Behind the Scenes Spring 2015

Gypsy of the Year The Actors Fund $4.6 Million in Support

Sharing Resources National Food Grants

$1.7 million to 118 providers

Leaving a Legacy 10th Anniversary Broadway Backwards b r o a d way c a r e s . o r g

who’s who] [ AT BROADWAY CARES

Behind the Scenes is published by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS 165 West 46th Street, Suite 1300 New York, NY 10036 212.840.0770 info@broadwaycares.org broadwaycares.org Tom Viola, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Larry Cook, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Valerie Lau-Kee Lai, PRODUCING DIRECTOR Danny Whitman, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

AND DEVELOPMENT

BC/EFA OFFICERS Paul Libin, PRESIDENT Ira Mont, FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Thomas Schumacher, SECOND VICE PRESIDENT Nina Lannan, THIRD VICE PRESIDENT Sherry Cohen, FOURTH VICE PRESIDENT Philip Birsh, TREASURER Judith Rice, SECRETARY BC/EFA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Cornelius Baker John Barnes Scott Barnes Joseph Benincasa David Binder Chris Boneau Barry Brown Kate Burton Robert Callely Kathleen Chalfant Alan Cumming Gavin Darraugh Michael David B. Merle Debuskey Maria Di Dia Paul DiDonato Sam Ellis Richard Frankel Roy Harris Richard Hester Craig Jacobs Richard Jay-Alexander Cherry Jones Nathan Lane

Jay Laudato Margo Lion Joe Machota Nancy Mahon Mary McColl Kevin McCollum Michael McElroy Terrence McNally Jerry Mitchell Bernadette Peters Chita Rivera Jordan Roth Nick Scandalios Robert Score Philip J. Smith Charlotte St. Martin David Stone Stuart Thompson Tim Tompkins Tom Viola (ex-officio) Robert E. Wankel Nick Wyman

Behind the Scenes Tom Viola, Danny Whitman, Lane Beauchamp, EDITORS

[ ] Executive Director from the

Dear Friends: When I look out my office window, 13 floors above Times Square, I can feel the energy and excitement of the Broadway theatre district.

In 40 Broadway theatres within a stones throw from here - and at hundreds of theatres large and small across the country - actors and stagehands, dressers, musicians and stage managers, and wardrobe, sound and hair personnel take moments from their daily assignments and extend their work day a few precious minutes to allow an appeal to be made from the stage to raise money for those who need help the most.

I also think about the seven social service agencies within just 20 blocks of this office that rely on the support you have so generously and consistently provided. Seven organizations that represent 70 across New York City and, ultimately, the 467 organizations in all 50 states that received grants from us in 2014.

In this issue of Behind the Scenes, you’ll meet a few of the people who are surviving and thriving because of those grants and the good work of those organizations. They’re benefiting from $1.7 million in grants issued in January to 118 food pantries, congregate meal and meal delivery programs, the first of our three annual grant rounds. You’ll learn about our tremendously successful Gypsy of the Year fall fundraising campaign and the record-breaking 10th anniversary edition of Broadway Backwards.

You’ll also meet clients of The Actors Fund, entertainment industry professionals who had a place to turn to when in need, crisis or transition because of your commitment to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. In 2014, we awarded more than $4.6 million to The Actors Fund to ensure that their good work continues with the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, the Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, the Actors Fund Work Program, The Dancers’ Resource and more.

Thank you for being a part of our family of supporters. Your generosity and compassion are BC/EFA’s greatest blessing. Fueled by your commitment and loyalty, what we do together will continue to make a difference.

Sincerely, Tom Viola Executive Director

Aaron Waytkus, LAYOUT & DESIGN Contributors Peter Borzotta, Mo Brady, Sarah Cardillo, Frank Conway, John Halpin, Chris Kenney, Sarah Mitchel, Joe Norton Photographers Whitney Browne, Kevin Thomas Garcia, Christian Grattan, Henry McGee, Joy Nelson, Madeline Reed, Steve J. Sherman, Monica Simoes, Jonathan Tichler

broadwaycares.org 2 [behind the] scenes

An army of 210 tireless volunteers and BC/EFA staffers supported the Gypsy of the Year fundraising efforts this season. They held the now iconic red Broadway Cares buckets and sold autographed memorabilia in the lobbies of Broadway and Off-Broadway theatres alongside company members of participating shows. Over the course of six weeks of audience appeals, volunteers filled 3,778 shifts at 1,225 appeals done by dozens of shows across Broadway and beyond. Our sincere thanks to these unsung heroes: BC/EFA’s famed bucket brigade!

BC/EFA 2014 Grant-Making “Where Does All That Money Go???”

Support for THE ACTORS FUND HIV/AIDS INITIATIVE

$ 2,100,000

PHYLLIS NEWMAN WOMEN’S HEALTH INITIATIVE

$

600,000

AL HIRSCHFELD FREE HEALTH CLINIC

$

600,000

ARTISTS HEALTH INSURANCE RESOURCE CENTER (AHIRC)

$

500,000

ACTORS FUND WORK PROGRAM

$

300,000

THE DANCERS’ RESOURCE

$

150,000

Stage ManagerS’ Project

$

50,000

LILLIAN BOOTH ACTORS HOME - CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

$

250,000

Miscellaneous

Annual Gala, Memorial Donations, Benefit Support, etc.

$

53,000

THE ACTORS FUND

$ 4,603,000

NATIONAL GRANTS

FOOD SERVICE and MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS

117 organizations in 37 States

$ 1,565,500

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED

AIDS SERVICE and ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS

40 agencies

$

LOCAL AIDS SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

306 Organizations in 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico

Direct Services and Case Management, Supportive Housing Programs,

Emergency Financial Assistance, Harm Reduction Programs,

Quality of Life Services SUPPLEMENTAL/EMERGENCY GRANTS THEATRE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS

and SPECIAL GRANTS (Shared fundraising efforts) PHYSICIAN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE ARTS Broadway Flu Shot Initiative

NATIONAL GRANTS

780,000

$ 1,911,000

$

800,000

$ 1,321,746 $

55,000

$ 5,700,136

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS South Africa / THE LION KING

Grants to 22 AIDS Service Organizations TheatreMAD, London THE ACTORS’ FUND of CANADA

INTERNATIONAL GRANTS SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL SUBTOTAL

the ACTORS FUND NATIONAL Grants INTERNATIONAL Grants

2014 BC/EFA GRANT-MAKING TOTAL broadwaycares.org

$

278,264

$ $

33,637 65,200

$ 377,101 $ 4,603,000 $ 5,700,136 $ 377,101

$ 10,680,237

[Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids]

MISSION STATEMENT Approved by the BC/EFA Board of Trustees – May 27, 2010

• To mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS; • To ensure direct support specifically through social services and programs of the Actors Fund to all individuals in the entertainment industry affected by critical health issues, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS; • To support organizations across the country which provide treatment or services for people specifically affected by HIV/AIDS and their families; • To promote and encourage public support for national and international programs and services which benefit people with HIV/AIDS;

[table of ]

CONTENTS

3 Where Does All That Money Go? 5 26th Annual Gypsy of the Year 8 Sharing Resources

• To increase public awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS through the creation and dissemination of educational materials; • To support efforts by the entertainment industry to address other critical health issues or respond to an emergency, in each case as approved by the Board of Trustees; • To support efforts by the entertainment industry in other charitable or educational endeavors, in each case as approved by the Board of Trustees.

9 The Actors Fund 12 National Food Grants 16 Broadway Backwards 18 Beyond the Footlights 19 Education & Outreach 20 Dancers Responding to AIDS 21 Classical Action 22 Broadway Cares Online Store 23 Angels Circle 26 Legacy & Leadership

broadwaycares.org

A HISTORY OF BC/EFA’s grant-making

National &

The Actors Fund Int’l Grants 1987–1992 Equity Fights AIDS $ 2,775,250 1988–May 1992 Broadway Cares $ 1,067,000

BC/EFA Contributions 5/92–12/92 $ 634,000 $ 771,780 1993 $ 1,654,000 $ 1,184,119 1994 $ 1,758,000 $ 676,404 1995 $ 1,791,000 $ 707,916 1996 $ 2,010,000 $ 1,400,549 1997 $ 2,247,500 $ 1,342,200 1998 $ 2,471,000 $ 1,711,819 1999 $ 2,700,000 $ 3,039,841 2000 $ 2,955,336 $ 3,033,566 2001 $ 2,829,500 $ 3,238,765 2002 $ 2,732,000 $ 2,689,679 2003 $ 3,022,500 $ 3,115,969 2004 $ 3,360,500 $ 4,437,338 2005 $ 3,516,500 $ 4,469,798 2006 $ 3,517,500 $ 4,518,364 2007 $ 3,671,500 $ 5,152,546 2008 $ 4,302,000 $ 5,737,298 2009 $ 3,400,000 $ 4,492,489 2010 $ 4,160,000 $ 5,824,988 2011 $ 4,014,500 $ 5,305,700 2012 $ 4,625,000 $ 6,218,796 2013 $ 4,300,000 $ 6,218,706 2014 $ 4,603,000 $ 6,077,237 Total Support 1988–2014

BC/EFA Grant-Making Total 1988–2014 4 [behind the] scenes

$ 73,050,586

$ 82,432,864

Total $ 2,775,250 $ 1,067,000 $ 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 $ 5,421,676 $ 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 $ 10,856,755 $ 10,518,706 $ 10,680,237 $155,483,450

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26th annual Gypsy of the year

Gypsies Celebrate in Record-Breaking Style

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rom a 40th anniversary celebration of the groundbreaking show The Wiz to poignant social commentary on today’s headlines, the 26th annual edition of Gypsy of the Year showcased the immense talent displayed eight times a week by the gypsies of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring productions.

