A MESSAGE FROM LISA BUNNELL, PRESIDENT
As we approach the holiday season and the end of another year, we invite you to join us in celebrating and supporting a vital yet often unsung part of the cinematic experience—the people who bring movies to life for audiences. At the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, our mission is to support the dedicated individuals working in movie theaters and in film distribution who face hardship due to accident, illness, or injury.
Whether it’s a projectionist who ensures every film is flawless on the big screen, a theater manager creating unforgettable experiences, or a distribution employee tirelessly working behind the scenes, these individuals make it possible for us to connect through film. This year, your support has helped us provide emergency financial aid, access to medical support, and emotional assistance to numerous film professionals in need. But with the rising demand for assistance, we need your help to continue our mission.
Our achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of remarkable:
Served 1,700 industry members in need with financial assistance, housing, natural disaster grants and community referrals
4,400+ views on the expanded INNERMISSION webinar monthly series
Provided Brave Beginnings with grants to 7 HOSPITALS
across the country
Social workers spent 3,500 HOURS on advocacy, counseling, and budgeting assistance
Funded Will Rogers Institute pulmonary fellowships and research grants at 6 PRESTIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS across the country
AND SO MUCH MORE!
We believe that the people who bring the magic of movies to audiences deserve a lifeline in times of need. With your support, we can continue to be there for those who bring so much joy to others but may find themselves facing hardships alone.
Help Us Create a Community of Support
By making a year-end contribution today, you’ll be directly impacting the lives of individuals who dedicate themselves to the theater and distribution sides of cinema. This season, let’s give back to those who make it possible for us to enjoy stories on the big screen.
– Lisa Bunnell, President
YOUR CONTRIBUTION DESERVES A ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
Your support of the Pioneers Assistance Fund will allow programs to thrive into 2025 and beyond. Not only that, a donation on any level will enable us to continue providing:
GRANTS for housing emergencies, funeral expenses and many other unexpected needs that may arise.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE for needs such as procedures, equipment, and medications.
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES such as counseling, referrals, and workshops covering various issues.
THANK YOU for your continued support of our programs. To send a gift, please click the “Donate” button above. You can also send donations via check (payable to Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation) to Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, 2233 N. Ontario St. Burbank, CA 91504. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
The Pioneers Assistance Fund provides financial aid and supportive counseling to individuals who work in theatrical exhibition, distribution and vendors exclusive to either sector, who are encountering an illness, accident or injury. A team of social workers confidentially assesses the needs and financial difficulties of motion picture industry members and provides aid to support health and well-being when income and assets are limited.
THANK YOU for your continued support of our programs. To send a gift, please click the “Donate” button below. You can also send donations via check (payable to Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation) to Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, 2233 N. Ontario St., Suite 300, Burbank, CA 91504. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.