The Sept. 25 benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which has typically nestled itself within Shubert Alley, is relocating slightly due to construction work on an adjacent parking garage. In its 25-year history, the Broadway Flea Market has only missed one date in Shubert Alley, due to inclement weather in 2009.
The Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction will now set up tables on for the entire block of West 44th Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, as well as the pedestrian plaza in Times Square between 43rd and 44th Streets.
The outdoor fundraiser offers a host of theatrical memorabilia donated by the theatrical community, as well as a Celebrity Table, where theatre fans can purchase autographs by (or photos with) their favorite stars from Broadway, Off-Broadway and television. The well-attended event also includes a Grand Auction, where "singular items and opportunities such as walk-on roles in Broadway shows, television programs and films" are auctioned to the highest bidder.
Among the 2011 auction items are a VIP experience allowing individuals to skip the autograph lines and enjoy a celebrity liaison for the day; two tickets to the opening night of Follies and the after-party; and tickets to see the final Broadway performance of Catch Me If You Can and join the cast for the closing night party.
Online bidding is now available for the three above packages at broadwaycares.org/bidnow. "We look forward to turning this year’s construction challenge into a golden, sun-drenched opportunity to expand into Times Square's wonderful pedestrian plazas," BC/EFA executive director Tom Viola said in a statement. "Filling Broadway between 43rd and 44th Streets, there will be booths overflowing with theatrical memorabilia and at the end of the afternoon the Grand Auction. I hope you will take the few steps across Seventh Avenue with us, as you enjoy the high energy and activity that every year stretches down 44th Street to Eighth Avenue. Whatever the terrain, the best of Broadway shows up for the Broadway Flea Market. I hope you will too!"
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 $170 million for services for people with AIDS, HIV or HIV-related illnesses.
For more information, visit the BC/EFA website at www.bcefa.org or call (212) 840-0770.
