Behind the Scenes Fall 2024

BROADWAY FLEA MARKET & GRAND AUCTION

$6.5 MILLION SAFETY NET

ENTERTAINMENT

COMMUNITY FUND

SPRING FUNDRAISING COMPETITION

NATIONAL GRANTS

SUPPORT 466 ORGANIZATIONS

BROADWAY BARES

FIRE ISLAND DANCE FESTIVAL

WHO’S WHO

Behind the Scenes is published by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

info@broadwaycares.org

Tom Viola, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lane Beauchamp, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Larry Cook, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Ken McGee, PRODUCING DIRECTOR

Danny Whitman, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

OFFICERS

Robert E. Wankel, PRESIDENT

Thomas Schumacher, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Ira Mont, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

Schele Williams, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT

Tom Kirdahy, THIRD VICE PRESIDENT

Philip Birsh, TREASURER

Judith Rice, SECRETARY

Paul Libin, PRESIDENT EMERITUS

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Ted Arthur

Cornelius Baker

Joseph Benincasa

David Binder

Barry Brown

Kristin Caskey

Lisa Dawn Cave

Sherry Cohen

Alan Cumming

Ariana DeBose

Julie DeVore

Maria Di Dia

Mandy Gonzalez

Amanda Green

Jonathan Groff

Tom Harris

Richard Hester

Richard Jay-Alexander

Beverly Jenkins

Francis Jue

Jason Laks

Nathan Lane

Peter Lawrence

BEHIND THE SCENES

Joe Machota

Kimberly Marable

Kevin McCollum

Johnny Milani

Jerry Mitchell

Brian Moreland

Javier Muñoz

John Eric Parker

Bernadette Peters

Erik Piecuch

Billy Porter

Lauren Reid

T. Oliver Reid

Cody Renard Richard

Jordan Roth

Nick Scandalios

Mark Shacket

Brooke Shields

David Stone

Alvin Vincent Jr.

Tom Viola (ex-officio) Channing Wickham

Editors Tom Viola, Lane Beauchamp

Art Director Jenny Garcia

Layout & Design Dominic Grijalva, Danielle Stecki

Writers Jennifer Buritica-Lopez, Francesca Toscano

Contributors

Sarah Cardillo, Maureen “Mo” Fenninger, Lori Feren, Melissa Magliula, Brian Marshall, Nick Mayo, Jack Noseworthy, Desney Scoby

Photographers

Angela of York, Curtis Brown, Josh Drake, Marc J. Franklin, Jenny Garcia, Michael Hull Photography, Elyse Mertz, Rebecca J. Michelson, Mikiodo, Scott Shaw, Allison Stock, Jonathan Tichler, Nicole Wilson

On the cover: The company of Once Upon a Mattress, photo by Michael Hull Photography

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear Friends,

Whether you’ve read dozens of issues of Behind the Scenes or this is the first time our twice-a-year magazine has landed in your mailbox, thank you for joining us. I’m so grateful for your commitment to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Together, we’ve shared a lot on these pages over the years - from reliving the extraordinary performances at our events to sharing the personal stories of individuals across the country who are alive today because of your generosity and support. In this issue alone, we revisit the spectacular commitment of the theater community and its audiences who delivered record-breaking success to Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction, Broadway Bares, Broadway Backwards and so much more. All of which, of course, leads to the essential grant-making to the Entertainment Community Fund (formerly The Actors Fund) and 450 organizations nationwide through our National Grants Program.

They are stories that fill my heart with pride and appreciation as I look forward to my retirement on December 31 after 36 years with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

A few weeks ago, I became curious about the cumulative impact that we’ve made together over these years. The numbers, quite honestly, are staggering. Since 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has awarded the Entertainment Community Fund more than $142 million to help everyone in theater, entertainment and the performing arts. Over those same 36 years, our National Grants Program, powered by our generous donors and supporters, has awarded $160 million to local health and service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Beyond the numbers, I’ll cherish how you’ve been able to help provide health care and hope to people like Linda in Nashville, whom we profile in this issue; the scores of friends and colleagues who found a supportive shoulder when facing times of personal crisis; and the countless more across the country who are alive today because of your generosity.

I’m proud to be handing over the executive director reins to Danny Whitman, my esteemed colleague and friend who is moving into the role after serving as our director of development with dedication, empathy and kindness for the last 15 years. Danny is both a leader and worker among workers. I know together you will rise to all occasions, opportunities and challenges the future may present.

In her smash hit musical, Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys wrote the lyric: “We’re here to make meaning for as long as we’re breathing.” You, as colleagues and champions within the Broadway community, Broadway Cares donors and supporters, have certainly personified those words for me. You have given my life meaning. And for that I am most grateful.

With great affection and appreciation,

Tom Viola Executive Director

The Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees voted unanimously on October 10 to add eight renowned industry leaders, all with a shared commitment to the lifesaving impact of

Joining the board are Kristin Caskey, executive vice president, content and creative at Ambassador Theatre Group; production stage manager Julie DeVore; Tony Award-winning actor Jonathan Groff; Jason Laks, interim president and general counsel at The Broadway League; production stage manager Johnny Milani; Erik Piecuch, senior vice president, entertainment banking at City National Bank; actor and Black Theatre Coalition co-founder T. Oliver Reid; and Actors’ Equity Association president Brooke Shields.

“These eight luminaries are essential voices across our industry,” said Robert E. Wankel, president of the Broadway Cares Board of Trustees and chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization. “Their expertise and unique perspectives will play a critical role in ensuring the continued success and future growth of Broadway Cares’ fundraising and grant-making. The Broadway Cares board is excited and proud to continually bring new, fresh voices to the table.”

Broadway Cares.

2024 GRANT-MAKING

Entertainment Community Fund

The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts

HIV/AIDS Initiative

Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative

SAG-AFTRA Emergency Assistance

Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC)

Addiction and Recovery Services

The Dancers’ Resource

Senior Services

The Career Center

Broadway Flu Shot Program

Safe Workplace Initiative

Stage Managers’ Project

The Paul Libin Center - Looking Ahead

Miscellaneous

Special event sponsorship, memorial donations

National Grants

Food Service and Meal Delivery Programs

does all that money

146 organizations in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C.

Local Social Service Organizations

320 organizations in 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., providing direct services and case management, supportive housing programs, emergency financial assistance, harm reduction programs and quality of life services

Emergency Grants

Supplemental Grants

Theater Social Service and Advocacy Organizations

Broadway Community Humanitarian Grants

$6,500,000

2,830,000 2,990,000 691,400 759,000 597,500 900,000 408,500 149,200 2,000,000 1,000,000 800,000 1,000,000 500,000 300,000 250,000 200,000 100,000 100,000 100,000 50,000 50,000 50,000

$8,767,900 $ 557,700

$15,825,600

771,780 1,184,119 676,404 707,916 1,400,549 1,342,200 1,711,819 3,039,841 3,033,566 3,238,765 2,689,679 3,115,969 4,437,338 4,469,798 4,518,364 5,152,546 5,737,298 4,492,489 5,824,988 5,305,700 6,218,796 6,190,056 6,091,777 6,780,596 6,452,808 7,836,709 7,787,258 8,628,199 7,019,015 7,226,330 8,790,599 9,974,803 9,325,600 1,405,780 2,838,119 2,434,404 2,498,916 3,410,549 3,589,700 4,182,819 5,739,841 5,988,902 6,068,265 5,421,679 6,138,469 7,797,838 7,986,298 8,035,864 8,824,046 10,039,298 7,892,489 9,984,988 9,320,200 10,843,796 10,490,056 10,694,777 11,956,096 12,055,358 13,373,709 13,685,258 14,814,199 18,244,015 15,003,830 17,041,599 17,217,303 15,825,600 634,000 1,654,000 1,758,000 1,791,000 2,010,000 2,247,500 2,471,000 2,700,000 2,955,336 2,829,500 2,732,000 3,022,500 3,360,500 3,516,500 3,517,500 3,671,500 4,302,000 3,400,000 4,160,000 4,014,500 4,625,000 4,300,000 4,603,000 5,175,500 5,602,550 5,537,000 5,898,000 6,186,000 11,225,000 7,777,500 8,251,000 7,642,500 6,500,000

Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction

Joy Radiates Across Theater District at Record-Breaking Celebration

Sachiko Elzer and her son Fordy returned for a second year to volunteer at the Casting Society of America’s table at the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction. But the most magical moment for the duo happened when they stepped away from the table and into the Photo Booth. Fordy had the opportunity to meet his idol, Jordan Fisher.

“My son has been buzzing about it for days,” Elzer shared. “Witnessing his interaction with Jordan was such a gift. It was heartwarming to see the passion and camaraderie that defines this world.”

Thousands of Broadway fans like Fordy lit up New York City’s theater district - and ushered in a record-breaking fundraising total - when the Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction returned September 22.

The 38th annual edition of the biggest day for Broadway fans raised $1,421,675, shattering the record set last year.

The day featured 64 shows and theatrical organizations represented at tables, 156 silent auction and 69 live auction lots offering once-ina-lifetime experiences and rare memorabilia, and 45 of Broadway’s brightest stars signing autographs and taking photos with fans.

Attendees were also delighted with starry surprise encounters across the Broadway Flea Market, including Ana Gasteyer and Michael Urie making a royal visit at the Once Upon a Mattress table, Auliʻi Cravalho saying “Wilkommen” at Cabaret’s post, Hadestown stars Jordan Fisher and Maia Reficco “living it up” at their show’s table and celebrity couple David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris, who hosted their own table filled with costumes and show memorabilia. Plus, The Outsiders cast came ready to rumble, with cast members Dan Berry, Tilly Evans-Krueger, RJ Higton, Ryo Kamibayashi, Sky Lakota-Lynch, SarahGrace Mariani, Emma Pittman, Melody Rose, Jason Schmidt and Victor Carrillo Tracey making special guest appearances at their table.

Among the endless singular and sensational items discovered at Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction tables were the actual stage

door from Broadway’s Barrymore Theatre signed by the entire cast of this season’s Our Town; a plunger used onstage and signed by Bebe Neuwirth in Cabaret; and Mary Todd Lincoln boots worn onstage and signed by Cole Escola in Oh, Mary!

The tables at this year’s market raised a record $694,282, led by perennial top fundraiser the Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM) with an all-time table fundraising record of $95,733. The table was dedicated to Robert Nolan, a past ATPAM president, longtime company manager and dear friend of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS from the earliest days, who passed away in December.

The day concluded with the exhilarating live auction, which raised a record-breaking $524,400.

The most popular live auction lot was a luxurious business-class trip to London, courtesy of United, Broadway Cares’ official airline, and tickets to three West End shows of the winner’s choosing. The lot raised a spectacular $26,000.

That was closely followed by the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to “Razzle Dazzle ‘em” with a walk-on role in Chicago, which raised $20,000. Other “Popular” lots were an exclusive screening of the highly anticipated Wicked film at $16,000; the original and only crucifix ever to appear on stage in the first Broadway run of Les Misérables at $12,000; and the opportunity to make a “larger than life” onstage debut in & Juliet at $12,000.