More than 200 gypsies came together December 8 and 9 at the New Amsterdam Theatre for Gypsy of the Year, the culmination of six weeks of fundraising.

This year, 64 participating companies raised a record-breaking $5,229,611 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The grand total was announced by special guests Hugh Jackman, Nathan Lane and Judith Light after two stellar performances of original dances, songs and skits.

This year’s top overall fundraiser was The River, which starred Jackman and raised $549,725 during the Gypsy fundraising period. For the first time in history, the top two plays – The River and It’s Only a Play – raised more than $1 million.

The company of The Lion King took honors for best onstage presentation for an emotional, socially charged dance, created

by Ray Mercer. In a flurry of flying chalk dust, artist Clarione Gutierrez transformed a chalkboard wall into a dove of peace as dancers personified the struggles of racism that continue to capture headlines. The cast of Pippin earned runner-up honors as Nicolas Jelmoni and Charlotte O’Sullivan mesmerized the audience with incredible acrobatic feats while Syndee Winters sang Selah Sue’s “This World.�

In addition to Pippin, four other shows that played their final Broadway performances in January joined the festivities for one last time: the company of Once performed a hauntingly beautiful acoustic version of the show’s “Gold,� Rock of Ages’ Frankie J. Grande broke loose with “I Beliebe,� a parody of The Book of Mormon dedicated to Justin Bieber, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella combined Michael Flatley-inspired step dancing with Mariah Carey-inspired riffing, and the cast of Motown: The Musical used their final Gypsy of the Year appearance to amusingly beg for work.

The show also featured a comedic 21st century spin on Love Letters with young actors Luca Padovan, Brooklyn Shuck, Sadie [behind the] scenes 5

Sink, Eli Tokash and Alexa Nizkiak, and included performances by the casts of Aladdin, Avenue Q, Chicago, Mamma Mia! and Wicked.

In a number choreographed by Adam Fleming, Allyson Carr and Jakob Karr led 14 other dancers in a tribute to the 16 national tours that fundraised this season. Another special number, choreographed by Shea Sullivan, honored the Broadway Cares “bucket brigade,” volunteers who hold donation buckets at Broadway theatres during the six weeks of fundraising.

Gypsy of the Year opened with a spirited celebration of the 40th anniversary of The Wiz, one of the first large-scale, big-budget Broadway musicals to feature an all-black cast. Triumphantly returning to the yellow brick road, Dee Dee Bridgewater, André De Shields and Ken Page were met with rapturous applause.

They were joined for the special performance by Charl Brown, Carly Hughes, Desmond Richardson, Christina Sajous, Ashley Stroud, Alton Fitzgerald White and Lillias White, as well as dancers from the Broadway companies of Aladdin, Beautiful The Carole King Musical, The Lion King, Motown: The Musical and Pippin. The number was directed by T. Oliver Reid, codirected and choreographed by Brian Harlan Brooks, with music supervision and arrangements by Ben Cohn. In a fitting tribute to the groundbreaking show, Lillias White and her cast mates returned to close Gypsy of the Year with a powerhouse rendition 6 [behind the] scenes

of “Home,” the finale from The Wiz. Host Seth Rudetsky also welcomed Aladdin’s James Monroe Iglehart, Lena Hall and Michael C. Hall from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Kevin Duda, Anika Larsen and Jarrod Spector from Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

The esteemed panel of judges was introduced by Lane and Matthew Broderick. The judges were actors Julie Halston, Adam Jacobs, NeNe Leakes, Courtney Reed, Alex Sharp and Micah Stock, Jujamcyn Theaters Executive Vice President and BC/EFA Board of Trustees President Paul Libin and Yvonne Ghareeb, an original Broadway Cares staffer who retired in January after 26 years. Also joining the panel were Lee Perlman and Peg Wendlandt, who won their spots at the 28th Annual Broadway Flea Market & Grand Auction in September.

This year’s show was directed by Kristin Newhouse with Jason Trubitt serving as production stage manager. Ben Cohn was music supervisor, leading a 15-piece live orchestra.

Gypsy of the Year is sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines. n PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/gypsy2014

Fundraising Awards

Top Fundraiser

Top Overall Fundraiser The River................................. $549,725

Broadway Top Fundraiser First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up

Kinky Boots.................................... $233,544 Cabaret............................................ $217,699 Beautiful–The Carole King Story..... $195,773 The Book of Mormon..................... $193,181

Broadway Play Top Fundraiser First Runner-up

It’s Only a Play............................... $464,558 The Curious Incident .................... $115,980

Off-Broadway (Play or Musical) Top Fundraiser

Avenue Q......................................... $ 19,237

National Tours Top Fundraiser First Runner-up Second Runner-up Third Runner-up

Kinky Boots.................................... $329,734 Wicked – Munchkinland................ $257,880 The Book of Mormon–Latter Day... $242,756 Wicked – Emerald City.................. $205,386

64 Companies Raised $5,229,611

Jackman’s Generosity Shines Again During The River meet-and-greet and special photograph with him and the cast.

The magnanimity of The River’s cast and audiences ultimately raised an astonishing $1,045,990. Since Jackman’s Broadway debut in 2003 in The Boy from Oz, he now has led the companies of A Steady Rain, Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway and The River in raising $5.6 million for Broadway Cares.

E

very night for six weeks of performances, Hugh Jackman stood before the sold-out audiences of Broadway’s The River and invited them to join him in “shameless exploitation in pursuit of common good.” The common good was Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the “shameless exploitation” was the auctioning of the shirt off Jackman’s back.

Flanked by co-stars Laura Donnelly, Cush Jumbo and Jessica Love, Jackman auctioned off the maroon T-shirt he was wearing from that evening’s performance and added a highly prized personal

Hats off to stage managers Michael J. Passaro and Pat Sosnow, company manager Heidi Neven, star dresser Geoffrey Polischuk, and the crew and front-of-house staff at Circle in the Square Theatre for their generous support and cheerful extra efforts making it all possible. A special salute to Irving Milgrom, Lauren Klein and Brian Rao for making sure all backstage gears were turning well and safely, and to Sonia Friedman and The River producers, Paul Libin and all at Circle for making us welcome in the theatre.

In appreciation of the fundraising efforts from The River’s cast and crew, BC/EFA awarded grants to several organizations with close ties to the company, including OZ Cares in Australia, Clean Break and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust in London, and the Make Change for Children Campaign of the Joint Council of International Children Services. n [behind the] scenes 7

Sharing resources

BC/EFA Extends Support to Those Who Help Others

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any of the actors and companies who help make our fundraising efforts a success have existing, deep connections with other charitable organizations. To thank these actors and companies for so enthusiastically raising funds for Broadway Cares, BC/EFA makes contributions to the organizations in their honor.

A donation of $30,000 was made to Quality Services for the Autism Community, a New York-based nonprofit that supports children and adults with autism. The grant honors the fundraising efforts by the company of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and thanks the QSAC staff and clients for their advice and support during the show’s rehearsal process.

Tony Yazbeck, Jay Armstrong Johnson, Clyde Alves and the company of On The Town accepted a check for $10,000 on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of today’s heroic veterans and as a salute to the stories being told in this beloved musical about those who served on the seas in World War II. Sting and the cast of The Last Ship wore special “From Wall’s End to Broadway” shirts to celebrate the $10,000 in support shared with the Wallsend Boys Club, a community center in Sting’s hometown of Newcastle, England, that guides boys and girls ages six to 19 to achieve their potential through activities and opportunities.

Christopher Sieber and the cast of the Broadway production of Matilda The Musical accepted a $10,000 check from Broadway Cares for RSC America’s “Write Here Write Now with Matilda” education project, dedicated to students in the New York City public school system who have the least access to the arts and have been encouraged to write plays and songs that express their feelings, hopes and desires. n 8 [behind the] scenes

The actors fund

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BC/EFA’s Support Turns Battles Into Victories

rom the earliest days of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, support for the The Actors Fund’s safety net of social services has been critically important to the organization’s mission. BC/EFA provided funding to create the HIV/AIDS Initiative in 1988 and first expanded its support to the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative in 1996.

Last year’s overall support reached $4.6 million for the most essential programs of the Fund. Thanks to your generosity, since 1988 BC/EFA has awarded The Actors Fund more than $73 million.

BC/EFA is the single largest funder of The Actors Fund programs, which last year helped nearly 22,000 professionals who work onstage, backstage and throughout the entertainment community. They belong to more than 70 theatrical and entertainment industry unions and range in age from teenagers to those in their 90s.

They hail from far-flung cities and towns across the US with backgrounds as varied as their talents. Yet, at one point in their lives - when they’ve been in need, crisis or transition they turned to The Actors Fund for help.

for people living with HIV/AIDS. Its funding represents more than 80 percent of the initiative’s annual budget. In 2014, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS provided $2.1 million in support to the HIV/AIDS Initiative.

