Tasting Wine for Larry?s Top Charity

If you are in marketing, advertising or media and live in Southern California, you should (a) know about the Advertising Industry Emergency Fund (AIEF) and (b) get on their email list. This week, Larry and I sipped and supped at the group?s wine tasting fundraiser sponsored by Sales Athlete (nobody needs to twist my arm to DRINK WINE for charity). Larry is an AIEF Board Director, very involved and passionate about the group?s purpose. Their strategy for raising funds is to throw over-the-top yet affordable fun; this venue was uber-cool ad agency TBWA/Chiat/Day, LA. We partied atop the indoor basketball court, down the hall from this surfboard bar (a permanent installation). For a peek at those offices, see this Cesar Millan Dog Whisperer episode. 

Larry tells me the next fun fundraiser will sell-out: ?Movie Night? (a Larry project). If you?re ?one of us? marketing/ad folks you can be one of the first to experience Sex And The City 2 on June 2, 6 PM at the AMC Century City. $16 gets you a ticket, popcorn and beverage ? write it off, all proceeds go to charity. CLICK HERE to attend.

Here is what you should know about AIEF:

The Advertising Industry Emergency Fund is a volunteer organization made up of advertising and promotions people brought together to help their colleagues in times of life crisis. If you or an industry peer has an accident or experiences some form of life crisis, is unable to work and can’t afford outstanding bills?and have exhausted all personal assets ? AIEF is there. Our reason to exist is to lend a hand and help people get back on their feet again.

Since 1972, the AIEF has granted more than two million dollars in emergency money to individuals in the Southern California advertising and promotions community. Confidential loans may also be arranged for qualified individuals who have been employed or consulted in the industry for at least one year, absent from the industry for no longer than one year. Priority is given to medical emergencies, but other emergency situations will also be considered. If you are aware of someone in the Southern California advertising and promotions community who is currently experiencing a need of this kind, suggest to them that they contact AIEF. They can email us at the AIEF office, or simply phone for assistance and a confidential reply.

We?ve helped hundreds of people over the years, and none of them ever thought they would need AIEF. Don?t be afraid, and try not to worry; your dignity and confidentiality are our utmost concern. We care about our colleagues in need and want to help.

All contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. AIEF is a 501(C)3 organization. Our Fed. ID # is 23-7236394.