Opening night tickets to 14 of this season’s most buzzworthy new shows raised $60,900. Tickets to Tammy Faye - including an exclusive invitation to the after party - topped the opening night lots, raising $8,500, closely followed by $8,000 each for Othello and Our Town

Charismatic auctioneer Nick Nicholson of Heritage Auctions drove the bidding to new heights, alongside host Bryan Batt, the Broadway, film and television favorite.

Earlier in the day in Shubert Alley, Todd Buonopane, Jen Cody and Michael Goddard returned to host the silent auction, which raised $184,488. The top-selling lot was a pair of Converse sneakers worn onstage and signed by Tony Award winner Daniel Radcliffe in Merrily We Roll Along, which went for $11,500.

In addition to exploring the trove of treasures at the tables and the live and silent auctions, fans met and mingled with their favorite Broadway stars at the Autograph Table and Photo Booth. Forty-five Broadway favorites signed memorabilia and snapped photos with fans, including Fisher, Sarah Hyland, Sky Lakota-Lynch, Andrea Martin and Joy Woods. Jim Caruso, host of Jim Caruso’s Cast Party at Birdland, served as emcee.

In addition to the theatrical treasures offered in the theater district, special “FleaBay” items offered virtually through Broadway Cares’ eBay store offered unique collectibles for fans who were not able to attend in person. FleaBay raised a record $18,505.

“Being part of such a vibrant event and connecting with amazing individuals from the Broadway community made for an unforgettable day,” Elzer said. “There’s something truly magical about it.”

The Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction is supported by Broadway Cares corporate sponsors The New York Times and United Airlines, the official airline of Broadway Cares.

Hats Off to You

Fundraising Celebration Honors Donors with Dream Role Performances

Jordan Fisher, who’s been lighting up the stage as Orpheus in Hadestown, dreams of returning to the Richard Rodgers Theatre to perform in Hamilton. Except this time, he’s not looking to play John Laurens/ Philip Hamilton again. Now, informed by his real-life roles of husband and father, he aspires to portray the complex and nuanced Aaron Burr.

“It’s been almost a decade since I was in the show and I’m a dad now,” Fisher said. “My life is different. As an actor, getting to sink my teeth into the dynamics and the complication that is Burr and it being so close to who I am, is something that really excites me.”

Fisher had the opportunity to bring his dream role to life alongside a luminous lineup of other Broadway stars at

Hats Off to You, a special event for Broadway Cares’ most generous donors, held April 29 and 30 at the conclusion of the Spring Fundraising Competition.

The afternoon was hosted by the charismatic Gavin Creel (see special tribute on page 9) and featured holy grail performances that included Creel’s own “Ya Got Trouble” from The Music Man; J. Harrison Ghee’s joyful take on “Run and Tell That” from Hairspray; Lorna Courtney’s powerhouse vocals on “Out Tonight” from Rent; Fisher with an emotional spin on “Wait For It” from Hamilton; and Ben Platt’s overdue queer perspective to “Being Alive” from Company. The luminous Andrea McArdle paid tribute to both Jerry Herman and Angela Lansbury with a performance of “If He Walked Into My Life” from Mame

“Jerry Herman loved women – the heroes in his life were his aunts, his grandmother and mother, and I know that personally because he told me,” McArdle shared. “The whole reason I’m in the business is because I saw Angela Lansbury in Gypsy at 8 years old. I knew that very day that this was what I was going to do, come hell or high water.”

The celebration of Broadway Cares’ Visionary Circle, Angels Circle, NextGen Network and Colleen Dewhurst Legacy Society was energized with a spirited opening number featuring Aladdin’s Michael Maliakel and a piece honoring the national tours that participated in the spring fundraising. Both were directed and choreographed by Hamilton’s Thayne Jasperson and arranged by the event’s musical supervisor and arranger, Will Van Dyke.

Katie Rose Clarke from Merrily We Roll Along shared a breathtaking rendition of “Help is on the Way,” the empowering anthem that’s been the finale at every spring fundraising season event since 1995. The number was written by David Friedman in 1990 in direct response to the AIDS crisis.

Hats Off to You was presented at the Hard Rock Cafe in the heart of Times Square. The show was directed by Kristin Newhouse with Jennifer Rogers serving as production stage manager.

Hats Off to You was sponsored by The New York Times

Remembering Gavin Creel

On September 30, we lost not just one of the good ones, but the best one. Beyond the shining talent Gavin Creel shared with us all onstage, he mastered the ability to galvanize, mobilize and inspire others by sharing the best of himself which was, simply, his loving, joyful heart.

Gavin once said: “What I love about being in the theater is the sense of family and belonging to a community that takes care of one another. We are made better by giving back.”

Gavin certainly lived by example. His selfless resolve to channel his talents and gifts into tangible, lifesaving help challenged us to be better, do more and rise up, always with a smile that was welcoming, flirty and just a tad mysterious with some kind of surprise.

Gavin was one of the most vibrant voices in our National Grants Program committee meetings and on our Board of Trustees, on which he served since 2015. His was an undeniable light that leaves a heartfelt glow across our theater community and in the lives of countless people he never met who have received meals, medication, support and hope through his work with Broadway Cares.

“I remember watching Gavin leap onto the theater lobby bar with a Red Bucket in hand during the national tour of The Book of Mormon, enthusiastically cajoling, encouraging and convincing audiences into making a donation,” Executive Director Tom Viola said. “He implored people to donate with such cheerful passion. He’d enlist anyone he spoke to do more, to make a greater impact - always returning to the question, ‘Why wouldn’t we help people?’”

Gavin, who passed away from a rare, aggressive form of cancer, hosted Broadway Cares’ donor celebration Hats Off to You last spring. He shared from the stage: “The world at the moment is fractured, and it feels to me like it’s falling apart. Broadway Cares is one of the things that I look to as a light on the horizon.” As we now will forever look to him.

" Broadway Cares is one of the things that I look to as a light on the horizon."

- Gavin Creel

Spring Fundraising

Audiences’ generosity shared in Red Buckets across 45 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring shows was transformed into tangible, lifesaving help as the 2024 Spring Fundraising Competition topped $4,702,394.

The theater community – those onstage, offstage and in the audience – rallied together to raise the spectacular total across six weeks of dedicated fundraising. This support was turned into nourishing meals, vital health care and boundless hope for people in need across all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Shows that participated in the fundraising were Broadway’s & Juliet; Aladdin; Appropriate; Back to the Future: The Musical; A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical; The Book of Mormon; Chicago; Days of Wine and Roses; Hadestown; Hamilton; Harry Potter and the Cursed Child; Kimberly Akimbo; Lempicka; The Lion King; Merrily We Roll Along; MJ; Moulin Rouge! The Musical; The Notebook; The Outsiders; Six; Spamalot; Sweeney Todd; Water for Elephants; The Who’s Tommy and Wicked; and Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors, The Play That Goes Wrong and Titanique. Additionally, the national tours of Aladdin, Beetlejuice, Company, Frozen, Funny Girl, The Girl from the North Country, Hadestown, Jagged Little Pill, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Mrs. Doubtfire, Six, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical and Wicked

Historically, Broadway Cares’ spring fundraising effort culminated in the Easter Bonnet Competition. Beginning this year, the spring and fall in-theater fundraising appeals will be celebrated singularly at Red Bucket Follies, the variety show spectacular set for December at the New Amsterdam Theatre.

Since the Easter Bonnet Competition began in 1987, the Spring Fundraising efforts have raised $100 million for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

TOP FUNDRAISERS

NATIONAL TOURS

Entertainment Community Fund

Connecting Seniors to Community Through Life-Affirming Programs

For more than a decade, Traci DiGesu has been compassionately supporting seniors as they navigate the later stages of life. But it was her two decades as a costume designer that drew her attention to the unique challenges older populations face in the entertainment industry.

“I knew a lot of folks in the theater who had long careers, and I saw firsthand the challenges they faced in the latter parts of their careers,” DiGesu said. “I saw what it was like to be an older person in New York, and how hard it was. I thought, this is a population that is really vulnerable and we need to be doing more work here. So I went back to school specifically to work with older adults.”

Now, DiGesu leads the senior services program at the Entertainment Community Fund, part of the safety net of services helping those in entertainment and the performing arts. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the largest single financial supporter of the Fund, awarding its programs $6.5 million this year.

Through DiGesu’s work as a licensed social worker, she has come to understand how the difficulties for seniors are exacerbated by the loss of community after a career in the arts.

“One of the biggest issues everybody faces as they age is role loss,” DiGesu said. “As we age, we lose friends, we may lose a partner. We retire, whether we want to retire or not. It’s particularly dangerous and difficult for entertainment professionals, because when they lose touch with their work life, they lose touch with their community.”

Rebuilding that sense of togetherness is at the heart of DiGesu’s work in the Entertainment Community Fund’s Senior Services program. Supported by a dedicated team of social workers and sustained through continued support from Broadway Cares’ donors, the program offers a broad range of life-affirming services for seniors.

“We are a continuum of services,” DiGesu said. “People often come in because of an incident, like they’re in the hospital and need help with discharge. And while we’re helping with that, we get the full picture of what the difficulties are. Then our social workers may help them gain entry into our assisted living facility in Englewood, NJ, or connect them with our Artists Health Insurance Resource Center to understand what’s available to them with Medicare, or a multitude of other programs.”

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has a long-standing connection with the Entertainment Community Fund, going back more than 30 years to the creation of the HIV/AIDS Initiative in 1988. Broadway Cares provided the initial funding for the initiative and continues to support the majority of its annual budget.

"It’s particularly dangerous and difficult for entertainment professionals, because when they lose touch with their work life, they lose touch with their community.”

- Traci DiGesu

In 1996, Broadway Cares expanded its contributions to launch the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative. Since then, it has championed a full range of social services, including Artists Health Insurance Resource Center (AHIRC), Addiction and Recovery Services, The Dancers’ Resource and Broadway Flu Shot Initiative. In 2017, it began supporting The Friedman Health Center for the Performing Arts, which provides specialized care for Broadway and performing arts professionals.

Senior Services is an essential component of the Fund’s broader offerings, addressing the individual needs of older adults within this community.

DiGesu shared the story of a particularly sociable client who regularly attended weekly coffee hour chats at The Waldman Living Room, the Fund’s Manhattan center aimed at combating social isolation. This outgoing client was a key figure in keeping the group connected beyond these gatherings. It was only after a fall and subsequent

hospitalization that DiGesu and her team discovered the extent of the client’s needs.

“She was showing us her resilience and coping skills, but wasn’t showing us the problems that she was facing yet, because it’s really hard to admit when you need help,” DiGesu said. “You’re independent and feeling embarrassed.”

The social workers found that the client’s apartment had become unmanageable, prompting them to create a personalized support plan.

