With live events, tours, and performances all but non-existent this year, millions of working production professionals have taken the brunt of its impact, with industry veteran Sandy Espinoza stepping forward with Roadiecare, a 501(c)3 non-profit created to benefit professionals who are facing a holiday season with meager resources.
Specifically, Roadiecare’s Adopt-a-Roadie program assists by providing resources for hungry families during the holidays. Donors can anonymously purchase electronic gift certificates that are provided to needy families to enable them to buy groceries and other necessities. Roadiecare’s GoFundMe page is here.
“People are so grateful for the help, and it keeps everyone anonymous, so no one feels embarrassed to ask for help,” Espinoza says.
With the help of donors, the organization has been able to provide many Thanksgiving dinners this year. Roadiecare is actively seeking corporate sponsors to help feed many times more needy crew.
“These are people who are invisible during the show in stage black clothing, and sadly they’re still invisible now, in the cold daylight of a pandemic,” Espinoza adds. “These are highly skilled professionals, and so many of them have been desperately seeking jobs, only to be told they’re over-qualified. We can’t help all the millions who are struggling, but we’re hoping to help as many people as we can.”
Again, Roadiecare’s GoFundMe page is here.
