The outdoor fundraiser in Shubert Alley raises money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and features a host of theatrical memorabilia donated by the theatrical community. The day-long event also boasts a Celebrity Table, where theatre fans can purchase autographs by or photos with their favorite stars from Broadway, Off-Broadway and television serials. The well-attended event also includes a Grand Auction, where "unique and priceless items" are auctioned to the highest bidder. Last year's auction raised $419,464 for BC/EFA. It was the second consecutive year that the United Scenic Designers table raised the most for the charitable organization, bringing in $16,923; the Wicked table took in $12,788 and Avenue Q collected $11,944. A day at The Phantom of the Opera was the big winner in the Grand Auction — the high bid for that package was $8,500. And, two Bette Midler packages, including tickets to her concerts, brought in $7,500 each. The Silent Auction also earned quite a bit of money for BC/EFA, including an autographed Hirschfeld drawing of the late Gwen Verdon for $2,700.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation’s largest industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization. Since its founding in 1988 the organization has distributed over $100 million for services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.
For more information on the Flea Market and other BC/EFA events, visit the BC/EFA website at www.bcefa.org or call (212) 840-0770.