Entertainment Industry Foundation

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), based in Los Angeles, USA, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization of the entertainment industry. EIF funds more than 300 charitable organizations annually, both in the LA area and throughout the United States.

Aims

The Entertainment Industry Foundation raises awareness and funds for health, educational and social issues.

History

The Entertainment Industry Foundation (formerly Permanent Charities Committee founded by M. C. Levee) was established in 1942 by Samuel Goldwyn, with friends Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and the Warner brothers. Their vision was to unify Hollywood's giving in order to maximize the charitable dollars raised annually, and guarantee that worthy charities receive these contributions.

The EIF has focused on some of the most pressing needs of its time: from the first grants directed to wartime agencies like the United Service Organizations and American Red Cross, to providing funding and creating awareness to help eradicate childhood polio.

EIF supports charitable initiatives addressing health and social issues, as well as funding for some medical research.

Stand Up To Cancer

In 2008, EIF launched its largest cancer initiative to date designed to raise funds to accelerate cancer research and bring new therapies to patients more quickly. Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) is an initiative that will get new therapies to patients quickly and save lives. SU2C uses the entertainment industry to build public support for the effort. SU2C was established by a group of executives from film, television and philanthropy whose lives have all been affected by cancer.

EIF has partnered with the American Association for Cancer Research and its scientists to get the initiative underway.

EIF President and CEO Lisa Paulsen and Vice President Kathleen Lobb serve on the Stand Up To Cancer Executive Leadership Committee.

EIF initiatives

The Entertainment Industry Foundation has initiatives to address health concerns such as cancer and diabetes, and raise awareness about important social and educational issues, especially those affecting children.

Through these initiatives, EIF provides grants to accelerate research on prevention and detection of cancer, as well as improved treatments with fewer side-effects. Initiatives include:

Leadership

EIF's Campaign Chair is actor Pierce Brosnan. Previous chairs include Joan Crawford, Gene Kelly, Jimmy Stewart, Michael J. Fox, Gene Hackman, Whoopi Goldberg, Quincy Jones, and Clint Eastwood.

In July 2008, EIF announced a reconstituted Board of Directors including representatives from across the industry. Film studios, television networks, talent agencies, labor unions and guilds all have members on the board. Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures continues her long association with EIF by serving as board chair.

Lisa Paulsen is the President and CEO of the EIF.

Notes

    External links

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