“They’ve always been clear about their goal: to help people live with dignity,” Loy said. “AIDS is so complicated and they’ve helped make living with it a lot less complicated and a lot less scary. Because of the years of support from Broadway Cares, I’ve had an ally in what, at times, seemed like a completely unwinnable battle. I wouldn’t be able to live without that help.”

HIV/AIDS Initiative 2014 Grant: $2,100,000

Four years after learning he was HIV-positive, Patrick Loy’s health began to deteriorate and he was soon diagnosed with AIDS. “I lost the ability to use my legs for a year,” Loy recently remembered. “It was the worst nightmare for a dancer.”

It happened 20 years ago but is as fresh as yesterday for Loy. He was performing in the Broadway company of Beauty and the Beast and, thanks to nightly audience appeals during Easter Bonnet Competition and Gypsy of the Year fundraising, he was well aware of Broadway Cares’ support of The Actors Fund.

“The Fund’s HIV/AIDS Initiative was my first stop,” Loy, a member of Actors’ Equity and SAG-AFTRA, said. “They guided me through getting help from the city, state and federal governments and filled in with their own help when needed. I went to a weekly support group for many years and used my social worker as a sounding board. It’s been vital to me.”

Since 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has been the primary funder of the HIV/AIDS Initiative. The initiative works to create confidential, holistic plans and support systems that meet its clients’ emotional, medical and financial needs. The HIV/AIDS Initiative also facilitates support for care providers and partners who are HIV-negative.

BC/EFA remains The Actors Fund’s strongest partner in caring

Artists Health Insurance Resource Center 2014 Grant: $500,000

Kevin Costigan was raised - and still lives - in a midtown New York apartment building where 7 out of 10 residents are in the performing arts.

So when he found himself challenged by the Affordable Care Act sign-up process, it was natural for the audio/video specialist to turn to The Actors Fund’s Artists Health Insurance Resource Center, known as AHIRC, for help.

Backed by $500,000 of support from Broadway Cares in 2014, the AHIRC staff helps clear the confusion of an oftencomplicated government bureaucracy. [behind the] scenes 9

The Actors Fund contin u ed from pre v io u s page

“I was overwhelmed by it all,” Costigan, a member of IATSE Local 306, said. “Little things that might be easy for some, can be impossible for others. Everyone at The Fund has been so generous of their time and energy. I often find it hard to reach out so they disarmed a lot of my fears.”

The Actors Fund understands the ever-shifting landscape of health care and health insurance and how it uniquely affects those in “the business.” AHIRC was started in 1998 with the singular mission to insure every artist in the United States.

Now that that goal is closer to reality, AHIRC is positioned to help the industry understand the Affordable Care Act, its opportunities and its implications.

BC/EFA provided the initial grant in 1996 to launch the women’s health initiative and for 10 years produced the annual benefit Nothing Like A Dame to offer further support. In 2014, Broadway Cares continued its annual support, awarding $600,000 to PNWHI. In turn, the initiative helped clients with emergency financial assistance to confront medical emergencies, cancer, mental health issues, domestic violence, chemical dependency and other critical conditions.

“It’s been difficult,” Frederick said. “If that support from Broadway Cares hadn’t been there all these years and every year, I don’t know what I would have done.”

Connecting with Renata Marinaro, AHIRC’s director of health services for the eastern region, Costigan was ushered through the process of obtaining insurance. “I walked in without any sense about how I was going to get coverage,” Costigan said, “and walked out an hour later with health care.”

Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic 2014 Grant: $600,000

A lifelong asthmatic, Keith Bearden first connected with Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic when he was in between insurance coverage. “I had known about The Actors Fund for years,” Bearden said, “but I didn’t realize it helped people like me.”

Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative 2014 Grant: $600,000

Following an accident in December 2013 that left her arm broken, pianist Alexandra Frederick was unsure how she would pay her bills. She reached out to The Actors Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.

“But it wasn’t just about money,” Frederick said. “My social worker, Allison, asked about my emotional support, too. She really understood where I was coming from in a traumatic situation.”

Freelance artists like Frederick, who’s a member of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians, often confront unique challenges when injured. “When you’re in the arts field, you don’t always have paid time off or company health insurance,” Frederick said. “I try to always be teaching or performing, but if I’m not, there is no money coming in. After I broke my arm, I couldn’t work for several months.”

Frederick’s Actors Fund social worker was holistically supportive. “She got it from every angle,” Frederick said.

10 [behind the] scenes

After feeling his treatment from other doctors was just a “bandaid,” everything changed when Bearden stepped in to the Hirschfeld Clinic. “I’ve never felt like I was a number there,” Bearden, a member of the Directors Guild of America, said.

“Being in a place that knows what you’re trying to do and what your career entails is phenomenal. When someone is interested in your long-term health, you take better care of yourself.”

The clinic was named for famed caricaturist Al Hirschfeld and established in 2003 with a $450,000 grant from Broadway Cares. It provides urgent, primary and specialty care and patient education. It’s the only full-time free health clinic in Manhattan. In 2014, Broadway Cares provided $600,000 to support the clinic.

“Creative people are a community and fostering that community enriches society,” Bearden said. “When you see someone on a stage that excites you, at some point in their career they’ve needed a hand. Thanks to Broadway Cares, The Actors Fund is one of the few places that’s giving those people that hand.”

The Dancers’ Resource 2014 Grant: $150,000

While performing with Dance Theatre of Harlem, Ashley Murphy’s career was sidelined when she found out she had multiple stress factors in her tibia. The injury required surgeons to implant a titanium rod in the bone. “I was down, physically and emotionally,” Murphy said. “You put on the best face you can, but at home you’re crying because you can’t dance.”

Murphy was connected to The Dancers’ Resource through her ballet master. “My social worker took time and didn’t leave me hanging,” Murphy said. “She was welcoming and understood what I was going through.”

Launched in 2007 with a $150,000 grant from BC/EFA, The Dancers’ Resource provides support, education and information through counseling in the New York City area and through telephone and email support to those across the country.

In 2014, Broadway Cares provided $150,000 to support The Dancers’ Resource.

Murphy’s meetings with The Dancers’ Resource were an important part of her recovery. “I’ve always been such a strong person, and I never felt that I was vulnerable enough to just talk to someone about it,” Murphy said. “It was really nice to have a confidential opinion from someone on the outside objectively looking in.”

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Actors Fund Work Program 2014 Grant: $300,000

A longtime costume designer, Barbara Bienefeld was ready for a professional change, but didn’t know where to start. “In my local union newsletter, there was a box offering information about a career change seminar by the Actors Fund Work Program,” Bienefeld said. “So I called them up and asked, ‘What do I do?’”

That seminar started Bienefeld down a path that ultimately led her back to school. “I was really lucky because I work freelance, so I could still work part time in the industry and go back to school at the same time,” Bienefeld, a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829, said. “I got my degree in urban studies and my masters in urban affairs, both from Hunter College.”

More than 3,200 entertainment professionals turned to The Actors Fund Work Program last year for help in finding employment in between gigs or as second careers. In 2014, Broadway Cares provided $300,000 to support the Actors Fund Work Program.

“The job searches I had been to before were so corporate and cardboard in a way,” Bienefeld said. “I felt thrilled to find this organization that knew what I was thinking about. It was like a godsend seeing that advertisement in my union newspaper.” n LEARN MORE

actorsfund.org

ince stepping up as the primary funder of the HIV/AIDS initiative in 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS now funds the entire safety net of social services provided by The Actors Fund.

Over the last 26 years, that support has totaled more than $73 million for the Fund’s major programs and more.

Actors Fund Work Program........................... 2001 – 2014.......... $3,800,000 Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic..................... 2003 – 2014 ......... $7,500,000 Artists Health Insurance Resource Center..... 2014.......................$500,000 The Dancers’ Resource................................. 2007 – 2014.......... $1,600,000 HIV/AIDS Initiative........................................ 1988 – 2014........ $46,000,000 Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.... 1996 – 2014........ $10,000,000 Stage Managers’ Project ............................. 2009 – 2014.............$600,000 The Lillian Booth Actors Home...................... 2000 – 2005.............$500,000 Supportive Housing Residences.................... 1997 – 2014.......... $1,250,000

The Actors Fund’s comprehensive programs and social services are designed to meet the critical needs that arise throughout the lives of those working in the entertainment industry and performing arts.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is proud to join The Actors Fund in a unique collaboration and commitment to strive to help, heal, support and improve the lives of everyone in the industry.

Through this partnership, BC/EFA’s support ensures that everyone in the entertainment industry who so generously helps Broadway Cares raise funds is able to benefit from the support and services provided by The Actors Fund. n

(The Friedman in Manhattan, The Schermerhorn in Brooklyn, The Palm View in LA)

[behind the] scenes 11

2015 National Food grants

Federal Cuts Increase Need for Food Program Support

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n the basement of Mama’s Kitchen, a venerable San Diego meal delivery program, brown paper grocery bags are lined up on rows of stainless steel tables, four bags across and 20 bags deep.

Walking up and down the rows, a volunteer quietly keeps track of her task at hand: granola bar, applesauce, cereal.

Granola bar, applesauce, cereal.

A dozen or so other helpers join her on this Friday morning, dutifully dropping in apples, bananas, carrots, celery, pretzels. Still to be added is the day’s dinner: pankocrusted baked chicken, mashed potatoes and corn.

