Celebrate By Design Day 2015 on April 24 with Support for Behind the Scenes

A host of big names in the entertainment technology industry has been revealed as champions of By Design Day 2015. Neil Austin, Ken Billington, Paule Constable, Jon Driscoll, Rick Fisher, Wendall Harrington, Howard Harrison, Don Holder, Davin Korins, Ken Posner, Jennifer Tipton, and Hugh Vanstone are all lending their support to the fundraising effort which takes place on April 24.

Behind the Scenes says: "We're urging you, as members of the design community across the UK and North America to dig deep and give back to your community." Industry professionals can make a donation, hold a collection, or perhaps even donate a day's royalties to Behind the Scenes -- the charity dedicated to helping industry professionals who are seriously ill or injured.

John Simpson, chairman of Behind the Scenes in the UK said: "This is one day a year that we ask our colleagues to do what they can to support their friends and colleagues -- any one of whom might need the help of Behind the Scenes at any time. None of us know what lies around the corner and while we hope that a carefree existence lies ahead for us all, unfortunately we know that's unlikely. It might be a friend who falls ill, a complete stranger who is injured or it might be you -- either way, it's reassuring to know that help is out there should the worst happen."

Behind the Scenes provides financial support via grants which are tailored to each individual; uses include basic living costs, medical related expenses, transportation, and funeral expenses. While the charity has been supporting individuals and their families in North America for nine years, this year is the first time that UK proceeds will be donated to Behind the Scenes, following its launch in the UK in autumn 2014. Behind the Scenes UK was founded to broaden the mission of Light Relief and aid all those working behind the curtain and behind the camera.

Donations in the past have come from lighting, projection, sound, scenic, and costume designers in the West End and on Broadway, from regional theatres, and touring productions who want to ensure their colleagues and those who bring their designs to life are cared for when tragedy strikes.

As a registered charity, donations made to Behind the Scenes are tax deductible in the US and can be easily Gift Aided by UK taxpayers, making them worth even more; donors who are lucky enough to slip into the top tax bracket are also eligible for tax relief. The exact amounts of all personal contributions are confidential.

Behind the Scenes requests the industry puts April 24th in their diary and remember that regardless of the size of the donation, the donor is potentially making a big difference to the lives of friends, colleagues, and their families. Visit www.behindthescenescharity.org/bydesignday to learn more or to make a donation.