By Lynn Hamilton
BROWNSBURG — It seems like Steve “Papaw” Pyatte is always on the move. As a member of the motorcycling community, he has helped organize several charity rides, recently published his second book, and has now launched a website — www.indianaactors.com — for people throughout the state who hope to make a breakthrough in the acting business.
“There’s not a website out there that does what this does,” he said. “It helps talented people from all over Indiana to gain exposure.”
Pyatte himself has a profile posted. His latest acting endeavor is in the film “Crossroads,” which is set to be released in the fall. Many other Hendricks County residents were also involved in the film, including actresses Jan Moore and Jamie Wehrheim-Johnson and assistant photography directors Daniel Risk and Tyler Miles.
“The theme of the film is not public yet, but it has a message I can use when speaking at high schools,” Pyatte said.
Indianaactors.com, Pyatte said, is designed not only for film or theater actors, but also for models, voice artists, authors, musical bands, solo musical artists, special effects artists, filmmakers, and more. He said there has already been much interest in the site.
People may post a profile for free for the first year and each year thereafter for $10. Always charity-minded, Pyatte said 100 percent of the money taken in on the website will go to juvenile (type 1) diabetes research.
Diabetes in particular hits home with Pyatte, whose mother suffers from the disease.
“And I know many others who have to deal with the disease daily,” he said. “I do not want to buy them test strips, insulin, needles, and such. Our goal is to get rid of the disease so we can throw the rest of that stuff away so those afflicted with diabetes can live a better life free of the pain and suffering.”
Last year, Pyatte played a major role in planning Dallas & Reid’s Ride, which brought in nearly $55,000 in its first year. The ride was named after two young men in Pyatte’s life who were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes a few years ago.
This year, the ride will be Sept. 16, starting at the Eagle Aerie in Plainfield. More details may be found online at www.dallasandreidsride.org.
In 2004, Pyatte had taken part in planning Nathan & P.J.’s Ride, which was organized to help fight late infantile Batten disease and raised more than $220,000.
Due to his success in those undertakings, as well as his involvement in other charity rides, Pyatte said he receives about 25 calls a year from people asking for his help in planning a ride.
“I can’t tell everyone yes, but it was really bothering me to tell people no,” he said.
Pyatte’s dedication to helping others prompted him to compile and publish his second book, Your Guide to Organizing a Motorcycle Ride, a how-to guide that leads readers through the process, from organizing committees all the way up to the day of the event, and what to do afterward.
“It’s been very successful as well,” he said.
For more information on the book, as well as Pyatte’s charity work, visit his website at www.papawinc.com.