“We worked with the client to restore her apartment, and got her the help she needed so she could return home with an aid,” DiGesu said. “We connected her with services to rehabilitate her physically, and had her attend our Grief Group so she could start working through some other issues. And when she ultimately decided to be in community in a different way, we assisted her with the application to live in our home in Englewood.”

Armed with the full breadth of services at the Fund, and the expertise of its case managers, DiGesu is able to reconnect these clients to what makes the entertainment industry so special: a profound sense of belonging.

“That client still joins our coffee chat group by Zoom,” DiGesu said, with a smile. “The most rewarding part of my job is seeing how people connect to services and get the help they need.”

Broadway Bares

What Happened in Vegas Slayed at Broadway Burlesque Spectacular

The bright lights of Vegas couldn’t compete with the starpower of more than 200 of NYC’s most dazzling dancers at Broadway Bares: Hit the Strip on Sunday, June 23, at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

This year’s Broadway Bares invited two sold-out performances into a Las Vegas-inspired world of luxury, liberation and love, raising a record-shattering $2,259,134. Included in that total is Stripathon, the online fundraiser led by the show’s cast and crew, which raised a record $1,155,133.

This larger-than-life trip down the strip took best friends Taylor Iman Jones, Jelani Remy, Constantine Rousouli and Johnny Sibilly through a vibrant bachelor party for Jay Armstrong Johnson, meeting frisky and fabulous Vegas characters along the way, including Laverne Cox, Nathan Lee Graham and Rachelle Rak.

Kellen Stancil, a Broadway Bares veteran and former dance captain at Broadway’s The Lion King, took the reins as director.

Remy kicked off the festivities, inviting everyone to join in the Vegas bachelor bonanza, flanked by feathered showgirls and showqueers, mesmerizing aerialists and dancers from NYC’s all-male dance revue Brolesque. The original number was written by Lynne Shankel and two-time Tony nominee Amanda Green.

The quintet then explored the strip’s most seductive spots, featuring Benjamin Rivera rocking the roulette table in “Jackpot;” Michael Graceffa sharing a sexed-up and sizzling spin on “The King,” 2024 Tony Award nominee Amber Iman on a mythically steamy trip to “XXXcaliber,” Amber Ardolino and burlesque star Jake DuPree in a sensationally spirited twist on the film Showgirls, and Ehizoje Azeke “Feeling Thorny” in a world of provocative plants come to life, complete with sky-high aerialists from the Living Art of Armando.

The spectacular continued with Yani Marin’s luscious, Latin-infused “TOPicana,” newlyweds Cajai Kennedy and Kristina Doucette sharing their marital bed with officiant Michael Samarie George in “Ménage à Trois,” Elliot Mattox stripping Ben Schultz down to his sparkling skivvies in “Liberace,” Broadway Bares Executive Producer Nick Kenkel leading “Smoke Show,” Wayne “Juice” Mackins and Andrew Slane duking it out in “Knock Out,” and aerialist Aneliese Biwer captivating the audience as she spun only by her ponytail while Aydin Eyikan and Jimin Moon shared a sensual duet in “Champagne Bar.”

In a final surprise for the bachelor, Remy welcomed The Boy Band Project-Jesse Corbin, John Edwards, Jesse JP Johnson, Chris Messina and Travis Nesbitt – who performed a Las Vegas-infused version of “Backstreet’s Back” with lyrics adapted by Kyle Ewalt.

The show’s famous “rotation” featured a video message from Jerry Mitchell, Broadway Bares’ Tony Award-winning creator and executive producer, expressing his gratitude for the cast and creative team, as well as the audience’s unending generosity.

Tony and Olivier Award winner Alan Cumming, who serves on the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees, accepted presenting sponsor M•A•C Viva Glam’s check of $200,000. This year marks the 30th anniversary of M•A•C Viva Glam’s mission of supporting gender, sexual, racial and environmental equality.

In Stripathon fundraising, dancer Mark MacKillop raised an all-time record of $212,625, followed by Jennifer Geller at $53,103, Steve Bratton at $29,615, Aydin Eyikan at $25,645, Katie Thrasher at $22,487 and Steve Symonds at $19,342. An inspiring 357 people joined in the online fundraising efforts this year.

The Hit the Strip cast of 223 dancers represented 19 Broadway and Off-Broadway shows from this season.

Broadway Bares: Hit the Strip choreographers included Kellen Stancil, John Alix, Billy Griffin, Maleek Washington, Rachelle Rak, Karla Puno Garcia, Brandon Grimm, Leo Moctezuma, Amber Jackson, Michael Lee Scott, Phil Colgan, Jonathan Lee, John Bitley and Mike Baerga. Paula DeLuise served as associate director and Andres Acosta as assistant director.

In addition to presenting sponsor M·A·C Viva Glam, Broadway Bares was sponsored by United Airlines, the official airline of Broadway Cares, as well as corporate sponsors BIKE Athletic, CAA, FlySpace Physical Therapy, Gay Beer, Mark Fisher Fitness, New Amsterdam Vodka + High Noon, PUMP! Underwear and ViiV Healthcare.

ANational Grants

A Lifeline of Support for Linda and

Countless Others Living with HIV

t 58, Linda’s life took a surprising turn when a mysterious illness led to an unexpected diagnosis: she was HIV positive.

Living quietly as an empty nester in Nashville, those were words she never imagined hearing, let alone at this stage in her life.

“I was in and out of the hospital, and no one knew what was wrong with me until I tested positive,” Linda said. “I didn’t get COVID, I’m not a sickly person. How did I get HIV at 58 years old?”

Unsure of where to turn, she was introduced to Nashville CARES, a grantee of Broadway Cares since 1988.

“I know now that I have the virus, but I don’t have to think about dying every day, like I used to,” Linda said. “I’ll die one day, but not from this. I know now that I can live a healthy, normal life because of the services provided by Nashville CARES.”

Nashville CARES received a $10,000 grant this year from Broadway Cares’ National Grants Program, one of the 466 social service organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico to be awarded grants in 2024.

These grants are distributed in three rounds annually. The final round this summer, which included Nashville CARES, provided $2 million in support to organizations offering direct client services, emergency assistance, harm reduction and quality of life programs. A committee of 18 actors and stage managers who led their shows’ Spring Fundraising Campaign efforts awarded the grants.

Earlier this year, a record $2.83 million was awarded to 146 food service and meal delivery programs in January and $985,000 to 44 of the largest AIDS service and nationally recognized advocacy organizations in April.

These grants ensure warm meals continue to be served at Aliveness Project in Minneapolis, emergency financial assistance continues to be provided by South Central Education Development in Bluefield, WV, the pantry shelves remain full at St. Clement’s Episcopal Church in Manhattan, and clients will still make it to vital doctor appointments with transportation provided by Blue Mountain Heart to Heart in Walla Walla, WA.

And in Nashville, the grants help people like Linda get access to the depth of services they need to manage their diagnosis. The first hurdle for Linda was affording the prohibitively expensive medication that she needed to get and stay healthy.

“I’m working a full-time job I’ve had for 10 years, but insurance doesn’t cover a lot of the medications for HIV/AIDS,” Linda said. “Every day, just to live, people are put in the position of, ‘Do I buy food or do I buy medicine?’ You got your bills on the table and you try to figure out which is a priority, which can wait, what can I do today and what can I do next week.”

These tough financial choices mirror concerns being shared by clients at Broadway Cares grantees across the country. In Linda’s case, Nashville CARES was able to step in with compassionate case management and provide her the lifesaving medication she needed. Equipped with their full suite of life-affirming care - beyond just the medication that drove her to seek out the organization - Linda has the tools to not just survive, but thrive.

“With Nashville CARES’ support, I was able to become undetectable in six months,” Linda said. “I can get the medication that I need, the therapy, whatever I need to deal with this and live with this. It’s so important to us that these services are there, because you can’t just turn people away from medication that we need every day for the rest of our lives.”

Offering this range of services speaks to the full spectrum of needs for those living with HIV/AIDS that’s at the heart of Nashville CARES’ mission. Amna Osman, chief executive officer at Nashville CARES, emphasized that just providing medical support doesn’t address the financial and whole-health concerns the organization’s clients face every day.

“There’s an understanding that people need health services, but they also need all the wraparound services,” Osman said. “You can’t expect people to go to the doctor when they don’t have a roof over their head. You can’t think of people not having good nutrition and expect them to be able to take their medication. So I started really thinking, how do we really provide this comprehensive approach to offering all of the supportive services, with medical being the backbone?”

Once Linda utilized this full range of services to gain control of her own diagnosis, she felt empowered to give back to others living with HIV. Just a year-and-a-half later, she serves on Tennessee’s Ryan White Planning Council, which ensures people living with HIV/AIDS across the state have access to quality care.

“Even if it’s just one person that I helped, put them on the right path of services, I’ll feel good,” Linda said. “I want to get them in touch with people who can help them, just like they did for me. Just paying it forward.”

Those services, powered by the generosity of Broadway Cares supporters, assure that Linda, and people like Linda across the country, will continue to stay healthy, today and well into the future.

“You are saving lives every day,” Linda said. “Thank you so much for saving mine.”

serves 17 counties throughout Middle Tennessee

"You can't expect people to go to the doctor when they don't have a roof over their head."

- Amna Osman

Cannon, Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Macon, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Smith, Stewart, Sumner, Trousdale, Williamson, Wilson

2024

N A T IO NA L G R A N T S

1 grantee

5 grantees

10+ grantees

$25 provides 10 healthy meals

$100 keeps the heat on this month for a family

$500 helps cover antiretroviral medications for someone without health insurance

Broadway Cares’ 2024 National Grants Program awarded $8.8 million to 466 social service organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

$10,000

clients throughout 17 counties in

Broadway Bets

IPoker Tournament Shuffles Up and Deals Night to Remember

ndustry insiders, celebrated stars and Broadway fans alike raised the stakes and a record-breaking total at Broadway’s official game night Broadway Bets.

A royal flush of players featured leading luminaries from across the business of Broadway, including theater owners, producers, actors, theatrical executives, advertising and marketing leaders and fans. Among the stars of stage and screen playing in the tournament or observing the action were Shoshana Bean, David Costabile, Brandon Victor Dixon, Eli Gelb, Ramin Karimloo, Andy Karl, Alicia Keys, Richard Kind and Marc Summers.

This year’s record took Broadway Bets’ total fundraising across its seven editions to $2.2 million.

The evening started with 37 Texas Hold ’em poker tables and 476 tournament players and onlookers filling three floors of the beloved Sardi’s. It culminated in 10 players donning their best poker faces at the championship table.

The riveting final face-off featured Hannah Katz, contracts coordinator at Broadway Across America, and Nicholas Hipple, labor relations assistant at The Nederlander Organization.

“I just kept meeting the most wonderful people at the tables all night,” Katz said. “Sitting down at the final table was surreal.”

Surrounded by an energized and enthusiastic crowd, Hipple went all-in after several rounds of play, while Katz remained cool as her pile of chips towered over the table. Ultimately, Katz bested Hipple with a pair of aces.

