South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1919-07-20
ROCKEFELLER, JR.,
AIDS ACTOR s FUND
December 5, 1919, Is Date
Set For Testimonial Per-
f0rmanCeS in TheaterS.

John D. Rockefeller. jr.. has
Joined the ranks of the host OF
business men, public spirited citi-
2ens. and leaders in communities.
cities. villages and towns throughout
! the country who have combined 10
, write the nations approval and rec
ognition Of The wonderful war rec
ord established by the stage through
the holding Of testimonial perform
ances in all the theaters Of the
country on Dec 5. 1919. Mr.. Rookie
Teller in his letter Of acceptance
points out that his action was in
spired by the ready response given
by the members Of the stage TO the
call which he sent oct when chair
man Of the United War Work cam
paign
Wall st. started the movement
and nodded the sentiment in New
DIRK city liz behalf Of the campaign
that has now become nation vide in
scope. Mr.. Rockefeller points out
in his letter that his attitude is
radical departure from a tune hon
ored policy never 10 engage in any
similar venture. This expression OF
sympathy is typical Of the sentiment
voiced by men from every field Of
activity. including bankers, educat
! ors. social workers, the bar and the
bench.
AIR. Rockefeller's letter reads. an
| part, rs follows:
My dear MIR. Frohman:
1t gives me great pleasure to ac-
cept your invitation TO serve or ar
advisory committee in connection
with the effort which the Actors
Fund Of America is proposing to
make at an early date 10 secure a
substantial sum of money tor the
support OF the admirable charity
which it conducts. l understand the
committee is TO be composed OF
chairnen who served on the various
war campaigns in New York.
Many Favor Move.
The attitude reflected by Mr..
Rockefeller is typical Of the fra mt.
Of mind Of The multitudes that are
| responding 10 the call Of the stage
Every individual concerned feels
AlldL IL OF sic mas a very GOnSluGI-
able interest in the outcome OF the.
drive. The underlying current OF;
thought inspiring the movement is
based upon patriotism, spirit for
service and justice. The conviction
| obtains that every other organiza-
ton that in any way contributed TO
the success OF the war has been fit
tincly received and honored upon
their return 10 this country with tho
single exception Of the stage. This
attitude has crystalized into the cry
service for Service and it is tie
nope of those in charge that this
| spirit will be enrulated IN such Il
manner that the name Of the Amer
lean stage Will be written upon the
minds and Hearts of the people for
all time.
The detectives Of the campaign
are to pay a tribute TO the actor who
save of mis- time and talents TO re
4 lieve the minds Of the doughDoy s
hack from the fighting; TO those who
1 persisted i'm the conflict and now lie
! in Flanders fields; 10 those who re
| manned in this country entertaininS
at the various camps and mobiIiza
I tion centcrs; 10 these who turned
over their theaters 10 the various
I drives during the war; aud TO the
actor and actress who promoted the
/ Liberty loan, salvation Army Boy
/ Scouts, Red Cross War savings,
I knights of Columbus, Jewish Wei
1 fare board and other drives
No money viii be solicited. Tickets
viii be sold for performances that
have been arranged FOR on Dec. 5,
! 1919, IN every theater in the coun-
/ try. and the sum realized through
/ the sales VIII go TO the Actors
Memorial Fund To enable that insti-
/ tuition TO continue distributing
! benefits to the members OF the pro-
| fession entirely dependent upon its
generosity. The fund FOR many
f, ears has been taking care of the
sick and disabled. and those who
through old age have oUtlVed their
Use fuiness upon the boards So mo-
n.erous and large have been the Dis
pensations during the war that the
J fund is now threatened with dissu-
| luton, and as a final testimonial TO
/ the players in recognition OF then
record for service it is planned 10
/ have the people of the country
/ through this vehicle place the fund
1 1tpoY, q Arm financial foundation for