At the LDI this weekend, ETC CEO Fred Foster presented a check for $26,000 to Behind the Scenes, which reflected ongoing proceeds from sales of its iRFR (Radio Focus Remote for iPhone and iPod Touch) application.
When ETC introduced the iRFR, which was developed by ETC software engineer Chris Mizerak, another employee, Luke Delwiche, suggested the profits be put towards Behind the Scenes and its UK counterpart Light Relief. Since then, both charities have benefited enormously. Today’s check brought the total ETC has donated just to Behind the Scenes, from sales of the iRFR, to almost $51,000. Since 2007, ETC has also made additional annual donations to Behind the Scenes, apart from the application-related proceeds: by 2012 this pledge will have totaled an extra $50,000 of support to the fund.
The ETC iRFR application is purchased through iTunes for iPhones and iPod Touches that people already own – no special hardware of factory-coding is required. Users simply purchase the app that corresponds to the charity they wish to support.
ETC CEO Fred Foster says, “It has been very gratifying to have helped support this great fund, and we encourage others to join in and donate as well. We’re also pleased to now have our new ETC aRFR app available, which will allow Android users to contribute to Behind the Scenes and Light Relief this way as well.”
ETC’s donation was accepted by Rick Rudolph, the chair of the Behind the Scenes Committee, who comments, “We are overwhelmed by ETC’s generosity in donating all the profits from the iRFR to Behind the Scenes and Light Relief. These donations have made a significant impact on our ability to fulfill the many grant requests we receive from our colleagues in need.”
The ESTA Foundation’s Behind the Scenes program directly benefits entertainment technology professionals who are seriously ill or injured, from stagehands and designers to employees of manufacturers, dealers and production companies. Grants are tailored to each individual’s needs and may be used for medical care and for basic living expenses.
Individuals or companies can support Behind the Scenes by making donations online or by calling 212-244-1421.