More than 3,000 meals will head out on this day from Mama’s Kitchen, one of 118 organizations nationwide receiving grants this year from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS to provide nutritious meals to those living with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses.

In January, in the first of BC/EFA’s three annual grant rounds, a record $1,725,000 was awarded to meal delivery programs, congregate meal providers and food pantries in 36 states and Washington, DC. The record level of support comes as the need continues to increase. A recent survey by The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Task Force on Hunger and Homelessness found that requests for emergency food assistance increased over the past year in seven of 10 cities. But decreased funding forced emergency kitchens and food pantries to reduce the quantity of food provided in 82 percent of the reporting cities. And

12 [behind the] scenes

in 77 percent of the cities, kitchens and pantries had to turn people away because of a lack of resources, this as the federal government cut $5 billion in support for food stamps.

Tony, a Minnesota native now living in San Diego, knows firsthand how valuable the grants from Broadway Cares can be.

“After I first learned I was HIV-positive, I was running the streets, not really caring for a lot of years about what was going on with me,” Tony said. “I was lost, I was really lost until my medical case manager connected me with Mama’s Kitchen. I was their client for 3 or 4 years. I was homeless at the time, but whenever I had a stable place for them to find me, they found me. They really supported me and my nutrition, which wasn’t something I thought about. I knew I was hungry. I knew what it was like to be hungry. And I knew that I didn’t like that. When Mama’s came I wasn’t hungry any more and that was just a really great thing.”

For Rene, access to nutritious meals after he was diagnosed with HIV was life-changing. He relied upon the kitchen at San Antonio AIDS Foundation for three healthy meals a day for more than a year.

“Something as basic as a meal becomes so important because nutrition has a lot to do with your treatment,” Rene said. “You need food to make certain meds work. I don’t know where I would have been without this place.

It’s hard to think about life without it.”

San Antonio AIDS Foundation was so important to Rene that he started volunteering there. As his health improved, he went back to school to get a degree in social work. Now,

“Access to a bus is simply not possible for many of our clients,” said Charles L. Christen, executive director of the task force.

“And if that individual has been in the hospital, when they’re released they may have no way to leave their home because they’re recuperating. So in those situations, a case manager comes to our food pantry, fills bags of food and takes it to the client’s home. People’s stomachs are grumbling and growling because they haven’t had food for two or three days because they can’t get out. They literally have no access to food.”

For those who are able to make it themselves to the task force’s food pantry, they’re allowed three bags of groceries per month. They fill them with fresh eggs, milk, canned fruits and vegetables, soap.

he’s a full-time case manager at the foundation.

“I decided that HIV wasn’t going to be my life,” Rene said.

“Yes, it’s going to be a part of my life, but it wasn’t going to be all-consuming. It wasn’t going to be the focus of my life. I couldn’t have made that realization or be where I am today if not for the help I got from SAAF in those early days, help that started with three meals a day when I needed it most.”

For some, getting to available food - or food getting to them - can be the biggest challenge. It’s a daily predicament for the Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, which serves not only the city but 11 surrounding rural counties.

The visit becomes even more valuable than the muchneeded groceries. “In addition to being able to see their case manager before or after visiting the food pantry, a lot of our clients will hang out in our lobby and simply talk with one another,” Christen said. “It’s an important means of social support for people who are not often able, because of the stigma of HIV, to talk with other people who are HIV-positive in a manner they feel safe disclosing.”

Broadway Cares’ support of the valiant work of Mama’s Kitchen, Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, San Antonio AIDS Foundation and the 115 other food service and meal delivery programs receiving grants from BC/EFA this year would not be possible without the dedication of the men and women onstage and behind the scenes of Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies.

The grants are awarded by committees consisting of members of the theatre community who are involved in the

The 2015 food grants committee included 19 actors and stage managers who participated in the fall Gypsy of the Year fundraising. Back row: T. Oliver Reid (director, Gypsy of the Year’s celebration of The Wiz), Matt Stocke (The Last Ship), Brendan Fay (Jersey Boys), Ira Mont (Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella), John Eric Parker (The Book of Mormon), Julie DeVore (On the Town), Jamal Lee Harris (The Lion King), Michele McConnell (The Phantom of the Opera), Bess Glorioso (Once) and Stacey Zaloga (Beautiful - The Carole King Musical). Front row: Kimberly Marable (The Lion King), Joseph Leo Bwarie (Jersey Boys), Alex Lyu Volckhausen (co-director, Gypsy of the Year), Sherry Cohen (Mamma Mia!), Jason Trubitt (Aladdin). Committee members not pictured: Chris DeCamillis (It’s Only a Play), Brian O’Brien (Chicago), Jen Perry (Kinky Boots) and Arbender Robinson (Les Misérables).

In 2015, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS awarded $1,725,000 to 118 food pantries, congregate meal and meal delivery programs.

HUNGER While countries invest billions into anti-retroviral treatment and other medicines to address the pandemic, they overlook the fact that people receiving lifesaving drugs often lack food and clean water.

People living with HIV need more calories and nutrients, but often have lower appetites.

The HIV epidemic is most prevalent where people are poor and face limited access to a healthy diet. Today, it is widely recognized that malnutrition and food insecurity for those with HIV and other debilitating illnesses are closely interlinked, forming a vicious cycle.

POVERTY The high cost of medication and an inability to work can deepen financial woes and reduce access to food.

Energy needs of adults with HIV increase by 20-30% while children with HIV require 50-100% more energy because of poor absorbtion and loss of appetite.

ILLNESS Without nutritious meals, medications are less effective and those with HIV are even more susceptible to illness.

Malnutrition decreases an HIV-positive person’s ability to absorb medicine and cope with drug side effects, and prolongs the length of recovery to natural immunity.

Since 2006, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has, with the extraordinary generosity and support of donors and the entire theatre community, awarded $9.9 million in food grants.

fundraising. For the committee awarding this year’s grants to food service and meal delivery programs, 19 actors and stage managers gathered in a Broadway Cares conference room to review the grant applications.

proud that as many of these meal delivery programs and food banks have expanded their missions to those living with any debilitating illness, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has increased its support.”

“The generosity of spirit, energy, talent and time from our grant committee members is immeasurable,” said Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares. “Because of their dedication, these food service grants will reach hundreds of thousands of men, women and children across the country facing serious challenges living with AIDS and other serious illness. A decent meal can be the first line of defense, the road back to health and recovery. I am very

The committee studied applications from all the organizations seeking grants, making note of stories that struck a chord: the agency in Texas where “the need is so extreme down there;” or the organization in Alabama that is the only AIDS food bank in the entire state; or the California nonprofit that’s run by just five volunteers.

14 [behind the] scenes

The importance of the day was not lost on anyone sitting

“

I know what it‘s like to be hungry. It’s an experience I would never want anyone else to go through.”

Tony from San Diego

around the table. “The opportunity to address such deep levels of need is inspiring,” said committee member Bess Marie Glorioso, a longtime Broadway stage manager. “It’s humbling to know that we’re making a difference for so many organizations and individuals, allowing them to do such good and important work.”

Tony, in San Diego, is one of those success stories. Back on his feet and working full time as a database administrator, Tony has gone from client to volunteer. Tony and his partner, Paul, deliver meals for Mama’s Kitchen.

“I really get more out of it than I am even consciously aware of,” Tony said. “When I’m out on delivery, sometimes I think that that could be me again tomorrow. I’ve been delivering now way longer than I was receiving services from Mama’s.

I’m just really glad to step up and take my turn doing the job that those folks were doing for me. When I’m driving home after I’ve delivered the last meal I feel refreshed and that things are just good with the world.” n

Subscribe to our youtube channel to hear directly from those you have helped

YOUTUBE.COM/BCEFAtv PHOTOS & VIDEO

broadwaycares.org/foodgrants

[behind the] scenes 15

broadway backwards

Exuberant 10th Anniversary Celebration Sets Record

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n exhilarating and emotional evening of performances

by Broadway’s best made for a poignant celebration of the 10th anniversary of Broadway Backwards, which revisited some of the most memorable numbers from past years.

This year’s edition, held March 9, raised a record $466,717 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City.

The sold-out show included 20 audience-pleasing numbers and multiple standing ovations for Tituss Burgess, Lena Hall, Florence Henderson, Norm Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lillias White and more Broadway favorites, as well as a special appearance by 2014 Kennedy Center Honoree Lily Tomlin. The always hilarious Julie Halston and Rob McClure served as the evening’s jovial hosts.

Broadway Backwards is the annual celebration where gays and lesbians see their stories told through the great songs of musical theatre, sung by their favorite Broadway performers. This year’s edition featured a spirited 66-person cast and an onstage orchestra of 13.

The evening started with a lighthearted, dating app-inspired rendition of “Matchmaker” from Fiddler on the Roof featuring McClure, Robin De Jesús and Micah Stock. The show ended with a roof-raising finale of “I Am What I Am,” featuring Shawna M. Hamic and the full ensemble turning a gospel-fueled version of the La Cage aux Folles anthem into a rallying cry for acceptance and equality.

In between, Broadway Backwards offered moments of humor, heartbreak and hope.

16 [behind the] scenes

Stage and television icon Henderson explored a fleeting attraction to “dames” in a decidedly bawdy twist to the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic “There’s Nothing Like a Dame” from South Pacific. White added a funky, disco beat and booty-shaking dance break to South Pacific’s “Some Enchanted Evening.” Burgess revived his crowd-pleasing, ovation-inducing performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.