“I couldn’t believe I won on a pair,” Katz, who is the first woman to be crowned Broadway Bets champion, said. “I had bluffed at the final table a few hands before. Being cheered on by my coworkers as the night went on and being surrounded by a crowd as I was putting down cards felt like a movie.”

As winner, Katz received a one-week stay at the luxurious Secret Villas in Key West, FL. Hipple won four Legends Suite tickets to a New York Yankees home game.

Broadway Bets’ tournament directors were Mark Shacket, partner at Foresight Theatrical, Brett Sirota, co-founder and partner at The Road Company and RoadCo Entertainment, and Alex Wolfe, associate general manager at Foresight Theatrical. Broadway Bets’ founding co-chairs are Paul Libin, executive vice president emeritus of Jujamcyn Theaters and president emeritus of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees, and Robert E. Wankel, chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization and president of the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Board of Trustees.

Broadway Bets was made possible by “Royal Flush” sponsors City National Bank, the official bank of Broadway Bets, and United Airlines, the official airline of Broadway Bets; bar sponsors An Enemy of the People and Stereophonic; and The Museum of Broadway.

“Full House” table sponsors were The Shubert Organization, Foresight Theatrical, 321 Theatrical Management, AKA, ATG Entertainment, The Araca Group, Hell’s Kitchen, The John Gore Organization (Broadway Across America, Broadway.com), The Nederlander Organization, No Guarantees, The Outsiders, The Pekoe Group, PRG, RCI Theatricals, The Road Company, Satisfi Labs, Serino Coyne, SpotCo, Sweet Hospitality Group and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP. “Two Pair” sponsors were CAA, Disney Theatrical Group, MagicSpace Entertainment, RoadCo Entertainment, Rolnick Kramer Sadighi LLP, Situation, Sony Music Masterworks, TodayTix Group, Winston Jones Productions, Withum and WME.

Broadway Barks

ERainy Day Brightened by Furry Friends Finding Loving Homes

ven a sudden storm couldn’t rain on the parade of dozens of adoptable four-legged friends as Broadway’s brightest helped them find fur-ever homes at Broadway Barks in New York City’s Shubert Alley. The 26th edition of the annual event, founded by Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadette Peters, was hosted by Peters and Sutton Foster on August 3.

In the first, sun-drenched hours of the event, booths brimming with precious pups and air-conditioned vans filled with fabulous felines invited theater enthusiasts to meet their new furry friends.

Among them was Tony Award winner Victoria Clark, who fell head-over-paws for a puppy named Jayme from rescue group 1 Love 4 Animals. By the end of the day, Jayme had joined Ollie, a golden retriever Clark adopted at a past Broadway Barks, at her

As clouds began to form, the audience of pet-loving Broadway fans were delighted by Shoshana Bean and Betsy Wolfe’s impromptu

rendition of “Take Me or Leave Me” from Rent. Then, Peters and Foster shared a heart-warming take on “Old Friends” from Merrily We Roll Along, joined by a starry ensemble, just as rain began to fall.

The joyful day came to a swift end immediately after the song, though, because of the arrival of lightning with the thunderstorms. More than 30 Broadway actors were waiting in the wings, including Dorian Harewood, Nikki M. James, Jeremy Jordan, Sky Lakota-Lynch and Eddie Redmayne. Though these stars didn’t hit the Broadway Barks stage, their passion for helping pets in need drove a successful day of 44 animal adoptions.

Broadway Barks featured adoptable animals from 22 New York City area animal shelters and rescue groups. Since its inaugural event in 1988, more than 2,100 cats and dogs have found loving homes through Broadway Barks

Broadway Barks producers were Richard Hester, Patty Saccente and Scott T. Stevens in partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Fire Island Dance Festival

Annual Festival Shines with Seven World Premieres

Billy Griffin’s journey with Dancers Responding to AIDS began as an intern in 2007 during his senior year at New York University. Seventeen years - and a celebrated career as a Broadway dancer and theater choreographer - later, Griffin shared the world premiere of his “Get Happy” at this summer’s Fire Island Dance Festival

“I had been part of the festival in many different ways over the years - as an intern, a dancer and associate choreographer,” Griffin said. “But to finally present something of my own was a surreal experience. It goes to show that when a seed is planted, it can manifest in so many special ways.”

The piece was among the world premieres and celebrated works presented at this year’s record-breaking edition of Fire Island Dance Festival. The longest-running charitable and cultural event in Fire Island Pines raised a record $767,712 for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Griffin’s piece was set to and inspired by a version of “Get Happy,” originally sung and danced by Debbie Gravitte, which served as a pivotal backdrop during his personal coming-of-age.

“I watched this dancer move to this music, and something was awakened in me,” Griffin said. “It was a time when I was coming

to terms with so many things about myself, my sexuality and this desire to create and live a life in theater and dance. So when I had a chance to create a full work to this music, it just felt right. It felt aligned.”

The piece was embodied by Broadway’s Aydin Eyikan, who stripped himself down to share Griffin’s story of coming to terms with being gay and the layers you shed in that process. In a joyful exploration of pirouettes and flips, exquisite lines and extensions, Eyikan personified the exultant celebration that only comes with accepting your truest self.

Griffin’s work was among nine diverse performances shared on a breathtaking stage on the Pines’ Great South Bay.

Ingrid Silva, co-founder of Blacks in Ballet, presented the world premiere of The Future is Now

Visionary choreographer Pontus Lidberg explored the trust, vulnerability and sensuality of human connection in his new duet, A Delicate Balance, with celebrated Kurdish dancer Hussein Smko.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater dancer and choreographer Chalvar Monteiro presented the world premiere of

Into Me, See. The Dying Swan, a work that has been presented by some of the world’s most legendary ballerinas for more than a century, was stunningly brought to life by American Ballet Theatre principal Catherine Hurlin.

Lauded New York City Ballet soloist Gilbert Bolden III shared the world premiere of his Refraction. The bounds of ballet expanded on the Fire Island stage in the world premiere of buzzworthy choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat’s Interstate. Acclaimed contemporary choreographer Akira Uchida explored the intrinsic connection between music and feeling deeply alive in the world premiere of Throb.

Paul Taylor Dance Company closed each performance with an excerpt from resident choreographer Lauren Lovette’s lauded Echo.

Tony Award winner Beth Leavel, most recently seen in Broadway’s Lempicka, hosted the festival’s three performances with effervescent charm and bawdy humor.

Leadership Supporters kicked off the festival weekend at the Albert Lepage Outdoor Pavilion at Whyte Hall. Fire Island Dance Festival favorite Caleb Teicher put a festive twist on their New York Times’ critics pick SW!NG OUT with its special holiday revival, A Very SW!NG OUT Holiday. The Leadership Event was generously sponsored by Paul Austin and Dalip Girdhar.

Since its premiere in 1995, Fire Island Dance Festival has raised more than $9.2 million.

Dancers Responding to AIDS and Broadway Cares continued their commitment to health care in Fire Island Pines community with a $25,000 grant again this year to the Pines Care Center.

“Dancers Responding to AIDS was the first organization that showed me that you can use your art, the things that bring you alive, to have an impact on people’s well-being,” Griffin said. “They showed me that together, what a difference we can make.”

Fire Island Dance Festival was generously supported by corporate sponsors The New York Times and United, the official airline of Broadway Cares, with additional support from the P. Austin Family Foundation and The Charles and Lucille King Family Foundation in memory of Diana King.

SSpring Fling

Broadway Enthusiasts Cross Finish Line

and Make a Difference

et upon the shimmering backdrop of the “blue purple yellow red water” of the Hudson River, theater enthusiasts ran and walked in the NYCRUNS Spring Fling 5K & 10K on Sunday, April 6. In its second edition, the Broadway Run event united the theatrical running community in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

More than 2,000 participants gathered on NYC’s Governor’s Island on the brisk and cloudy day. Among the runners were 180 passionate fundraisers who raised a spectacular $85,013 for Broadway Cares.

The Broadway Cares runners chased away the morning chill with a whimsical pre-race warm up hosted by Mark Fisher Fitness, a Hell’s Kitchen institution beloved in the performing arts community. After the warm-up, the race began with a show-stopping performance of the national anthem from Days of Wine and Roses’ Nicole Ferguson, who then jumped in to complete the 5K race.

The course included stellar views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. The impact of the event reached throughout New York City and across the country through the nutritious meals, medication and health care being provided by the fundraising efforts.

Those who joined the race through Broadway Cares pledged to each raise a minimum of $250, which provides 25 HIV tests at a clinic or 100 healthy meals for those living with HIV/AIDS or dealing with other debilitating illnesses.

The fundraisers featured theater fans, actors, stagehands, musicians and stage managers, running and walking side-by-side to break personal records and help Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provide healthy meals, medication and emergency assistance. Included in the line-up were teams representing Broadway’s The Book of Mormon, Days of Wine and Roses and Spamalot

Actor Bruce Sabath was the top individual fundraiser, raising $4,056. He was followed by Nick Mayo, Zena Kaufman, Sarah Cardillo and Sierra Gamble. The top fundraising team was from Mark Fisher Fitness. Team runners up represented the Broadway Cares staff, TodayTix, Days of Wine and Roses and Broadway media agency AKA.

Spring Fling 5K & 10K was generously sponsored by Accenture, Cigna, KPMG and Mark Fisher Fitness.

Sharing Resources

National Tour of Les Misérables Sends Support to Canada’s Entertainment Industry

In the closing number of Les Misérables, Jean Valjean sings, “to love another person is to see the face of God.” That love and generosity of spirit was felt in Canada this spring during the national tour of Les Misérables’ Toronto stop. The company came together to raise $137,233 CAD for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The AFC, the Canadian equivalent of the Entertainment Community Fund. The funds were raised during the tour’s participation in the Spring Fundraising Campaign and split between the two organizations. The AFC helps Canadian entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work by providing emergency financial assistance, mental health resources, housing options, health care options and more.

The Notebook Shares Fundraising Success with Alzheimer's Organizations

Broadway’s The Notebook follows the enduring love story of Noah and Allie, told through the pair’s flashbacks amid Allie’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The timeless power of love prevails, as does the pain and heartbreak that ripples through a family affected by Alzheimer’s. To honor the themes shared in the musical, the company of The Notebook and Broadway Cares presented $10,000 from the show’s Spring Fundraising Campaign efforts to two essential organizations: the Alzheimer's Association and CaringKind. The grants will go toward the acceleration of disease research, in addition to ensuring compassionate care for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Water for Elephants Expands Accessibility and Educational Opportunities for Artists

The high-flying magic of Water for Elephants extends far beyond the stage. In celebration of the show’s larger-than-life circus acts and awe-inspiring puppetry, the company of Water for Elephants and Broadway Cares shared, from the show’s Spring Fundraising Campaign efforts, $5,000 each to three arts organizations. Connecting Circus Students Around the World works to increase accessibility and funding for circus artists of all backgrounds. CO/LAB Theater Group provides individuals with developmental disabilities a creative and social outlet through theater arts. And the Center for Puppetry Arts educates, enlightens and entertains children and adults about the wonder and art of puppetry.

