AFRA antics (Apr 1950)

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THE STORY When the first chapters of the Chicago story were written some twelve years ago, we felt a good measure of modesty was in order. We were then embarking on a noble experiment to determine whether or not there was an ample amount of self-sufficiency in the membership of our organization to support a program of mutual assistance in cases of need and emergency without the necessity of a levy upon members' dues. The results of our experimentation that year were only mildly gratifying, but this much was accomplished — the establishment of the Chicago AFRA Antics, and the establishment of the Chicago AFRA Sick and Benefit Fund, the first such fund, incidentally, to make its appearance in any local of the entire national organization. The Sick and Benefit Fund, has, in twelve years, disbursed to AFRAns in need a sum of $22,949.32. Right here we cannot resist mentioning two other "firsts" of which Chicago AFRA is rather proud. The Chicago Local's Bulletin, official organ of the Chicago chapter, was the forerunner of the many similar organs now published by other locals. The Chicago Servicemen's Fund was also first in setting the pattern for the establishment of many such funds throughout AFRA. This Fund has disbursed to AFRA ex-Servicemen a total of $41,035.00. The history of the problems involved in the planning and staging of the AFRA Antics through the years until this year, 1950, would make entrancing reading for those besides AFRA members. There have been enthusiasts and there have been pessimists; hold-fasters and experimenters; there have been gripes and there have been kudos. All the while changes in approach had to be made to match the changes so characteristic of show-business. Top-notch performers in every field of entertainment have appeared on our Antics stage, rendering unremunerated services for which we shall be eternally grateful. And still, each year, after the spotlights had dimmed out and we had counted the comments, we realized we were still experimenting in an effort to find an all-around vehicle for telling the Chicago story to non-AFRAns. Not until two years ago were we convinced that the type of entertainment such as we offer tonight was the type for which we had been searching for ten years. For now, once a year, we AFRAns can have the pleasure of joining socially with you, the men and women who help move the wheels of our great broadcasting industry, and together make jest of our idiosyncracies, and hold up a mirror to that which is perhaps our most valuable asset — our ingenuity. But most important, we can come away with a feeling that our spirits have been lifted in the process. On behalf of all the men and women of AFRA, to all the men and women with us tonight who have helped make AFRA a significant reality, we say — LET JOY REIGN SUPREME! I -HARRY ELDERS, President Chicago Local AFRA 3