Mitchell tugged at heartstrings with a bewitching rendition of George and Ira Gershwin’s “The Man I Love,” originally sung on Broadway in Lady, Be Good, then in Strike Up the Band. Hall rocked out on a distinctly personal version of “Feed Me (Git it)” from Little Shop of Horrors. And Lewis filled the theatre with his rich baritone voice and an impassioned version of “Home” from The Wiz.

The “six merry murderesses” from Kander & Ebb’s Chicago were represented Backwards-style by a sexy, all-male sextet. This version of “Cell Block Tango” featured Joshua Buscher-West, Marty Lawson, Alfie Parker Jr., Waldemar Quinones-Villanueva, Alex Ringler and Ryan Steele.

Other outstanding performances included Jim Brochu, Charles Busch, Mario Cantone, Len Cariou, Jenn Colella, Harvey Evans, Ann Harada, Aaron Lazar, Telly Leung, Maureen McGovern, Lee Roy Reams, Brian Charles Rooney, Douglas Sills, Jason Michael Snow, Elizabeth Stanley, Well-Strung and Tony Yazbeck.

This year’s fundraising total surpassed the previous record of $423,182, set last year. In its 10 editions, Broadway Backwards has raised more than $2.4 million for Broadway Cares and The Center.

Broadway Backwards creator Robert Bartley again directed and choreographed the show. Also returning were Mary-Mitchell Campbell as music supervisor and Tim Rosser as music director.

Production Stage Manager Peter Lawrence led a team of 12 stage managers. Adam Roberts served as associate choreographer with lighting design by Ryan O’Gara and costume design by Bernadette Banner.

Broadway Backwards was sponsored by United Airlines, The New York Times, HBO, DIRECTV, John’s, Marriott Marquis New York, Mercer, O’Melveney and Myers LLP, Chelsea Pines Inn, Comcast NBCUniversal, Frankfurt Kurnit, Get Services, Next Magazine, Out, Pride.com and Showtime. n PHOTOS & VIDEOS

broadwaycares.org/backwards2015

[behind the] scenes 17

BEYOND THE FOOTLIGHTS Redgrave Reads Didion’s Blue Nights for BC/EFA

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he resonant voice of Vanessa Redgrave echoed off the hallowed walls of the cathedral: “What greater grief can there be for mortals than to see their children dead. Euripedes said that.

When we talk about mortality we are talking about our children.”

Redgrave was reading from Blue Nights, an evocative memoir by acclaimed author and close friend Joan Didion. The one-nightonly performance on November 17 was held at The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. At Redgrave’s request, the evening benefited Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Cathedral Community Cares.

Blue Nights is an account of the death of Quintana Roo, Didion’s daughter with husband John Gregory Dunne. In the novel, Didion shares her struggle, as a mother and a writer, to cope with this assault on her emotional and physical resources just two years after her husband passed away.

Redgrave drew a connection between Blue Nights and Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking, which Redgrave performed on Broadway and in London’s West End. “Magical thinking is when we believe that the past can be reversed, somehow,” Redgrave said. “Blue nights are when everything has a future. For many of us, that means our children.”

Redgrave and Didion share the horrific experience of having adult children precede them in death. Didion lost Quintana in 2005.

Redgrave’s daughter, Natasha Richardson, died in 2009.

In a 2005 benefit for Broadway Cares at the Cathedral, Redgrave performed an adaptation of Didion’s earlier memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking.

For the Blue Nights reading, Redgrave was joined by Jimmy Owens, 2012 NEA Jazz Master and leader of Jimmy Owens Plus, on the trumpet-flugelhorn.

Redgrave hoped those who attended found “a curious solace” and laughter in Didion’s encounters with those who try to assist us with coping. “Joan wrote, ‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live,’” Redgrave said. “That’s why I wanted to read from Blue Nights in the Cathedral.” n PHOTOS

broadwaycares.org/bluenights

Hours of Broadway Cares Video Just a Click Away

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rom playlists of your favorite events to the personal stories of those helped by your support, you can now stay more connected to Broadway Cares thanks to our redesigned YouTube channel.

With more than 300 videos online, the Broadway Cares YouTube channel offers something for everyone. Alan Cumming, Hugh Jackman, Judith Light and dozens more of your Broadway favorites are featured in original content. Plus, Broadway Backwards stars Jenn Colella, Telly Leung and Micah Stock each filmed behind-the-scenes videos from the rehearsal room, sharing why that unique event is so important to them.

You can learn more about this year’s 25th anniversary of Broadway Bares, revisit highlights from shows or watch the best performances from Gypsy of the Year, Easter Bonnet Competition and other signature Broadway Cares events.

This winter, BC/EFA launched a monthly video series featuring heartfelt interviews with clients of several AIDS service organizations receiving grants from Broadway Cares. In the first installments you can learn how your support has made a difference for women and young adults living with HIV/AIDS, as well as individuals thriving because of the recent national food grants.

Visit youtube.com/bcefaTV to subscribe and be the first to know about new videos as they’re released. n

18 [behind the] scenes

Dancers Responding to aids

New Inside Dance Series Demystifies Dance

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ance is often considered the universal language of the world. It transcends countries, languages and cultures. Before our ancestors developed linguistic skills, they communicated with each other through body language. They expressed their emotions through movement.

And yet, while dance is inherently part of us and has been from the beginning, many people find dance intimidating and difficult to understand. With so many different styles of dance available, it’s sometimes difficult to know how to navigate them all and discover which ones we will enjoy.

Sharon Novak wants to help with that. “People should be able to experience dance in a casual, approachable setting,” said Novak, a member of the Angels Circle for Dancers Responding to AIDS, a program of Broadway Cares. “And if people are offered a chance to ask questions about dance in a place where they feel comfortable, they’ll better understand this unique art form.”

St. Luke in Brooklyn, NY. The evening showcased the range of work

by Andrea Miller, the company’s artistic director and Guggenheim Fellow. The company performed Miller’s first work, Pupil Suite, followed by an excerpt of her newest work, which will premiere in December at The Joyce Theater in New York City.

Although Parsons Dance and Gallim Dance are both considered modern dance companies, their stories and styles could not be more different. “Inside Dance Series provides an opportunity to discover how dancers develop their unique artistic vocabulary and reveal how they pull inspiration from aspects of everyday life,” DRA Founding Director Denise Roberts Hurlin said. “The result is an increased ability for all to relate to and better understand dance.”

Inside Dance Series is a benefit for all DRA Angels and for members of the Broadway Cares Angels Circle at the Box Seat level and higher. For those who are not Angels, individual tickets can also be purchased for each event. n

With Novak’s encouragement, DRA developed the new Inside Dance Series as a way to demystify dance and make it more accessible.

Each event in the series offers an intimate opportunity to sample a dance company or choreographer’s body of work, then talk with the artists to dig deeper into their creative process. Following the discussion, the audience and performers mingle while sipping wine and enjoying hors d’oeuvres. “It is a great way to socialize and spark a conversation about dance,” Novak said.

The Inside Dance Series kicked off in October with Parsons Dance, an internationally renowned contemporary dance company, under the artistic direction of David Parsons, that’s known for its upbeat, athletic ensemble work. The series continued in February with Gallim Dance at its unique home in the Church of St. Matthew and 20 [behind the] scenes

LEARN MORE

dradance.org

CLASSICAL ACTION

Yuja Wang, Luca Pisaroni Astound in Michael Palm Series

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n abundance of musical riches once again filled a New York City loft apartment this winter as two of the most celebrated artists of classical music and opera dazzled standing-room-only audiences.

The first two performances of the 2014-2015 Michael Palm Series featured pianist Yuja Wang and bass-baritone Luca Pisaroni, who appeared at intimate house concerts benefiting Classical Action, a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Wang kicked off the 11th season of the series on December 9 with a thrilling performance of classical prowess. The 28-year-old piano sensation’s rendering of Franz Schubert’s penultimate “Sonata in A major, D.959” - with a running time of more than 40 minutes enthralled the audience and left everyone breathless.

Rather than taking her scheduled intermission, Wang continued with six Alexander Scriabin compositions and closed her recital to a standing ovation for Mily Balakirev’s fast-as-lightening and technically difficult “Islamey.” Wang earned a second thunderous standing ovation after her encore of Vladimir Horowitz’s equally explosive “Variations on a Theme” from Georges Bizet’s Carmen.

The performance was made all the more special by the 9-foot concert grand piano she played, a prize of the Steinway & Sons basement that has been played by some of the world’s greatest pianists for their Carnegie Hall appearances. Wang coaxed every emotion from both the instrument and the audience.

On February 19, Pisaroni returned to the series after having performed in 2012 with his father-in-law, renowned baritone Thomas Hampson. Pisaroni’s recital was hot on the heels of his return to the Metropolitan Opera’s Don Giovanni where he garnered rave reviews. His program, beautifully accompanied by Craig Terry on piano, consisted of songs that showcased his thrilling vocal artistry, charisma and acting skills.

Pisaroni started his program with the songs of Italian composers, which left one guest to rave: “His Stefano Donaudy and Francesco Paulo Tosti songs were among the most beautiful renditions I have ever heard - wonderful phrasing, long breath, gorgeous sound and honest singing.”