Passionate Donors Host Custom Events to Make a Difference

NextGen Advocate Matthew Amsterdam presented readings of Scroooooge, a whimsical twist on the beloved A Christmas Carol, when he was in high school and college. When he had the idea to produce the reading again in adulthood, he was inspired to transform it into a fundraiser for Broadway Cares.

“This staged reading was adapted from the source material by a man named Charles Scotland, who, I kid you not, was the cartoonist in residence of my K-12 school here in Manhattan,” Amsterdam said. “This piece has been a cherished part of my life for years. We packed the house of my Hamilton Heights bar Bird In Hand, cast the show full of actor friends and got together to make a difference.”

Amsterdam is one of the driven Broadway Cares donors who have channeled their creativity and dedication into crafting their own fundraising events for the organization.

For Angels Circle member Tobias Banks and his partner, Matthew Villegas, their inspiration to host a fundraiser came from their love of Broadway Cares’ annual event Broadway Backwards. The pair live in Columbus, OH, and wanted to share the New York City-based event with local friends and family. They donated to Broadway Cares to receive a recording of the performance, and hosted a viewing party.

with them. It’s made even more special by the fact that we made an impact with our fundraising and spread more awareness of the work of Broadway Cares.”

That drive to share the lifesaving impact of Broadway Cares empowered Leadership Council member Alicia Wyckoff and her husband Bob to host an intimate cocktail party at their home in New Canaan, CT. Among 40 of their closest friends, the couple shared why Broadway Cares is important to them, while encouraging their friends to get involved.

They brought Broadway flair to the evening with a performance from Q. Smith, who is starring in The Hills of California. And Broadway Cares executive director Tom Viola spoke, highlighting the impact that Broadway Cares donors have on the lives of those in need within the theater community and across the country.

“We’re passionate about supporting Broadway Cares because our love of theater brings us such joy, and we want to create a safety net for the talented individuals who bring the medium to life,” Alicia Wyckoff said.

“And to know that in just one evening we raised enough money to provide 665 uninsured artists with access to medical care is an honor and a privilege.”

“We invited a group of friends over, put out one of Broadway Cares’ iconic Red Buckets and hosted an informal watch party with our friends,” Banks said. “It was easy to do and such a fun way to get our Broadway-loving friends together and share something we love

For more information on how you can get started in creating your own custom fundraising event, please contact Brian Marshall, senior development officer, at marshall@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 247.

NextGen Spotlight

Broadway’s Best and Brightest-To-Be Gather for One-Night-Only Performanc e

Under the bright lights and intimate warmth of NYC’s Green Room 42, Back to the Future - The Musical’s Jelani Remy spearheaded an evening dedicated to the future of Broadway.

“We are spotlighting the next generation of artists on the brink of stardom,” Remy, the evening’s director and host, said. “We have new works destined for a home here in New York City. And tonight, we celebrate the champions and mentors here in our community.”

Broadway’s brightest talents joined emerging stars for NextGen Spotlight on September 16. The one-night-only performance was presented by Broadway Cares’ NextGen Advocates and benefited Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The spectacular lineup of Remy, Nick Alvino, Amber Ardolino, Ali Louis Bourzgui, Afra Hines, Norm Lewis, Joy Woods, Jimmy Award winner Lauren A. Marchand, Chase Peacock and emerging artist Turner Riley shared songs, stories and sage wisdom about breaking into the industry.

The artists reflected on the educators who’ve guided and inspired them along their journey. Ardolino, who made her Broadway principal debut earlier this year in A Beautiful Noise,

The Neil Diamond Musical, spoke fondly about her theater teacher, Sharon Schaller, before breaking into a show-stopping twist on “The Music and The Mirror” from A Chorus Line.

Tony Award nominee and the evening’s mentor Norm Lewis sang a stunning rendition of “Make Them Hear You” from Ragtime. He reflected on the serendipity of his career leading to this moment.

“It makes me feel so good to be here on this stage with the NextGen. It’s kind of full circle,” Lewis said. “Ali and Afra, they were in [the revival of] The Who’s Tommy, which was my Broadway debut 31 years ago.”

Not only did the evening provide a peek at the next generation of Broadway talent, it also raised $20,492 to provide warm meals, lifesaving medication and hope to people in need across the country. The NextGen Advocates are young professional ambassadors committed to supporting the work of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

LEARN MORE

broadwaycares.org/nextgen

Visionary Circle and Angels Circle

The following are members of the Visionary Circle and Angels Circle as of September 30, 2024. Names in bold indicate Premier Visionaries and Archangels, donors who increased their gift by 25 percent or more over the previous year. Contributions are not related to event ticket or merchandise purchases.

We thank these Visionaries and Angels who provide essential support for those affected by HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses across the country.

For more information about the benefits of the Visionary Circle or Angels Circle visit broadwaycares.org/angels or contact Brian Marshall at marshall@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 247.

Luminary

gifts from $100,000 and above

Elizabeth Armstrong

Craig Newmark Philanthropies

The Dream Alliance

The Fred Ebb Foundation

The Shubert Organization

Peg & Gary Wendlandt

Beacon

gifts from $50,000 to $99,999

Jerry & Terri Kohl

Hugh Jackman

Lee Perlman & Linda Riefberg

Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White

The Ted Snowdon Foundation

Brian S. Snyder

Hollis Stern

Jodi & Howard Tenenbaum

Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch

Anonymous

Trailblazer

gifts from $25,000 to $49,999

John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt

Terry & William Biggins

Laura M. Boedeker

The Crimson Lion / Lavine Family Foundation

James & Debbie Burrows

Gavin Corcoran in memory of

Charles Wallace Collier

William W. Donnell

Toni Downey

Mary D. Fisher

Myrna & Freddie Gershon in memory of Steve Sondheim

Joy Henshel

Judi Krupp in memory of Rebecca Luker

Larry L. Luing Family Foundation

Judith Light & Robert Desiderio

Richard Lin & Evan Zazula

Visionary Circle

Mary Lea Johnson Richards 1997

Charitable Trust in memory of

Mary Lea Johnson Richards & Martin Richards

James L. Nederlander & Margo M. Nederlander

Mary C. & Richard J. Parrish

The Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation, San Francisco

Spencer Ross

Jeffrey Seller

Jayne Baron Sherman

The Terrence McNally Foundation and Tom Kirdahy

The Zarley Family Foundation Anonymous (2)

Innovator

gifts from $10,000 to $24,999

Whitney Arcaro

Ward Auerbach & Andy Baker*

Bainbridge Foundation

The Barbara Epstein Foundation Inc.

Walter Bobbie & David Frye

Roy Brayton & Mickey Sullivan

Barbara Broccoli

Butkiewicz Family Foundation in honor of Judy Wheeler & Tim Regan

The Calamus Foundation

The Carl Jacobs Foundation

Jill & John Chalsty in heartfelt gratitude to Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli

Deborah Dakin

Scott Dainton in memory of Andy Zerman

Charles Deull

The Diller-Von Furstenberg Family Foundation

Frank Duff & John Okuloski

Robert Evers

Jules Fisher & Graciela Daniele

Ronald Flesch

The Fosdick Fund

Keith Fox & Tom Keyes

Ronald & Susan Frankel

Kenneth R. Fulton

Rick Garman and the Savannah Cabaret

Emmanuelle Gattuso

Thomas Gentile in honor of

James Raper

George & Irina Schaeffer Foundation

Valerie Gordon-Johnson & Doug Johnson

Megan Haller & Peter Rice

Harriett D. Kittner Foundation

Alan Hassell* in loving memory of H. Thomas Axt

Larry Hirschhorn & Melissa Posen

Jeffrey L. Jackman

The John D. Evans Foundation Ilana Kameros

Greg Kammerer & Frederick M. White

Henry L. Kimelman Family Foundation

Arabella Langhorne

Joe Lanteri*

Deirdre & Mark LeMire

Joseph Levi

Paul & Florence Rowe Libin

Leslie Lyles

Leslie & Jordan Mayer

Irene Mecchi

William Megevick in memory of Larz Anderson

Stephanie & Carter McClelland

Kati Meister

Abigail Merrill

Marianne McGrath Mills

Miranda Family Fund

Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont in memory of Annette & Stuart Mont, Dan Cordle and in honor of Joan Cordle

Javier Morgado in memory of Eddie Sweetnam

Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal

Nathan Noh

The Oliver Fund: in loving memory of Babe and Sonny Scott

Stephen Paine

Michael Perez & Jason Lane

Vaso Petsagourakis

Michael C. Ray

Michael Raymond & Andrew Moyer

Barbara Rohdie*

Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy

The Rosenbloom Family

Meryl Rosofsky & Stuart H. Coleman*

The Ross Foundation

Wendy B. Samuel

Scarlet Feather Fund

John E Schumacher in honor of Joan Johns Schumacher

Isabelle Searle

Amy Sherman-Palladino

Beth Siegelman

Paula L. Sindlinger

Margaret L. Stern

Rob Stoll

Jules, Kate and Elliott Styles

Steve Sweet

Lynn & Bruce Surry

Steve Symonds

The Tapper Gorevic Family

Theatrical Stage Employees

Local One/IATSE

The Venable Foundation

Tom Viola in happy memory of Scott Barnes

John Voege & Geoffrey Paul

David Wackman & Jason Rardin

The Waldman Foundation

Barbara Whitman

The Winston Foundation

Terrence J. Witter & Artie de la Cruz

Diane M. & Kevin Wilshere

Alicia & Bob Wyckoff

John Yonover

Doc Zorthian in honor of Ben Lipitz

Anonymous (9)

Anonymous*

Guardian

gifts from $5,000 to $9,999

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation

The Alpuche Family

The Alice Ghostley Foundation

Richard Ambrose

Sarah Ashman & Ron Gillespie in memory of Howard Ashman

Barbara Baekgaard

Bardo Arts (Alex Pearlman)

Douglas Bella & David Hunt

Kristin & Jim Bender

Bendit Family Foundation

Nancy Duggan Benson

Mark Bergamini & Christopher Oates*

Lynn A. Booth

John Bowab

Bruce Burg

Patricia & Carroll Cathey

Cathy Chernoff

Mitchell & Christine Clarfield

Samantha & Drew Cohen in memory of Richard Salfas and Michael Friedman

Paul & Kelly Cole

Dr. Mitchell A. Combs & Frank C. Druse III

James E. Conte

Gavin Creel

E. Gerald Dabbs, M.D.

Mike DelBene

Drew Desky & Dane Levens

David DeSocio

Val DiFebo & J Dixon Byrne in memory of Gavin Creel

Linda Duncombe

Doug Eichman & Michael C. Yount

Ellen Esposito

Jennifer Flackett & Mark Levin

Lauren Foley

Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon

Judy Gluckstern*

Dan Goggin

Jan & Steven Golann

Peter & Roberta Gottlieb

Amanda Green & Jeffrey Kaplan

Leslie G. Gutierrez

Paul Guyardo & Victoria Perla

James F. Haag

The Herb Ritts, Jr. Foundation

Theresa D. Herman

Angels Circle

Susan R. Hoffman

Kathy Inch

The Joe & Hellen Darion Foundation, Inc.

