I ran into Kevin Dobson at a fundraising event for the Motion Picture & Television Fund. It was at a trendy hotel on Sunset and was for the enlightened of Hollywood public relations people regarding the Fund’s current situation and its future.

Kevin was invited to the hotel by those opposed to the necessary closing of the MPTF Hospital and Long Term Care Unit.

Kevin and I discussed both sides of the situation. I shared my thoughts and invited him to come out to the Woodland Hills campus and take a look around, and learn more about the reasons surrounding the decision to make such difficult changes in the Fund to ensure its long-term survival to serve our industry.

Kevin came out, chatted with residents, and met with Ken Scherer, CEO of the Foundation, and Jennifer Clymer who manages the on-campus television station, Channel 22.

No one twisted his arm or sold him a bill of goods. Kevin did his own research. The result was Kevin has volunteered not only to support the Motion Picture & Television Fund, but also to volunteer to create, produce and even appear in productions for Channel 22. It’s a great reminder that sometimes that the best “public relations” is a private conversation!

A few words from Kevin:

I decided to be an actor after I served my country in the US Army as Military Policeman.

Acting has provided me with an insight, not only in my life, but the human condition of others and how life is portrayed. It’s been rewarding to say the least, although I was not aware of nor prepared for the resulting responsibility that goes along with the exposure of television, movies,
stage, radio, the internet, etc. One of the priorities was to “help” a charity. I thought, why me? Well, considering this type of media recognition and what it might mean to fundraising, I decided okay, why not me? I’ve been associated with many volunteer efforts across the board but not in my own industry. That’s changed for good. You can find me volunteering for the Motion Picture & Television Fund simply because the craft service people, prop people, DP people, AD people, writer people, actor people, directors, make-up, hair, 399, etc., live there and I’m thankful for their help.

See ya there.

Kevin Dobson (actor person)

You can see why Kevin and I have been friends for years.   He’s a great guy.   Check back in a few days and I’ll have more about the project he’s cooking up for MPTF’s on-campus TV station, Channel 22. (more…)