Wrapping up the evening, Pisaroni sang two songs by George and Ira Gershwin, a stunning version of “Embraceable You” and a sexy and humorous “Just Another Rhumba,” before closing with Cole Porter’s “Night and Day.” Hosts Simon Yates and Kevin Roon once again graciously opened their magnificent Tribeca loft for the concerts. The sole underwriter of the series is the Michael Palm Foundation, with additional sponsorship from United Airlines. n

Up Our Alley Raises $184,956 The combined efforts of teams hailing from the financial district to Lincoln Center, from board rooms to backstages across New York City, helped propel the 16th annual edition of Up Our Alley to raise an impressive $184,956.

More than 300 bowlers spent six weeks in a friendly competition to raise money by encouraging friends, family and co-workers to donate to their efforts. They gathered November 17 and 18 to celebrate their successes at NYC’s Bowlmor Chelsea Piers. Since 1999, the 16 editions of Up Our Alley have raised nearly $1.7 million.

Among the November 17 participants, the most money raised by a team was $16,520 by Orchestra of St. Luke’s. The top individual fundraiser was Charles Hamlen from Orchestra of St. Luke’s with $10,950. Among the November 18 participants, the most money raised by a team was $27,845 by Morgan Stanley. The top individual fundraiser was Doug Nieters from Credit Suisse with $5,795. n

LEARN MORE

classicalaction.org [behind the] scenes 21

BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION 1

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BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION GIFT WRAP You get two rolls of 26’ x 10’ gift wrap featuring logos from long-running and classic Broadway musicals with coordinating bows and ribbons.

GW424 $20

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BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION APRON & OVEN MITT SET You’ll be cooking with gas when wearing your new kitchen apron featuring logos from long-running and classic Broadway musicals. This sandy-colored poly-cotton apron is adjustable to suit your height and comes with a matching oven mitt.

AP524 $35

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BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION SHOWER CURTAIN The logos of long-running and classic Broadway musicals adorn this beautiful white 72” x 72” shower curtain. It has a standard button-hole top, is machine washable and should be used in front of a liner, which is available separately.

CU800 $30 CU801 Liner $10

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BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION FLEECE BLANKET “Broadway!” is printed in the center of this bright blue blanket and is surrounded by the logos of long-running and classic Broadway musicals. It measures 50” x 60” and is machine washable.

BL717 $35

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BROADWAY CARES CLASSIC COLLECTION UMBRELLA You’ll be singin’ in the rain when you open your new umbrella to see long-running and classic Broadway musical logos lining the outside border. This black nylon umbrella has a 48” arc with a sturdy wooden curved handle.

UM781 $25

ORDER ONLINE AT BROADWAYCARES.ORG

Everyone Wins with Tax-Deductible Care-Tix Benefit from a tax-deductible donation while enjoying Broadway’s hottest shows from the best seats in the house.

Through BC/EFA’s unique Care-Tix program, you can purchase VIP Tickets not available to the general public when you make an equivalent donation to Broadway Cares.

Visit broadwaycares.org/caretix for details or call 212.840.0770, ext. 229, to arrange your tickets.

22 [behind the] scenes

Angels Circle 2014-2015 Providing a Sustainable Foundation The following are members of the Angels Circle as of March 18, 2015. Names in bold indicate Broadway Cares Archangels, donors who increased their gift by 25 percent or more over the previous year. Members of the Angels Circle include individuals, organizations, family foundations and corporations. Contributions are unrestricted and not related to event or merchandise purchases.

On behalf of our volunteers, staff, Board of Trustees and the many men, women and children with HIV/AIDS and other lifethreatening illnesses who count on Broadway Cares for assistance, we salute these donors.

In appreciation of an annual contribution of $1,000 or more, Angels receive VIP status at some of Broadway Cares’ most high-profile events, including Gypsy of the Year and the Easter Bonnet Competition, as well as a host of other exciting benefits.

There are many ways to become a member of the Angels Circle. You can join as an individual, a couple, a family or even as part of a group of friends, co-workers, fan club or sports league. You can charge your membership on a monthly or quarterly basis. In addition, if your employer matches charitable contributions, a gift of $500 or more can qualify you for membership at the $1,000 level.

For more information about the benefits of the Angels Circle, please contact John Halpin, major gifts officer, at halpin@broadwaycares.org or 212.840.0770, ext. 275.

Executive Producer

Mary D. Fisher George W. Schaeffer Foundation gifts of $100,000 and above James C. Hormel & Michael P. Nguyen The Fred Ebb Foundation William J. Levy Paul Libin & Florence Rowe Libin Bob Rhodehamel & Dana Snyder Jane Morison Newman’s Own Foundation John Okuloski & Frank Duff gifts from $50,000 to $99,999 Tony Origlio Bonnie Pfeifer Evans The Palette Fund & The Charles Evans Foundation* Reel Time Video Production: The Estate of Robert Sinacore in memory of Jonathan Frank & Alex Pearlman The Richmond/Ermet Aid Dr. Malcolm Berg (Our Love Lives On) Foundation, San Francisco The Shubert Organization Mickey Rolfe & Bruce Tracy Schmackary’s Thomas Schumacher & Matthew White gifts from $25,000 to $49,999 Theatrical Stage Employees Local One/IATSE Laura M. Boedeker The Tiger Baron Foundation Myrna & Freddie Gershon remember John Voege & Geoffrey Paul Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Allen, Tom Anonymous Eyen, Arthur Laurents, Marty Richards and Lou Reed Granny B. and P. Foundation H. van Ameringen Foundation gifts from $5,000 to $9,999 John W. Holloway Actors’ Equity Foundation Sam & Happy Shipley in memory of James D. Akins, Jr. John T. Rowe, Jr. Sam Altman in memory of Hollis Stern Murray Schapiro and Shirley Herz The Ted Snowdon Foundation The Apatow-Mann Family Foundation Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch ATPAM The Barrington Foundation, Inc. Elaine D. Berger Roger Berlind gifts from $10,000 to $24,999 Bertsch Family Charitable Foundation Willard Beckham in memory of June Bertsch Patrick Crosetto George L. Bielitz & John Derco Disney Worldwide Services, Inc. The Carl Jacobs Foundation William W. Donnell City National Bank The Edith Meiser Foundation Samantha & Drew Cohen in memory of Irving Cheskin The Column Awards Jules Fisher & Graciela Daniele

Producer

Director

Orchestra Seat

House Seat

Scott Dainton Deborah Dakin DeWitt Stern Group in honor of our clients Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow Ken Fakler The Fosdick Fund Dr. Gerald J. & Dorothy R. Friedman Foundation in honor of Samuel J. Friedman I. Steven Goldstein & William Popeleski, Jr. Jill & Marty Handelsman Ray Iwanowski The Jackman Family Foundation Jerome S. Glazer Foundation George E. Jordan in memory of Michel G. Delhaise Harriett Kittner Larry Luing & Dario Espinosa Kevin R. Lyle Scott Mallalieu & Nathaniel Fuchs Casey Blass and Lee Manford Peter McKown & Kenneth Heng Miriam Schaeffer Family Foundation Calvin Mitchell Stanley Newman & Dr. Brian Rosenthal Rob O’Neill & Shawn Anderson Paul Oppedisano Platt Family Foundation in memory of Gary Platt Playbill, Inc. Mimi Prentice Merle Reskin Jose Rojas & Nina Cavalli Amy Sherman-Palladino Eileen T. Stapleton The Stephanie & Carter McClelland Foundation Anthony Sweeney David Terveen Theatrical Wardrobe Union Local 764 IATSE Robert Tuschman The Waldman Foundation

®

Claude Bernstein & Melody Wang Randy Weddle Nina & Gary Wexler Barbara Whitman Diane M. & Kevin Wilshere

Box Seat

gifts from $2,500 to $4,999 Actors Federal Credit Union James J. Andrews* Stuart S. Applebaum in memory of Mr. Vincent Zito Rich Aronstein Bob Avian & Peter Pileski H. Thomas Axt & Alan Hassel* Richard P. Baks Paris Baldacci & Andrew S. Dolkart Jordan Barbakoff & Philip Jeffery in loving memory of Rob Sinacore John Barnes & Charles Champagne Steven Schnepp & Mark Basile in memory of Paul Penfield and John Heppenstall Scott Bass & Dominic Chiarello Erich R. Bechtel Chad Beguelin & Thomas Sleeman Nan & Joe Benincasa James M. Berichon Melvin Bernhardt & Jeff Woodman Robert Billig & Richard Vida Walter Bobbie & David Frye John Bowab Deborah & Steven Cavalier CESD Talent Agency Charlie & Moll Anderson Foundation Cathy Chernoff Gloria & Charles I. Clough Jr. William Ludel & Tracy Cohen

