Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the theatre community’s response to the AIDS crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the theatre community, on Broadway, Off-Broadway and across the country, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $140 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, or HIV-related illnesses.

BC/EFA's grantmaking has two emphases. The first is The Actors' Fund of America. BC/EFA currently supports five major social service programs at The Fund, each of which provides direct assistance to entertainment industry professionals and performing artists who are dealing with a variety of problems, including AIDS, HIV, and HIV-related issues. The second major grantmaking effort is the National Grants Program, through which BC/EFA makes grants twice a year to hundreds of community-based AIDS Service organizations across the country.

History

In October, 1987, the Actors' Equity union founded Equity Fights AIDS, and in February, 1988, The Producers' Group founded Broadway Cares, both in response to the growing AIDS epidemic. The groups merged in May, 1992 to form Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Between 1988 and 2006, the groups have granted over 77 million dollars to The Actor's Fund of America and various community-based AIDS Service organizations. [ [http://www.broadwaycares.org/about/aboutbcefa.cfm Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS - Web Page ] ]

Fundraising

Broadway Cares has two major fundraising periods called The Easter Bonnet Competition (in the spring) and The Gypsy of the Year Competition (in the Fall). It is six weeks of fund-raising when shows on and Off-Broadway engage in a friendly competition to see which show can raise the most money for BC/EFA. Awards are presented to the shows raising the most money and to the winning presentation.

During this fundraising, actors return to the stage after bows and ask patrons to donate as they leave the theater. Some actors have objected to this, because they oppose asking patrons for more money, or because they do not wish to break character. The shows are in competition to raise funds, so they use various tactics (e.g. auctioning signed memorabilia) to raise more than other shows.

The 2007 Broadway stagehand strike slowed donations to a near halt. BC/EFA started an online campaign called "Team Raiser" in order to continue the competition for "Gypsy of the Year". Through the "Team Raiser" program, Second Life residents opened a virtual office for in-world volunteers, located on Broadway Live Island.

"Broadway Bares" is burlesque show fundraiser for BC/EFA. Broadway stars put on strip teases to a crowd at Roseland Ballroom for two shows only in June. It combines the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway and has been around since it was founded by Jerry Mitchell in 1992.

"Broadway Bears" is a charity auction for BC/EFA, where teddy bears, each outfitted in original, handmade costumes by Broadway’s leading costume designers and representing memorable characters from plays and musicals, past and present. are auctioned to the highest bidder.

Another major event that Broadway Cares is known for is the Annual Flea Market and Grand Auction in Shubert Alley in September. Here the theatre community comes together to sell props, costumes and autographed memorabilia to raise money for Broadway Cares. The second half of the day features a live auction where bidders can win anything from a walk-on in a Broadway show, to lunch with a star, to a visit to the set of their favorite TV show.

References

External links

* [http://www.broadwaycares.org/ Official Website]

* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwOW_Z6Ynhw 'Focus on BC/EFA'] by Here! Network
* [http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=28698 Online Fundraising Team for BC/EFA Hosts Live Event] - article about Second Life fundraising team on BroadwayWorld.com