Mission Statement
The Angela and John Witherspoon Family Foundation's mission is to help artist's in their time of need. Many years ago, the great actress Rosalind Cash had to go to the Screen Actors Guild emergency fund to get help to pay her rent. Angela heard the story and was surprised at how long it took to get those emergency funds.
John Witherspoon was known for paying his rent six months in advance while struggling to make it as a comic and an actor. "This way, I will always have a roof over my head. I can’t eat chicken wings, but I have somewhere to lay my head". This Fund is for true emergencies, not to finish your tv pilot or to help complete your script. Today many artists are one job away from living in their cars.
Angela controls the fund directly, and if she hears of an emergency, she can write the check. Small gifts have been given to actors and musicians, and comics over the years. The average gift is $2,000. Some gifts are $500. It can make a big difference to a young actor, artist, writer, or comic trying to make it to the next opportunity. Many young talents were simply forced to move back home during the pandemic. No administration fees are charged to the Foundation, only the preparation of the taxes each year, which is deducted; this is to maintain our 501(c) status.
Initially, the foundation was funded personally by Angela and John Witherspoon with $8,000. Last year we received donations from Dave Letterman and Cedric the Entertainer and Anthony Anderson, and Lisa Wayans to name just a few. Their gifts were used for a funeral for a comic who died without funds for a Homegoing ceremony. We are building our Board of Directors and hoping to develop our gift-giving ability over the next few years. Angela and John Witherspoon both grew up in the era where the saying "to whom much is given, much is required" was very well known. You don't hear that saying quite as much today. (Today, many of us are draped in designer duds but don't think about reaching over or out or across to help a young or old upcoming talent).
John was known to work on a young comic's project for free, but he didn't talk about it. Angela's Aunt Rosalie taught her to reach back and help a friend, help a student, and help an acquaintance but a life without service is not a complete life. John was happy to help others, but he usually did it without much recognition. One of the easiest ways to raise money and awareness is through Facebook. The Angela and John Witherspoon Family Foundation has used this in the past and may use it again, but this year, 2022, we plan to give an event.
