Help Hope In A Desperate Time: A Note From The First Behind The Scenes Grant Recipient

• Published in: Live design : Envision. Build. Tech. Go 2006-06, Vol.40 (6), p.20
• Main Author: Choi, Christian
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1559-2359

Suffice it to say that, during my worst hour of need, I found out about The ESTA Foundation's Behind The Scenes program, and it helped my wife and I survive the worst storm I've ever had to endure in my career. Without the grant they provided me for living expenses and physical therapy, I really don't know what we would have done. "Thank you" is an understatement, and I suppose that there are no words to express the gratitude I have for the individuals who got me this relief so quickly. The Behind The Scenes program provides industry members with grants for emergency situations such as serious illness or injury. The fund is distributed by the vote of the Board of Directors of The ESTA Foundation, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. I was so in the dark about this fund that, when I was first told about it, I dismissed it because I thought it was strictly for ESTA members. Luckily, the person who told me about it emailed me the paperwork and implored me to fill it out, because she knew how dire my circumstances were becoming. She told me that I didn't need to be an ESTA member to qualify. Since I was looking at living in my car the next month, I filled out the paperwork and sent it in. Very soon after, I received a call from the Foundation to tell me that I had been approved for a grant, and they would be putting a check in the mail for overnight delivery. At first, my wife and I were completely shocked, and then the relief set in. I now have the leverage to rebuild my life and career without having to worry about being homeless and sending my wife home to her family in New Zealand. What a gift of kindness and generosity! My viewpoint went from destitute to relief over the course of a phone call. This was in early May, and I still can't believe it. It's strange because I still dream as if I am in the dire circumstances I was before Behind The Scenes had bestowed the relief upon me. When I wake up, I'm relieved all over again.