover David’s out-of-pocket medical expenses, or $2,204.72. With targeted donations from the community, The Denver Actors Fund’s total support for David Jensen to date is $2,304.72.
How you can help us help David more: If you would like to direct a specific donation to help David further, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund (with David Jensen’s name written in the topic field), to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. Or use this donation link. If you use the online option, be sure to designate that your donation is a targeted donation for David Jensen. (He will receive 100 percent of your donation.) Otherwise, it will be applied to the replenishment of The Denver Actors Fund’s general fund.
A message from David: “I was virtually unaware of The Denver Actors Fund until recently, and definitely never thought I would need nor apply for assistance. Then, I had my own medical odyssey, and the bills started rolling in. Despite having insurance, I found that I couldn’t pay the outstanding bills. I’m not big on asking for help and was taught to just ‘muscle through.’ A few people suggested that I apply for help through The Denver Actors Fund, and so I did. I love acting. It is a great passion in my life, and to have a resource like this touches me so very deeply. An audience member at a recent talkback said he was so grateful for play we presented, and that ‘I know none of you do this for the money.’ He was right. First and foremost, I do it for the passion. Great theatre changes people on and off the stage, and to not be able to act is beyond anything I could imagine. This gift has allowed me to pay off my medical bills and put my energies and passions back into the Denver acting community. I thank all who support and give to this fund. I am blessed.”
The Denver Actors Fund has now made more than $345,000 available to Colorado artists in medical need.
How you can help us help us replenish: If you would like to help us replenish by donating to the Denver Actors Fund, simply mail checks in any amount made out to Denver Actors Fund to P.O. Box 11182, Denver, CO 80212. 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 his or her story told.
HOW YOU CAN HELP US REPLENISH:
To DONATE to the Denver Actors Fund, please CLICK HERE (with our humble thanks)
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 $345,000 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
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
DONATE BY MAIL:
Send checks made out to the Denver Actors Fund to:
P.O. Box 11182
Denver, CO 80212
VOLUNTEER:
Ever thought about taking a more active role in the Denver Actors Fund? Click here for more information
COME TO OUR EVENTS:
Friends, we at The Denver Actors Fund believe in building community while building funds. Most of our events are performative in nature so that you have a good time while helping a good cause. Here are some of the events that are currently being planned on our behalf. Visit denveractorsfund.org anytime for an updated list.
SUNDAY, MAY 19: Actor and playwright Jihad Milhem, who will be returning to the Colorado Shakespeare Festival this summer for his fourth season, has written a play called “Mosque,” to be produced locally by The People’s Building in Aurora. “Mosque” is the story of a Palestinian American father and son. Set in New York City in the summer of 2010 amid the Ground Zero mosque controversy, an overheard conversation sets in motion a series of actions that change this father and son forever. “Mosque” explores what it means to be American in a post 9/11 world, what it means to be a part of a family, and how one decides to define oneself. Milhem, a previous recipient of DAF aid, has designated Opening Night as a DAF fundraiser. The address is 9995 E. Colfax Ave. Tickets and details here.
SUNDAY, JUNE 9: Join us at a Denver’s Tony Awards Viewing Party to benefit The Denver Actors Fund on Sunday, June 9, at Cap City Tavern, 1247 Bannock St. It’s hosted and organized through the lovely volunteer efforts of the Denver-area Actors’ Equity Association Liaison Committee, SAG-AFTRA Colorado Local and the Colorado Theatre Guild. There will be a $5 suggested donation. Limited seating so please RSVP your intent to attend by May 31 by emailing denver@actorsequity.org. Thank you all, especially you, Abner Genece, T David Rutherford, Dino McTaggart, Piper Arpan McTaggart, Charles Blackwell and Sheila Traister!
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
