Women of "Young Frankenstein" Kick Off Annual Falat Basket Project

Megan Mullally, Sutton Foster, and Andrea Martin
Photo by John Quilty

Sutton Foster, Andrea Martin and Megan Mullally of Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN are not scared to take on another responsibility-supporting Equity's 22nd Annual Stephen J. Falat Holiday Basket Project.

Since 1985, volunteers organized by the Project Committee have delivered holiday gift baskets (large, colorful shopping bags) filled with clothing, CDs, candy, toiletries and more, to local New York hospitals and AIDS organizations, to brighten the holidays of people living with AIDS. All merchandise is new and has been donated by corporations as well as individuals.

This year more than 3,000 baskets will be delivered to over 20 hospitals, AIDS hospices, pediatric AIDS centers and HIV community services in the New York Metropolitan area.

This mission started in 1985 when actor Stephen J. Falat visited a handful of patients at St. Luke's Hospital, donating holiday baskets supplied through his own generosity. The next year, he organized the activity through Equity and donated 150 baskets to other AIDS charities. The project now has dozens of volunteers and has grown to 3,000 baskets.

Mr. Falat passed away from complications from AIDS in 1991, and the Basket Project has been proudly continued in his memory. Members of the Stephen J. Falat Basket Project Committee are Arne Gundersen, Chair; Joanne Borts, Austin Colyer, Jeanne Lehman, Maureen Moore and Jean-Paul Richard.

Volunteers, Donations Needed
Donations of suitable goods, gifts and direct financial contributions can be sent to Actors' Equity, 165 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036. Attention: Falat Basket Project. To volunteer to help, or for further information, contact Anne Fortuno, Project Coordinator and Assistant to the President, (212) 869-8530, ext. 409.