Actors Fund Will Honor Michael Bloomberg at 2015 Gala!

The Actors Fund's annual gala on Monday, May 11, 2015 will honor entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg, Founder of Bloomberg LP, for his longstanding support of the arts as an individual, a corporate leader and Mayor of New York City. Mr. Bloomberg will receive The Fund's Medal of Honor, the highest award given by the 133-year old non-profit human services organization serving everyone in performing arts and entertainment. The event begins with 6 pm cocktails followed by 7:15 pm dinner and tribute at the New York Marriott Marquis.

Mr. Bloomberg, who served three terms from 2002-2013 as the as the 108th Mayor of New York City, is recognized for the hundreds of bold, innovative programs, policies and initiatives that made New York City a better, cleaner, safer place to work and live. In addition, his support for the arts through Bloomberg Philanthropies has worked to place arts at the center of economic growth and empower artists and cultural organizations in New York City and nationally.

"Mike Bloomberg's work as a business leader, philanthropist and as Mayor has helped New York City's most treasured arts organizations thrive and, often, survive," said Brian Stokes Mitchell, Actors Fund Chairman. "His national focus includes helping The Actors Fund create a vision for more affordable housing in Los Angeles," he added, "and this is just one way he's working to empower artists everywhere."

"The Actors Fund does incredible work to support professionals in the performing arts, and it plays such an important role in New York City, the entertainment capital of the world," said Michael R. Bloomberg. "The arts create jobs for New Yorkers, uplift and inspire audiences and viewers, and help make this the most exciting city on earth. As someone who cares deeply about helping the arts and artists thrive, and as someone who once sang a duet of 'Impossible Dream' onstage with Fund chairman Brian Stokes Mitchell (the audience survived, thanks to Brian), it's an honor to be recognized by the organization."

For tickets to the May 11 Gala evening, call 212.627.1000 or email actorsfund@resevt.com. For more information and updates, visit www.actorsfund.org/Gala2015.

THE ACTORS FUND is a national human services organization that helps everyone-performers and those behind the scenes-who works in performing arts and entertainment, helping more than 21,000 people directly each year, and hundreds of thousands online. Serving professionals in film, theatre, television, music, opera, radio and dance, The Fund's programs include social services and emergency financial assistance, health care and insurance counseling, housing, and employment and training services. With offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Actors Fund has been-for 133 years-a safety net for those in need, crisis or transition. Visit www.actorsfund.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos