Local 586 Members,
There are currently two organizations that are offering limited assistance to members of AFM Local 586.
1 – AFL-CIO
There is a limited amount of money being offered exclusively to AFM Local 586 members. If you are in financial need please contact AFM Local 586 either by email, musicians@promusicaz.org, or by phone at 602-254-8838. We will be glad to walk you through the process.
2- Markowitz/O’Brian Musicians Fund
A local music fan contacted me and asked if there was any specific place they could donate money to help musicians. I went through the thought process of all the usual places and means to do this. I thought about Music Cares or a Go Fund Me Page. These are all great devices and organizations to raise funds, but perhaps now we are in a time that calls us to start something different.
I contacted local singer Vicki McDermitt and she was willing to give something a try. We came up with The Markowitz/O’Brian Musicians Fund. If you want to donate money to the fund send your check to:
MSW
P.O. Box 72408
Phoenix, AZ
85050
In the memo part of your check write: Markowitz/O’Brian Musicians Fund Or Just write M/O Musicians Fund.
Donation via PayPal will be available in the near future.
We are using MSW because they are already set up to handle these types of donations and they will be able to provide you with the ability to use your donation for tax purposes. All donations will go to the musicians who require assistance. There are no administrative costs.
If you are a musician in need just email Vicki at vicki@msw.org or myself at jerrydonato@cox.net and simply let us know what your need is. We then will present this to the team that will oversee all requests. Now let’s get this straight, we are not going to be able to solve all problems, but we might be able to help with some smaller problems or, perhaps, help the big problems to become smaller problems. Sometimes just a light of hope can be a turning point for those in need.
Please stay safe during these most difficult times
Jerry Donato