John L. McHugh Foundation

Cherry Jones in memory of Roscoe Gilliam

Kelly Karavites in memory of my loving spouse Francis P. King

Karma Foundation

David Kernahan**

Gary & Jane Klopfer

LaFountaine Family Foundation**

Kelly Lake

Carol Leif

Randy K. & Stephen P. Liken

Tom Lombardi

Jennifer Manocherian

Tom Marshall & Kathy Keneally

Elizabeth Martinez & Nicholas Baldick

Heather J. McDonald

Jacque & Charles McLaughlin

Jennifer Melin Miller & David Miller

Miriam Schaeffer Family Foundation

Jerry Mitchell & Ricky Schroeder

Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont in memory of Annette & Stuart

Mont, Dan Cordle and in honor of Joan Cordle

William Morey in memory of Christopher Tisone

Janissa Muller

Sarah Anne Munson

Judith A. Nelson** in memory of Wayne McCarthy

Nora Roberts Foundation

Lisa Orberg

Tony Origlio & Kip Vanderbilt

The PATH Fund/Rockers on Broadway

Christina Pena

Randall A. Shields & Harrison Yeoh

Susan Cohen Rebell

Monica & Greg Reid

Stephen Kroll Reidy* in memory of Carolyn

Kroll Reidy

Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder

Richard and Diane Weinberg

Family Foundation

Richenthal Foundation

Jose Rojas, Jr. & Nina Cavalli in memory of Austin Rojas

Norman Rubenstein

Paul Russell & Beryl Raff

Megan M. Savage

Ryan Schultz -

Cherry City Metals

Barbara Schrader

Barry Skovgaard & Marc Wolinsky

Robin Skye

Eileen R. Stein

Abbie Strassler

John Tartaglia

Theatrical Wardrobe Union

Local 764 IATSE

Seth Tribble & David Vansuch

Glenn M. Troost & Brett D. Gilbert

Michael Tsapakos

Rose Turner

Robert Tyrer

Richard J. Underwood

Judy Vincent

David J Wermuth & Jennifer Kroman

Jayne Williams

Russ Woolley

Robert E. Zimmerman

William P Zanetis in memory of Christopher Tripp Zanetis

David Zippel & Michael Johnston Anonymous (6) Anonymous (4)

Champion

gifts from $2,500 to $4,999

Kathleen Aber

Randy Adams

Amy Abrams

David Alperson

Gerry & Hank Alpert*

George Annarella in memory of his wife Corinne Guttman and his brother-in-law

Les Guttman

Maryann F. Antell

Gerald M. Appelstein*

Kathleen E. Bandhu

Anne Banfield

Catherine Bannister

Jordan Barbakoff & Philip Jeffery in loving memory of Rob Sinacore

Bob Barrack & Barbara Leistner in honor of John Schumacher

Kari Bassett

Jack W. Batman & Sidney J. Burgoyne

Gary Belis

Benjamin & Seema Pulier Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Dr. Benton & Rachel Brown

Andrew Berdon*

Elaine D. Berger

Mark Bernhardt*

Amy Bermudez

Claude Bernstein & Melody Wang

Phillip Bettencourt

Patricia T. Bisesto

Casey Blass & Lee Manford

The Blythe-Kristiansen Family

Ann Marie & Robert Borsdorf

Kenneth Brendlinger & Paul Inver

Carol Bresler & Carolyn Billinghurst

Scott Brittingham in memory of Christopher Caruso

The Broadway Cruise in Honor of Amelia Freeman

Thomas W. Brock

Tracy A. Cameron

Howard Camhi

Andrew Caravella

Cristina Carlson

David Cartee

Cunningham Escott Slevin & Doherty

Marc Chalet & James Ting

Girlie Chang & Michael Vermut

The Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation, Inc. in memory of Bob & Muriel Kennedy

Michael & Diane Christian*

Neel Chopdekar & Thom Allcock

Michelle Ciccarello

Alissa Cipriano

Gloria & Charles I. Clough Jr.

Clinton A. Cobb

Ricky Coombs & Seth Stuhl

Francois Conradie & Nick Smit

Robert N. Cory & Shuichiro Takeda*

Susan & Andrew Cott

Thomas Cott* in memory of Philip Carlson

Karen & James Courtney

Michael David & Lauren Mitchell

Jeffrey De Korte

Maria Di Dia in loving memory of Doug Salmon

Joe Dimino

Salvatore E. Dirschberger

Andrew S. Dolkart

Mark Donofrio & Alexander Lach*

Judy & Tim Dove*

Thomas Dwyer

Thor Eckert

Anthony Ellenbogen

Theo Elliman*

Deborah & Matt Ellis

Sam Ellis in honor of Valarie Silver Ellis

Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz

James T. Evans, PhD, JD

Craig Faircloth

John & Margaret Falk*

James & Anna Fantaci

Robert Faust & Roger Kluge*

James Fedigan

Daniel Feinstein

Camden & Debra Fine

Ken Finkelstein

Kelly Finzer in honor of Michael DelBene

Larry Fischer & Joseph Rispo

Melina Fisher*

Kevin & Helen Flanagan*

Charles Flateman & Gail Goldstein

Dr. Jonathan Foster

Dale J. Fournier & Michael R. Wellington*

Sean Free

Jennifer Futch

The Gelfand Family Foundation

Darrell M.W. George & Scott Turner*

Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson

John Paul Geurts & Robert W. Stolt

Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor

Dale Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser

Hanna & Mark Gleiberman

Justin Gleiberman

Sherri Goldberg

Gramercy Park Foundation

Howard Grossman, M.D.

Guimarin Family

Glenn Gundersen

Addie Guttag

Diann Hall in memory of John Rainwater

John F. Hart & Chuck R. Miller

Tom Harvey & Manny Correia

Gail L. Heinemeyer

Kurt F. Webb Heyssel

Alma M. Hirsch in memory of Judi Hirsch

Susan & Neal Hirsch

William S. Hoover, M.D.

Bill Hutton in memory of Dr. Joel D. Weisman

Rach Ireland

Jimmy Jackson

Jerome S. Glazer Foundation

Gina Purlia Johnson & Kent Johnson

Joe & Jill Kale

Howard & Debby Kaminsky

Mark Kaplan

Milly & Robert Kayyem

Karen E. Kennedy in memory of Muriel & Bob Kennedy

Samantha S. Kennedy

Emily J. Klopfer

Dawn Landino

Bishop Alexis Larue

William Lauch

Lisa K. Lawler

Christopher Leary*

Sunhee Lee & Laird Zacheis

Larry & Beth Lenke

The Lenore & Howard Klein Foundation

Ronald Lieberman &

Lauren Schwartz

William Ludel & Tracy Cohen

Eric Luftig

Steve Lukens

Kevin R. Lyle & Renee Chatelain

Mark & William Macatee

Fran Macferran

John J. Mackerey

Barbara Manocherian

John Mansell & Tim House

Nina Matis & Alan Gosule*

Max and Bella Stein

Charitable Trust

Jennifer Mayer

The McCabe Family Foundation

Patrick McCarthy

Richard McCune & Brian Carroll

Mary Beth & Dave McDonough in memory of Eileen Deehan & Emily McDonough

Peter McKown & Kenneth Heng*

Drew & Danyel McLellan

Svend Mejdal

Jeff Meleski & Steve Markov

Elliott & Cathy Masie

Eli Milbaur*

Katherine N. Miller

Michael Mills & Mark McGrath

Dr. James J. Mohr

Art Moore

Joe P & Edna B Moore Jr

William Moore

Jason & Debbie Moss

Nao Murakami

Nelco Foundation

Bebe Neuwirth & Chris Calkins*

Tony Napoli & Gary Newman

Mr. & Mrs. Frank P. Nocco

Sandy & Ellen Nusbaum

Joseph Obermayer

Paul Oppedisano

Michael Paleos

Gregg Passin

Greg & Tracey Petersen

Amy Peterson

Erik Piecuch & Alex Wright

The Pietenpol Family

Kat Pinheiro & John Merenda

Gloria Piraino

Adam Potter & Tom Wallace

Dr. Judith Quick

Ron Rafay

Ray Wetmore Productions

Jonathan Rebell & Noah Levine

Scott & Suzie Rehl

Jana Rich & Jill Nash

Richard F. Walsh/

Alfred W. Di Tolla/

Harold P. Spivak Foundation

Carol Risher

Sharon Marsh Roberts

Rose Brand

Harry B. Rosenberg in loving memory of Adrienne Rosenberg

Paul Rossi

Moe & Jack Rouse

Michael J. Rutkowski & Timothy W. Harper

Lief Sannen in memory of Michael Schilke

The Sartain and Tamez

Family Trust Fund

Nick Scandalios

Schaffer Family Foundation

Matthew Schermerhorn & Andy Rice

The Schroeder Family in memory of John T. Schroeder

Will Schwalbe & David Cheng

Adam Schwab

Jennifer Scott

Jim Scully

John Eric Sebesta & William Tomai

Frank Selvaggi & Bill Shea

Elliott R. Sernel

Ali Sher

Dan Silver & Doug Martino

John Smith & Edward Escoto

Bill & Larry Tabbit-Humphrey

Carol & Bill Gross

Josh Taylor & Joseph Grossmann

Carol Terry

Peter M. Thomas in memory of Lori Black Thomas

Amy F. Thompson

Anthony Thompson*

Jeffrey Trachtman & Peter Chao

Frances & Paul Turner

Mark Tynan

Beth M. Uffner

Robert Viggiano & The Spectrum

Charitable Foundation

Carol Waaser

Alice Wang & Peter Spiegelman

Dr. Robert Warner in honor of Eli Faber

Cindy Weil

Todd M. Whitley & Gary O. Holder* in loving memory of James Roe

Mr. & Mrs. Richard C. Wiggers in memory of T. Thorne Wiggers

Scott Wilcox

Jeff Woodman in memory of Melvin Bernhardt

Christian Zimmermann* in loving memory of my beloved husband Richard M. Kielar

Anonymous (4) Anonymous (2) Anonymous*

Ambassador

gifts from $1,000 to $2,499

Scott & Paula Aaronson in honor of Zach Aaronson

Actors’ Equity Foundation

Charles & Deborah Adelman*

Carol Aebersold

Richard Ahrens in loving memory of Gloria Rosenthal

Susan M. Allardice

Matthew Amsterdam

Mark Andrews

Lee R. Anisman M.D.

The Apatow-Mann

Family Foundation

Scott Archimbaud & Patrick Douglass

Charles Ardai

Michael Arellano & Tom Burley

Joan Arenstein

David Glenn Armstrong in joyful memory of Peter Frame

Jonathan Aronowitz & Bradley Scalise*

Scott D. Arsham

Austin Community Foundation

Jay Axelrod

Dr. Don Bacigalupi & Daniel Feder

Jon Robin Baitz

Cornelius Baker

Cristina & Wassim Ballout

Ian & Kim Band

Tobias Banks & Matthew Villegas

Marie E. Barbieri

John Barnes & Charles Champagne

Sena Baron*

The Barrington Foundation Inc.

Christopher Barth

Scott Bartolf, CPA

Elizabeth Bawden

Beech Street Foundation

Neil E. Beecher in loving memory of Vern Richards

Nan & Joe Benincasa

Kevin Berg

Karen Bergreen

Carol & Walter Berman

Joni Bessler & Casey Baum

Shaul Betesh

Phil & Mary Beuth

Jon Bierman

Robert Billig & Richard Vida

Joseph Billone

Michael Birbiglia

Mark Black & Glen Leiner

Blitzer Family Foundation

Jeff Blumenkrantz & Jeffrey Kwong

David Boger in memory of Terry Brenneis

Matthew Bonilla

Miranda Book & Linda Dingler

BOOM ~ Broadway Official

Online Masterclass ~

Rory Hughes

Susan Bowman

Bob Boyett

Loraine Alterman Boyle

Linda Pritz Boynton

Shirley Brandman & Howard Shapiro

Kevin Breen in memory of Harry Gold

Hilde Breitbart

Nyle Brenner

Betty Broadhurst

Terri Brody

J. Arthur Brost

Barry Brown & Douglas Cohn, D.V.M.

Jeffrey Brown & Anthony Tan

Loren B. Brown

Daniel & Rhonda Bruening

Corey Brunish & Jessica Rose Brunish

Karen & David Brush

Michael Buchanan

Buchwald

Gregg & Christine Buckbinder

Diana Buckhantz/Vladimir & Araxia Buckhantz Foundation

David Burke

Fern & Thomas S. Burr

Michelle L. Butler

Mr. Lem Byers & Mr. Derek Kuhl

Gary Bynum

Jeffrey D. Byrne*

Michael-Demby Cain*

Kathleen Campbell & William Reed

CD&R Foundation in honor of Jennifer Kozumplik

Christopher Cara

Sarah & Frank Cardillo

Len Cariou & Heather Summerhayes

Debra & Kim Carmichael

The Carol Moss Foundation in honor of Kathryn Gallagher & The Gallagher Family

Frank Carucci & David Diamond

celebrating LaMaMa’s 62nd Anniversary

Donna B. Case

James Cassaro

Ronald Casty

Deborah & Steven Cavalier

Beth & George Caviness

Christine R. Cerabone

Ken Cerniglia & Adrien Lanusse in memory of Richard Parker

Helen Davis Chaitman

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Chalfant, Jr.

Stockard Channing

David Charak

Charles & Margaret Levin

Family Foundation

Michael & Karen Charlton

David & Paula Leggett Chase

Chasin/Gilden Family Fund, at the Boston Foundation

Jeffrey Chelesvig

Cheryl Wiesenfeld

Productions LLC

James & Susan Clarke

Joseph M. Clement

Edith Dee Cofrin

Evan Cohen

Brad & Kyong Coleman*

Mary & Michael Conklin

Frank Conway*

Casey Cook & Gary Steinkohl

Kenneth E. Cooke* in honor of Leslie Cooke

Wayne & Lisa Cooper*

Adam Coppoletti

Jeffrey Corbin & Massimo Pacilli

William Corsello

Frederick L. Corte Jr

Bronwen Cound & William Brody

Olivia and Grace Cowie

William Cox

Heather Creel

George Crow

Rob Crudden

The Cunin Family

Wojciech L. Czoch, M.D.

Richard Dabbs

Duke Dang & Charles Rosen* in loving memory of David Panzer

Scott & Tonya Daniels

Leonard & Catherine Darby

Ann M. Darmstaetter

Heather Davies

Camden Davis & Gregory McKnight

Clive Davis in honor of Richard Weitz

Paula Kaminsky Davis

Miguel De Los Reyes

Louis J. Denkovic

Jamie deRoy in memory of

Clovis Ruffin and Bradshaw Smith

John P. DeWitt &

Ghim Lay Yeo

James Digan

Suzi Dietz

Matt Donaldson & Steve Kyriakis

Edward R. Donovan

Susan & Robert Doran

David & Shari Dreier

Linda Doyle

Chelsea Dunlap

Rachel Dvorken &

Harry B. Rosenberg, Jr.

The Eagle

Christopher & Candace Edelmann in memory of Mark McClary

Mark Edwards

Felice Ehrlich

Valerie Eigner

Eric Emeric

Encore Engagement Solutions

Anne & Aaron Epstein

Sabin Epstein

Lori & Mickey Etkin

Joe Evall & Richard Lynn

Bonnie Pfeifer Evans*

Shane Ewen

Katie & Reade Fahs

Laura G. Fahsbender

Ken Fakler & Luc Bouchard-Fakler

David Fanger & Martin Wechsler*

Peter Farrell*

T.A. Fassburg

Richard Fatzinger & Ramon Contreras

Sarah Jo Fazio

Vicky Feather

Douglas A. Fellman

Kenneth & Caryl Field

Elaine Fieldman

The Figtree Family Foundation

Steven Filenbaum & Matthew Woolf, CFP

Donald M. Filicetti

Finke Family

Barry M. Fisher

Jeanne Donovan Fisher

Joal Fischer & Debbie Langsam

Elliot Fishman & Dale Abrams

Megan P. Fitzgerald

Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow

Doug Fogel

Scott Wells Ford

Edward & Lori Forstein

Mark Fortier & Jay Pagano*

David Foster

Sara & Michael Frank

Douglas Frantz

Avram & Rhoda Freedberg in honor of Steve & Debbie Faber, Meir & Karen Brunelle, Judith Ehrenshaft, Jules Haimovitz, and Michael & Sandra Kamen

Jon Freedberg & Maren Roccamonte

Jonathan Freeman

Barbara H. Freitag

Alison & Jim French*

James B. Freydberg

Corey Friedlander*

David Friedman & Shawn Moninger in memory of Shirley Friedman

Judith Z. Friedman

Merle Frimark in memory of James Rado

Pierre Frinault

David M. Fromm in memory of my partner Robert Motley

Sue Frost

Jill Furman

Nancy Gallt

Tom & Judy Garey

Thomas Garner*

Brad Garrett

David Gaudette & David Maue

Danni Gee* in memory of Alvin Ailey

Bruce & Alice Geismar

Barry Gelda in memory of Irene Lucille Bunis

Matt Geltmaker & Rod Dayley

George Zuber & Anthony Snyder

Charitable Fund at Our Fund Inc.

Todd Geringswald

Amy Gewirtz

Kimberly & Ed Gibbons

Denise & Keith Gillen

Bruce & Suzanne Glassman

Joan Glatman

Marcia Goldberg & Paul Garrity

Barbara Golden

Robyn Goodman

Gina & Kevin Gore

Neal Gorman & David Mann

Stefanie M. Gorman

Jennifer & Mark Greenberg

Douglas Greene

Janet Greene & Chap Chapman

Mr. & Mrs. Ira Greenstein

Mark Greenwald

Emily Greer

Lisa & Joshua Greer

Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner

Grossman Family

Charitable Funds

Barry & Maggie Grove

Jane Groveman & Cathy Tanelli*

Chris Guimarin

The Gunter Family Fund

Steven Guy

John Hadity

Cheryl & Fred Halpern

John Halpin in honor of the Leadership Council

Elizabeth Halverstam

Christina & Jerry Hamilton

Katie Hangley & Howard Simon

David G. Hanna* in memory of George & Norma Jane Hanna

Harbert Family Trust

Rachel Harley in honor of Mark Stine

Carrie Anne K. Harrell

Michael P. Harrell

Harris Family Foundation in honor of Michael Riedel

Geri & Rich Hastings

Jeffrey Hayenga & Michael Belanger

Heather Hayes

Matthew Helmerich in honor of Douglas Ward

Matty Helton

Stephen Henry

Donna Heppermann

Richard Hester & Michael Mastro in memory of Helen Hester

Jerry Hirsch

Lisa Hobbs

Jim Hoelz & William Welsh

Eileen S. Hoffman

Craig J. Horsley

Daphne Hsu & Jeff Rosen*

Bob & Tim Huber-Fischer

Dr. Jaime S. Huertas & Kenneth A. O’Brien*

Lyn Hughes & Arthur Ferrara

Moon Hui Kim

The Human Fund/ Mr. Denivaldo G. Dasilva & Ms. Sabrina Vasquenz-Dasilva

Sally Huxley

Roger Hyde & Mark Gibson*

Nicole Hyland

Peter L. Ianniello, PhD

Waldo & Jeanne Jackson

Tracy Jamar in loving memory of Monty Silver

Keith & Patti James

Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola

Jerl Machine Inc.

Jon & Kim Jodka

Stephanie Joel

Earl Johnson & Douglas Ward

Kemarie Jorgensen

Sachin & Suzanne Joshi

Barbara Josso & Liz Miloscia

Stacie Julian

Jessica Kahn & Scott Bieker

David A. Karlson

Mary Kaslick

Tom Kazmark

Shoshannah & Kevin Schraven

Judith E. Karp, MD & Stanley Freedman

Karin & Greg Kayne

Paul & LeeAundra Keany

Kerry A. Keenan

Celia Keenan-Bolger & John Ellison Conlee

Maureen Keller &

David L. Feinberg

James Kelliher

Jason Kelliher & Brian Rice

Max Kellogg

Mitchell & Julie Kertzman

Richard Kind

Jerianne S. Kladder

Virginia Klunder

F. Gary Knapp

Kathrin Knauf

David & Jennifer Knickel

Ann-Marie & John Knight

David J Knight

Chris & Kelly Koenig

Brian Koll, MD & David Altarac, MD

Konigsberg Family Fund

Dr. Ram Koppaka

Sarah Korda

Alix Korey & Randy Hansen

Steve Krause

David & Helen Kultgen

Robert J. Kunikoff

Richard & Dawn Kurth

Michael Kuzma

Phil Laduca

Craig & Sherri Landauer

Deborah & Rocco Landesman

Stephen & Kristina Lang

Jay Laudato & Thomas Watson

Brian Lawlor

Winston Bernard Layne*

Ginna Le Vine

Victoria McNeil Le Vine

Aster Leach & Family

Sandy & Michael Leahy

Michael & Jenna Lebowich

Stephanie Lee/Group Sales

Box Office

Hal & Jill Leibowitz

Justin Lehmann

Abbe Levin

Phyllis Levinthal in memory of Ruth & Sheldon Levinthal

Brian Levy & John Duff

Bjorn Liencres

Jeff Lindsay

Mark D. Lingenfelter

Rosalind Lippel*

Stuart Lippner in memory of Roberta Romano

Kris Lockley

Ann & Bruce Loeb

David & Angelica Longo

John T Love & Jeni Love

Lucy Simon Levine Trust

Donna & Larry Ludwig

Daniel Lundberg

Steven F. Lutz

Kelly McCormick &

Jonathan Blake

Jonna Mackin*

Tony Maida & Tony Volpe

Scott Mallalieu & Nat Fuchs

Robin & Stewart Mann

Barbara Brooke Manning

Jesse Manocherian

Judith Manocherian

Barbara & Jeffrey Marcus

Charles & Diane Marino

Thomas Marino

Barbara Marshall

Paul Martecchini & Michael Wlodkowski

Knox Martin*

Amanda Martocchio

John & Michelle Matteson*

Scott & Harriet Mauro

Gail Mautner and Mario Shaunette

Heather McAdam

Kerry McCormick

Kevin B. McGowan

Lori McNamara

David Mednikov

Meltsner Strategies

Kim Memeger

Janis & Alan Menken

Michael Halebian & Co. Inc.