[behind the] scenes 23

Angels Circle 2014-2015 Paul & Kelly Cole

Ira Mont & Jill Cordle Mont

Merle Debuskey & Pearl Somner

in memory of Annette Mont

Mitties M. DeChamplain in loving

William Morey

memory of Stephen Anthony Moore

Ruth Neale

Jamie deRoy

James L. Nederlander

in memory of Bradshaw Smith

Judith A. Nelson* in memory of

Drew Desky & Dane Levens

Wayne McCarthy

Senator Mike & Fran DeWine

Maury Newburger

Christopher Durang & John Augustine

Phyllis Newman in honor of

Joe Evall & Richard Lynn in memory of

Adolph Green’s 100th birthday year

Spencer Cox

Joseph Obermayer

Robert Evers

Michael Paleos

Donald Filicetti & John Mackerey

Gilbert Parker

Peter Farrell

The PATH Fund/Rockers on Broadway

Kevin & Helen Flanagan*

Lee Perlman & Linda Riefberg

Maggie Flanigan & Richard Dow

Richard E. Rauh

John Paul Geurts & Robert W. Stolt

Michael C. Ray

John R. Gibson

Richard F. Walsh/Alfred W. Di Tolla/

Dale Glasser in memory of Steven Glasser

Harold P. Spivak Foundation

Dan Goggin

Warren D. Riffle & Kurt A. Fleagle

Adam J. Goodfarb

David Romero & David Greiss

Emily Grishman & Susan Sampliner

Rose Brand

Liam Harvey & Jim Stake

Larry & Debbie Schneider

Jerry Herman

Shake Shack

Robert C. Hickman

Ronald Shechtman

William S. Hoover, MD

Andrew W. Stern

Kathy Inch

Eddie Sarfaty & Court Stroud

John L. McHugh Foundation

Steve Sweet

Dave Wells & Scott Johnson

Stuart Thompson & Joe Baker

The Johnson Family Foundation

Tina & Jeffrey Bolton Family Fund

Paula Kaminsky Davis

Matthew D. Tumminello

Kelly Karavites & Francis P. King

& Dominick J. Marangi

Kathryn Keneally & Thomas Marshall

Sally Unger

Karen Kennedy in memory of

Tom Viola

Muriel & Bob Kennedy

Allen Walker

Alan Klein & Jeffrey Erb*

Alice Wang

Edgar A. Knudson

Marilyn Miller in memory of

Nina & Timothy Lannan in memory of

Trygve F. Wasbotten

Arthur Siccardi III

Weinberg Family Foundation

Angela Lansbury

Max Weintraub

Jay Laudato & Thomas Watson

Michael Wescoe & Randy Thompson

Stephanie Lee/Group Sales Box Office

Whittier & Associates in honor of

Tom Lombardi

David H. Whittier

Fran Macferran

Wyncote Foundation

John Mandler & William Velhagen

The Ziegfeld Club

Steven Markov & Jeffrey Meleski

George Zuber & Anthony Snyder

James Martin

Charitable Fund at Our Fund, Inc

Marin Mazzie & Jason Danieley

Anonymous (2)

in memory of Gary Bonasorte

Front Mezzanine

Mary McColl David R. McShane & The Samantha Fund Keith Miller Marianne McGrath Mills Jonathan Mintzer Brian Stokes Mitchell & Allyson Tucker in honor of Tom Viola Debra Monk

[behind the] scenes

gifts from $1,000 to $2,499 Robert and Noah Aberlin * The A.R. Hughes Family Fund

in loving memory of our cousin Thomas H. Anderson Jonathan Adler Kenneth & Ellen Adler Rich Ahrens

Douglas J. Albert John R. Alchin & Hal Marryatt Gerry & Hank Alpert* Lee Anisman James L. Ansin Rob Anzalone Gerald M. Appelstein* David Glenn Armstrong & Jeffrey Miller in memory of Todd Coroliuc Terri-Marie Assous The Arthur Loeb Foundation Gary Bagley Christopher & Paris Barclay Clay & Karen Barnes in honor of Gracie & Christina Barnes Scott Barnes & Brian Kellow in memory of Bud Nease Brent Barrett Ivan M. Bart Brad Bava Kevin Beebee Beech Street Foundation Alan Bell & David Ziff Douglas Bella David Benaym & Danny Tidwell* Nancy Duggan Benson Mark Bernhardt James C. P. Berry Phillip Bettencourt Phil & Mary Beuth Jon Bierman Terry & William Biggins Chuck Blasius in memory of Linda Accardi Dave Boone Carl & Karen Bowen Loraine J. Boyle Roy Brayton & Mickey Sullivan Briggs, Inc. Broadway Bazaar J. Arthur Brost Barry Brown Corey Brunish & Jessica Rosenfeld Don Buchwald & Associates James & Debbie Burrows Michelle L. Butler Michael-Demby Cain* Robert Callely Len Cariou & Heather Summerhayes Carleton Carpenter Frank Carucci & David Diamond remembering Michael DeBenedittis, gone 30 years Stockard Channing Randolph R. Charles The Charles & Lucille King Family Foundation Charles and Margaret Levin Family Foundation Paula & David Chase Mr. & Mrs. Edward A. Chernoff Yan Cheung* Alan Chung & Buffy Redsecker

Melinda DeChiazza Cloobeck* Evan Cohen Jill Cohen Bill Condon John Contratti Ramon Contreras & Rick Fatzinger Frank Conway* Kenneth E. Cooke Harriet Cooperman Donald Correll Thomas Cott* in memory of Philip Carlson Clayton D. Crawley William C. Cubberley Maurice Brandon Curry D S Simon Productions Mark Dalton Duke Dang & Charles Rosen* in loving memory of David Panzer Old Gaspard, Inc. Felipe de Bustamante Keith Degi, M.D. Louis J. Denkovic Sheri Deterling Charles Deull Alvin Deutsch Ankur & Julie Doshi Michael K. Douglas Toni Downey Mike Doyle & Bret Kobler The Edgar Foster Daniels Foundation William D. Eichman & Michael C. Yount Valerie Eigner Alan Eisenberg & Claire Copley Steven Elkin Anthony & Kristina Ellenbogen Peter Entin & Barbara Janowitz Robert Eppenstein Marcy Epstein Shane Ewen Michael J. Fagan Laura G. Fahsbender Peggy Farber Jack Feldman Doug P. Fiebelkorn Steven Filenbaum & Matthew Woolf, CFP Elliot Fishman Edward & Lori Forstein Dale J. Fournier & Michael R. Wellington* David France* Clay Francis Steve Frasheur Fraydun Foundation, Inc. Sean Free William & Carol Ann Freeman Barbara & Buddy Freitag David A. Friedman in memory of my mother Shirley Friedman Merle Frimark David M. Fromm in memory of my partner Robert Motley Kenneth R. Fulton Vincent Gaeta

Marianne Ganzer in memory of John Ganzer Thomas Garner* Bruce & Alice Geismar The Gelfand Family Foundation Thomas Gentile Richard Gerrig & Timothy Peterson Maxine Gerson Mark Gibson & Roger Hyde Sue Gilad Michel Gilbert Roger Gindi & Gregory Victor Joanna Gleason & Chris Sarandon Robert D. Gonzales Sam Gonzalez Crawford Gordon Doug Johnson & Valerie Gordon-Johnson Stefanie M. Gorman Barbara Gottlieb Dana & Fred Gourtay Dane Grams John Graves & Dennis Lonergan Barry & Maggie Grove Sarah & Joel Handelman Eugene Harbin Carrie Anne K. Harrell Michael P. Harrell Jennifer Hatch & Sue Smith Steve Hatfield & Patrick Riordan* Jeffrey Hayenga & Michael Belanger Joseph Heffernan Joseph R. Heller Joy Henshel Richard M. Hester in memory of Spook from Mastro and Hester Jerry Hirsch Susan & Neal Hirsch Jim Hoelz & Bill Welsh Sally Horchow Andrea & Craig Horowitz Bill Hutton Carol A. Ingram in memory of Rodger McFarlane Ira M. Resnick Foundation in honor of Robin Sherman Michael T. Isbell in honor of Spencer Cox Jeffrey L. Jackman Jeanne & Waldo Jackson in memory of our son Robert Jackson Jack & Moe Rouse Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Mark Jacobson Janis & Alan Menken Foundation Thai Jason in honor of Tom Viola Jerl Machine, Inc. Jerome and Dolores Zuckerman Gewirtz Charitable Trust Earl Johnson & Douglas Ward Cherry Jones Ilana Kameros Detlef Kamps Karma Foundation Laurence Kaplan* 25

Jodi, Jim, Matthew & Allison Kaye Greg & Karin Kayne Tom Kazmark Thomas Kazmierczak & Ted Blankenship Michael Keith Robert W. Kilgore & Edward A. Richmond F. Gary Knapp Kenneth Koen* Ron Kollen Ram Koppaka Lillian Kraemer Hilda Kraker* Gary Kuchta & Will Rogers Robert J. Kunikoff Michael Kuzma Trey LaFave Frank Latko Brian Lawlor Winston Bernard Layne* Christopher Leary* Jay H. Lefkowitch Ann M. Lehman in loving memory of Rick Burglund & Gary Warren James Leonard Diane Lippert Stuart Lippner Stephen Littell Michael Lombard Thomas Luciano David C. Ludwigson & LaMont Craig in honor of Rodger McFarlane Steve Lukens Donald Lutt Steven F. Lutz Mark & William Macatee Maureen A. Macfadden John J. Mackerey Qahir Madhany Maidstone Productions in memory of Ted Tulchin Barbara Manocherian Jesse Manocherian Joseph R Mantello Eric Marcus & Barney Karpfinger Clif Mathews Scott & Harriet Mauro Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation, Inc. Jo Mayer Elizabeth I. McCann Richard V. McCune - City National Entertainment Mark McLaren Kathryn Meister Bill Melamed Jr. & Jamey Lundblad

in honor of Judy Dove and Frank Conway Lawrence & Nancy Meleski in honor of Jeff Meleski & Steve Markov MeritDirect, LLC Mr. & Mrs. E. Van R. Milbury Michael Mills & Mark McGrath

