IATSE President Thomas C. Short was honored by the Motion Picture and Television Fund (MPTF) with its Silver Medallion Award at its third annual “A Fine Romance” fundraiser held Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Sony lot in Culver City. The event, hosted by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Hugh Jackman, honored President Short for his efforts on behalf of the Fund and service to the organization. President Short is also on the Corporate Board of Directors of the Fund. The event, chaired by Jim and Ann Gianopulos, raised over $1 million.

Director Taylor Hackford introduced President Short, whose remarks were followed by performances by Vanessa Williams, Shirley MacLaine, Raul Esparza, Kristin Chenoweth, Anika Noni Rose, Dick Van Dyke with Chita Rivera, Jamie Campbell Bower and Jennifer Hudson.

The Silver Medallion Award was established in 1942 to recognize outstanding humanitarian achievement for the Motion Picture & Television Fund and the entertainment industry at-large. Past recipients include Lew Wasserman, Jean Hersholt, Gregory Peck, Jules Stein, Mary Pickford and Kirk and Anne Douglas.

“President Short’s vision has enabled MPTF to bring our concept of taking care of our own into contemporary times where healthcare, prevention and wellness are critical components to the quality of life of people in the entertainment industry,” said David Tillman, M.D., president and CEO of the Motion Picture & Television Fund.  “In his combined role as International President of I.A.T.S.E. and MPTF board member, he has strengthened MPTF and enabled us to expand our mission beyond the walls of our campus to serve not only members of the I.A.T.S.E. but also everyone in the industry.  Under President Short’s guidance, activity at our health centers has doubled and we have developed and deployed a disease management program.  His contributions to MPTF are immeasurable and we cannot think of a more worthy recipient for the Silver Medallion Award.”