Nancy Milasnovich Sympson

Cassandra M. Milbury in honor of E. Van Milbury

Gail Miller in celebration of Sophia Smith

Richard Miller & Roberto Konishi

David Miner

Lisa Mitchell

Kathleen Moloney

Mary Ann Moore

Rex Morgan

Elizabeth Morton in memory of Elizabeth Wilson

Adele Mouzon & Mark Perry

Scott & Holley Mosley

Sandy Mulligan in memory of Harvey Evans and Kenneth Bennett

Murray Family Foundation

Ruth Nerken

Maury Newburger

Barbara Newman

Paula Wagner & Rick Nicita

Albert Nocciolino

David O’Brien

Janice Oresman

Gabrielle & Michael Palitz

Michael Palm & Cameron Adams

Todd Palmer

Philip Paroian

Trish Parsons

The Paul & Emily Singer Family Foundation

Ralph L. Pellecchio & James C. Wernz, M.D.

Michelle M. Peters

Theresa & Pete Piliero

Joshua Plant

Charles Potts & Barron Segar

Arabella S. Powell in memory of Darius Barnes

Melody A. Powell in honor of John Michael Schott

Belinda Presser

Stephen R. Prest

Paige Price & Nevin Steinberg

Frances Pu QINK

Christopher Ranous

Eddie Redmayne

Rosalind Reed*

Dr. Eric Reiner*

Norman & Sandy Reisman in loving memory of Artie Gaffin

Teresa Reyes & Martin Monas*

Mark & Andrea Richard

Michelle & Dyson Richards

Dr. Jeffrey Rinkoff & Ms. Janis Rosenthal

Michael Risinger

Rita & Jeffrey Adler Family Foundation

Janet Robusto

Jonathan Rock & Patrick DelaCruz

Rodger Hess Productions

David Romero & David Greiss

Rosalind Productions

Rick Rosemarin

Kim & Ralph Rosenberg in honor of Sally Rosenberg

Sally Rosenberg & Bruce Charendoff

Mica Ross

Karen M. Roth*

Randolph & Diane Rowe

Phil & Dawn Rudolph

Michael Ruppal & Jim Roth

Ron Rydarowicz & Bill Figner

S & B Fisher Family Foundation

TJ Saad

Wynn J. Salisch

Rina L. Saltzman

Calvin Sanchez in memory of Nick Cordero

Aaron Sanko: The Cruxory Group

Eddie Sarfaty & Court Stroud

Kat Saunders

Nina F. Sax, MD

Charles Scatamacchia*

Susan & Stephen Scherr in honor of Ellen Greenwald

Valeria & William Schiemann

Carolyn Schiff & Noah Millman

Steven J. Schimmel

Michael Schober & Don Harrison

Allison Schultz

Jeanne Schultz

Laurie & Owen Schwartz

Lisa Dawn & Joe Schwarz

Paul & Kate Seavey

Katie & Jim Sebastian

Richard Seer & Doug Wallingford

Debra & Michael Segal

Heidi Seizinger

Scott S. Semester

Seniel Ostrow Foundation, Sara, Samantha Widzer and Family

Jeannette Sessing

Lee Seymour

David Maurice Sharp

Desta & Roland Shaw

Eric Shearin

Dr. E.C. Sheeley

Irene Shen*

David Shmerler

Marilyn Shoemaker

Mary & Bennett Shuldman

Richard Siegmeister

Eliana Silbert

Jesus & Rebecca Tamez

Silva Theatrical Group

Nancy L. Simon

Ed Simonelli*

Charles & Pat Haynes Sislen

Cathy & Bob Smith

Clark Smith

Michael Smith

Peggy & Stan Smith

Matthew Smyth & Christina Engelbrecht

James K. Sokol

Talya Sokoll

Geula Solomon

Nick & Barrie Somers

Jeff Soref & Paul Lombardi

Gregory Sparapani

Jai Srinivasan

Irwin Srob

Matthew Staman & Marin Quezada

The Stanton Family

Walter Stearns

Ruth Stevens & David Olson

Robert Stewart in loving honor of his mother and best friend

Betty Stewart

Eric Stine

Joyce Storey*

David Strassler

Meryl Streep & Don Gummer

Stuart S. Applebaum Giving Foundation in memory of

Mr. Vincent Virda

Jill Stute

Rachel Sussman

Stephen L. Sweet

Ronald J. Szabo

Christopher Taggart &

Tim Roberts

John Taylor

Hal Tepfer & Stacie Simon

Stephen Thayer & Howard Terry

James & Eileen Thomas

Neal Thomas

Teresa Throenle-Somaini in honor of Javier Munoz

Natalie Tierney

Aaron Tievsky

Henry Tisch

Keith S. Tobin, M.D.

Lila & George Todd

Matthew Tumminello & Dominick Marangi

David Umbach

Robert M. Unger & Pamela Singer

William and Jo Vanderbeek

Verna Vanis

Greg Vargas & Daniel Crisafulli

Dr. Anthony F. Verdi & Mr. Mark A. Mainville

Marcie Vort

Lynn & John Vottero

Suzyn Waldman

Lucy R. Waletzky, MD

Allen Walker

Bethe Ward

Timothy Warmath & Edward Comber*

Dawn & Jim Watson

Marcia Weber & James Flaws

Arthur E. Webster, Esq.

Sandra Wegman

Marjorie Weinman

Linda Wellendorf

John Weltman & Cliff Atkins in honor of David Kuehn & Tedi Marsh

Lucille Werlinich

Sheri West

WeTwoKings

Carol & Tom Wheeler

Nancy A. Wheeler

Steven Kaplan & Court Whisman

Gina White in honor of James Davis

Kat White

Danny Whitman & Robert Bartley in memory of Francine Whitman and Robert J. Bartley

Lois Whitman

Cliff & Carrie Woolley

Channing Wickham

Miles Wilkin in memory of Stuart Thompson

Lisa Williamson

Skye Wilson

Jacqueline Wladis

Peter Wright

Supriya Wronkiewicz

Joshua Yankovic

Wil Yates & Andreas Dirnagl

Stuart Yothers

Llewellyn Young & Terence Law*

Jean M. Zajac

Lara Zibners

David Ziff & Alan Bell

Jennifer Zonis

Alan Zucker

Zufall Family Foundation*

Anonymous (34)

Anonymous (2) Anonymous in honor of Liz Armstrong

Anonymous in honor of Quinto Ott Anonymous*

*indicates members of the DRA Angels Circle

**indicates members of the Broadway Cares and DRA Angels Circle

As of September 30, 2024

"Broadway Cares inspires and touches us with its mission of inclusion, addressing food insecurity and health disparities in our community and beyond. Its heart beats for everyone. It's a natural extension of our gratitude to continue supporting it through our estate planning.”

-Rick Lin & Evan Zazula

Rick and Evan included Broadway Cares in their estate planning, ensuring those in need have healthy meals and life-affirming care. It’s an easy way to make a life changing impact well into the future.

Please contact Nick Mayo at mayo@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 262, to learn more.

Betty Buckley Broadway Legends Ornament

Make a holiday “Memory” to last a lifetime when you trim your tree with our newest Broadway Legends ornament. Betty Buckley’s Tony Award-winning performance as Grizabella from the original production of Cats is now immortalized in this glass keepsake.

Broadway Legends is a series of glass ornaments honoring legendary stars of musical theater, created exclusively for Broadway Cares by The Christopher Radko Company.

Broadway Legends:Betty Buckley

$75

More Broadway Legends available include Audra McDonald, Carol Burnett and Chita Rivera.

$60-$65

Red Ribbons of Hope

Celebrate the season of giving with the revamped Red Ribbon line of daily essentials. Stuff the stockings of your loved ones with useful trinkets that represent the spirit of making a difference through health care and hope.

Journal

$12

Power Bank

$40

5 Questions

The success of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS comes not only from those making personal donations of financial contributions, but also those who so graciously also offer their time and talents to make a difference. In each issue of Behind the Scenes, we usually ask three of those shining lights to share their stories. For this edition, we ask retiring Executive Director Tom Viola to step solo into the spotlight.

How did you first get involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS?

TOM VIOLA: I first got involved with Equity Fights AIDS in 1988, years before the organization merged with Broadway Cares. I was the assistant to legendary actor Colleen Dewhurst, who was president of Actors’ Equity. It was just as the Equity Council had created the Equity Fights AIDS committee. She said to me, “You can handle this.” All my chaotic energy got focused there and I jumped in like it was going to save my life, and frankly it did.

What motivates you to work with Broadway Cares?

TOM: Honoring the friends I lost in the earliest days of the disease. I remember going to brunch with eight friends, everyone aspiring to be part of the Broadway scene in some way. We were talking about AIDS and pushing it away from ourselves, saying it could never happen to us. Ten years later, of those eight guys, four were dead and two were HIVpositive, including myself. Those are just a few of the dear friends and mentors I lost to this disease, which ripped through our community with such wrath. To be able to support those currently living with HIV/AIDS is an honor, and in my friends’ memory.

What is your favorite memory of making a difference through Broadway Cares?

TOM: COVID-19 was one of the biggest challenges the organization has ever faced, but how our team came together to support an entire industry out of work deeply inspires me. We created the COVID Emergency Assistance Fund, fueled by our generous donors. We awarded more money that year to the Entertainment Community Fund than

ever before, working feverishly to raise money with Zoom events. It was a testament to the ingenuity of the team at Broadway Cares and the kindness of our donors.

As a member of the theater community, why is it important to you to give back?

TOM: Making a difference is in the DNA of our theater community. Just look at how Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ events have always begun as fundraisers to help others. It’s just what our community does. That compassion fuels our grant-making outreach and ability to affect the delivery of real, substantial social services, both at the Entertainment Community Fund and through the more than 450 social service providers we fund annually through our National Grants Program. This reflects the expansion of our mission to those facing a variety of health challenges and lack of access to health care while always addressing the core of our grant-making: the ever-changing needs of people affected by HIV and living with AIDS.

Describe your years at Broadway Cares in three words.

TOM: Life well spent.