Kathleen Moloney Javier Morgado & Nick Pennink Sally Campbell Morse Tiffany A. Neill Bebe Neuwirth & Chris Calkins* Maddi, Charlie & Bridget Niebanck friends of John Lloyd Young Albert Nocciolino Nora Roberts Foundation Dr. Sharon Novak* Michael Novin Stuart Oken Kevin Oldis Roger Oliver John K. Orberg Lisa Orberg Marc Owens & Fred Root Ronald Painter Philip Paroian Gregg Passin Ralph L. Pellecchio & James C. Wernz, M.D. Thomas S. Perakos Erik Piecuch & Alex Wright* Donald R. Pickens Gloria Piraino Brad Plunkett L. Glenn Poppleton Anthony Ramos Michael Raymond Jonathan Rebell Monica & Greg Reid Ann Reinking Teresa Reyes & Martin Monas* Michael Risinger Tim Robinson & Paul Habig Jonathan Rock & Patrick Delacruz Michael & Deborah Rohrkaste Lucy Rose Jack & Moe Rouse Fund of The Greater Cincinnati Foundation Soumya Roy Lori Rubinstein in honor of Bill Sapsis Loren Ruch & David Salas Samuel L. Phillips Family Foundation Dorothy & Peter Samuels Megan M. Savage Matt Scanlan* S. Fred Schiffman Michael Schober & Don Harrison Will Schwalbe & David Cheng Debra & Michael Segal Sally J. Seiberlich Mark Sekita & Ryugo Toh Elliott R. Sernel Shapiro Family Foundation Kenneth G. Shelley Mary Jo & Ted Shen in memory of Gordon Stokes Kurtti Dan Silver & Eric Dean Davis Monty Silver & Tracy Jamar Carl & Fay Simons Kenneth & Kenda Singer Michael Sodomick

Christine Spencer James Spiegelhoff Split Rock Charitable Foundation Eric Stine Robin Strasser in honor of Ed Richmond and Robert Kilgore Meryl Streep & Don Gummer Peter M. Taub Greg Taylor Theater Extras John Henry Thomas III Times Square Scoops, LLC Stephen & Valerie Toups Jeffrey Trachtman The Trico Foundation Twelfth Night Club, Inc. Mark Tynan Beth M. Uffner Richard J. Underwood Joyce Van Patten William & Helen Van Syckle Ariadne & Juan Villarreal Richard & Debra Voller Carol Waaser Suzyn Waldman Ryan Walls & Arrash Jalali* Tom & Connie Walsh Ric Wanetik & David Hagans Arthur E. Webster, Esq. Stephan & Sheryl Weisbuch Peg & Gary Wendlandt Cortright Wetherill, Jr. Nancy A. Wheeler Todd Whitley* Danny Whitman & Robert Bartley in memory of Francine Whitman Lois Whitman Richard C. Wiggers Elizabeth P. Williams & Joseph C. Forte Margo Wintersteen Terrence J. Witter & Artie de la Cruz Howard & Diane Wohl Jeff Wolk Matthew Zaccagni Lucinda Zink Zufall Family Foundation* Elliot Zulver & Sally Gold Anonymous in memory of Meghan Robinson Anonymous in memory of Marian Seldes Anonymous (3)

* Indicates members of the DRA Angels Circle

LEGACY & LEADERSHIP

Fred Ebb Foundation’s Generosity Tops $10 Million Mark

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egendary lyricist Fred Ebb continues to make a difference for thousands of men and women. In December, the Fred Ebb Foundation donated $1.65 million to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, bringing its total contribution to $10 million since Ebb died in 2004.

“Fred Ebb’s brilliant legacy - with the extraordinary John Kanderhas allowed BC/EFA to increase and expand its support, specifically for The Actors Fund,” said Broadway Cares Executive Director Tom Viola. “Fred’s incredible generosity has indeed made a difference in the lives of thousands of his colleagues, co-workers, friends and loved ones in ‘the business.’” n

“My Uncle Fred wanted to give back to the theatre community because it’s the community to which he belonged,” said Mitchell Bernard, foundation trustee and Ebb’s nephew. “I don’t think he ever imagined that, in its first 10 years, the foundation would have been able to give $10 million to Broadway Cares. It would thrill him to know that, and that’s a thrill for me.”

As a stipulation in his will, Ebb, who famously partnered with composer John Kander to become one of the most legendary songwriting teams in American history, generously left his share of royalties to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Kander and Ebb’s body of work includes some of the greatest creations of the American musical stage, including this season’s Cabaret, Chicago and The Visit.

The Fred Ebb Foundation’s 2014 donation was the largest single contribution in BC/EFA history, surpassing the foundation’s 2013 donation of $1.4 million.

“

I don’t think he ever imagined that, in its first 10 years, the foundation would have been able to give $10 million to Broadway Cares. It would thrill him to know that, and that’s a thrill for me.”

Mitchell Bernard

26 [behind the] scenes

Father Richard Mietzelfeld Leaves a Legacy of Hope

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hroughout his 88 years of life, Father Richard Mietzelfeld made a difference – through his spiritual guidance, in his college classrooms and by inviting friends to his cozy hilltop retreat in Massachusetts.

But Father Richard also made sure his legacy would have a lasting impact, too. His will stipulated that a significant portion of his estate be left to an organization devoted to helping people living with AIDS.

the latest news with friends. His home even featured floor-toceiling bookcases of more than 10,000 CDs and 18,000 LPs, which he donated to Amherst College.

“Father Richard found a connection with everyone he met and wanted to know what made them tick,” Raspitha said.

“Knowing that his life’s efforts are going to have such a longlasting impact on so many people in need, I’m sure he’s just beaming right now.” n

“Father Richard felt deeply for those suffering from AIDS and wished to ease, in some way, their pain,” said Ellen Raspitha, Father Richard’s cousin by marriage and executor of his estate.

After an extensive review, Raspitha determined Broadway Cares should be receive Father Richard’s magnanimous gift through the Colleen Dewhurst Society, BC/EFA’s planned giving program. His generosity will help, for years to come, hundreds of thousands in three states dear to him – Connecticut, Florida and Massachusetts – and at organizations nationwide.

Brooklyn-born Father Richard, a former rector of Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT, was a priest for 58 years. His life was full of music, saying once, “music enriches the spiritual life and deepens the life of prayer.” He spent hours listening to music while discussing art, politics or

Employers’ Matching Gifts Can Double Your Donations

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veryone knows about a double entendre, a double date and a double feature. But how about doubling a donationwithout taking anything more out of your own pocket?

Many employers will match, dollar for dollar, their employees’ contributions to charitable organizations. The matching gift can cover everything from a donation dropped into one of Broadway Cares’ legendary red buckets after a visit to the theatre to the taxdeductible portion of a ticket purchased for one of our events.

Sam Gonzalez, director of operations and chief of staff to Pfizer’s chief medical officer, leverages his company’s generosity at every opportunity.

“The Pfizer Foundation has a great matching gift program that they make even easier with an online system for submitting requests,” Gonzalez said. “I came of age during the early days of the AIDS crisis, so supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has always been important to me. As the organization expanded its support over the years to launch programs like the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, finding ways to have a greater impact with my donation became even more important.”

Gonzalez, who first donated to Broadway Cares in 2002, makes

sure that his annual Angels Circle gift and even every dollar he drops in a bucket are matched by the Pfizer Foundation.

“Knowing that any donation I make has twice the impact, thanks to Pfizer’s matching gifts program, makes me even more proud of the difference that we all can make,” he said.

Michael Raymond is a newer donor to Broadway Cares but a longtime supporter of AIDS causes. He lost two college roommates to AIDS, friends he still keeps close to his heart.

Raymond was introduced to Broadway Cares at Bucks County Cabaret last October. During the event’s live auction, he offered the winning bid for a special evening and backstage meet-andgreet with singer Linda Eder at her holiday concert.

“As the bids kept increasing, I thought of Brian, one of my roommates, and there was no question that I should keep bidding,” Raymond said. “Deep down, I also knew that I had a chance to double my bid because Merck would match my donation. I filled out a few pieces of information on our corporate site and the company took care of the rest.”

To find out if your company offers matching gifts or if you have questions about how to get started, contact John Halpin, major gifts officer, at 212.840.0770, ext. 275, or halpin@broadwaycares.org. n [behind the] scenes 27

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Save The Date

29th Annual eASTER BONNET COMPETITION

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Broadway Barks

Sunday, June 21

Saturday, July 11

Monday, April 20, 4:30 pm Tuesday, April 21, 2 pm

9:30 pm & Midnight

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Hammerstein Ballroom 311 West 34th Street, NYC

Shubert Alley, NYC

Minskoff Theatre 200 West 45th Street, NYC

Fire Island Dance Festival Friday, July 17 Saturday, July 18 Sunday, July 19 Fire Island Pines, NY

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29th Annual Broadway Flea market & Grand Auction Sunday, September 27 10 am - 7 pm Times Square, West 44th St. & Shubert Alley