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 $512,000 for BC/EFA; that amount bested the previous year's total by $62,000. A walk-on in the NBC series "Friends" brought in the highest bid during the afternoon's Grand Auction: $30,000. The table that earned the most for the charitable organization was run by the United Scenic Designers ($13,000), and the show that collected the highest amount was the Bernadette Peters revival of Gypsy ($10,000).
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 $85 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 their website at www.bcefa.org or call (212) 840-0770.