The ABF is a 40 year old charitable fund that is the vital crisis support structure behind the advertising, marketing and media industries in South Africa, taking care of people who have served in these sectors but have fallen on hard times - for whatever reason. Retrenchments, redundancies, injuries and illnesses are a daily reality, and once prosperous copywriters, creative directors, account directors, media buyers and many others suddenly find they can't pay the bond, let alone feed themselves. This is where the ABF steps in. But the ABF can only provide its invaluable support with the support of those in the industry. This is achieved via membership fees (both individual and corporate), and a series of high caliber events that are hosted around South Africa - golf events, bowling events, cricket events and gala events. Some events are of a serious nature - such as the annual Spring Balls and the President's Cup Golf Days - and some pure fun - such as the Crazy Golf Days and the Ten Pin Bowling events. All are repeated sell-outs, and are eagerly anticipated. With the exception of a couple of paid officers, the work of the ABF is handled by a National Executive Committee and Regional Executive Committees (KZN and Cape), made up of volunteers from the industry. The ABF is a non-profit organization, purely dedicated to providing support to those in the industry that are in need. Since its establishment in 1969, the ABF has helped hundreds of families throughout the country to face the sudden crises that have afflicted them, and in 2008 paid grants in aid amounting to R338 000 - an increase of more than 70% on the year before, demonstrating not only the need for the ABF, but also the new energy that is being breathed into it. Networking and fun are the great added bonuses of ABF participation! It was the generous donations from the Independent Newspaper Company (The Argus), SAAN / Times Media Limited and the Reader's Digest in 1969 that provided the basis for the formation of the ABF. Today any company within the defined industry sectors (advertising, media and marketing services) can become a Corporate Member, and individuals can become members for the very small annual fee of just R310 (R28.50 per month by debit order). Members receive a wealth of benefits - from free 24/7 lifeline counseling to a host of discounts on everything from flowers to air tickets. Naturally, there are many generous companies and individuals who make discretionary donations, which are always welcomed and acknowledged. There is always a place for companies to sponsor events or components of events - from catering through drinks, entertainment, lighting and so on. These businesses always receive generous exposure in return via all available means. Between 1969 and 2000, the ABF has paid out almost R 5.5 million in assistance and continues to do so on a daily basis. Help us continue the good work by supporting our events and becoming a member. (See our ‘join the ABF' and the ‘contact us' tabs above for details.)