Right on trend for corporate holiday parties this season, Fox is among the companies scaling back its employee celebration, and adding a charitable component.
A folksy email circulated to the staff from Fox Entertainment Group chairman and C.O.O. Peter Chernin reads: "A lot of people have recently said to me that we should cancel this year's holiday party on the lot. They think the last thing we should do is throw a lavish party at a time when we're asking people to make real sacrifices and contain costs. I gave this a lot of thought and, ultimately, decided we should move forward with the party, which will be held on December 17. Yes, the gathering will be scaled down significantly from years past—but there will be plenty of beer, wine, food and fun."
It continues, "This year, the celebration will culminate a Week of Giving which will give you and our talent the opportunity to visit local communities to give back by handing out toys and reading books, as well as to host holiday movie premiere screenings for hundreds of disadvantaged kids. This year's holiday party will raise awareness for a variety of worthy charities, and for those of you who enjoy the Casino, your luck will actually translate into donations for these deserving groups... We also encourage you to bring much needed jackets, sweaters and shoes, which will be distributed to organizations the following day... As we approach this holiday season, I'm thrilled that we're working together to make a real difference in people's lives. We have so much to be grateful for … and if there was ever a time to give back—it's now."
