the jamie tarsesfund

Jamie Tarses was an accomplished television producer and studio executive, one of the first women to run a major Hollywood studio — and a passionate advocate for storytelling and the arts.

In addition to shaping national culture and media through projects like Friends, Mad About You, Frasier, Happy Endings, and so many more, she shaped arts access in Los Angeles by serving on the Young Storytellers Board of Directors. In this role, she brought countless people into our community and grew our mission.

She recognized the value of providing young people a space to express themselves, explore new ideas, and realize their voices were taken seriously. She also had an immense appreciation for fun. Jamie was truly the embodiment of Young Storytellers values.

We are proud to announce the launch of the annual Jamie Tarses Fund. This fund commemorates Jamie as an extraordinary individual, and will ensure the longevity of the organization she loved so much.

With the help of her family and friends, we aim to launch the Jamie Tarses Fund in 2026 with $400,000, and with a goal of growing the fund year after year.

You can support Young Storytellers through the Jamie Tarses Fund by giving via the form below. If you would prefer to set up a gift via a wire transfer, DAF, corporate gift, or some other way, please contact us.

All gifts are tax-deductible, and will be designated as unrestricted use by Young Storytellers.

Champions of the Jamie Tarses Fund include: Karen Sherwood, Paddy Aubrey, and Kathleen Tarses.