The yearly event features a host of teddy bears dressed as famous Broadway characters, many autographed by the original stars who wore the original (human-sized) outfits.

Since this fundraiser began in 1998, the well-dressed bears have raised more than $1,850,000 for medical clinics, healthy meal programs and hundreds of other much-needed social service organizations supported by Broadway Cares.

The grand finale auction, which is titled Getting Out of Town, will feature characters from such productions as Evita, Follies, Grey Gardens, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Li’l Abner, Porgy and Bess, Sister Act, Sunset Boulevard and War Horse. This closing-night cast of characters will represent Carol Channing, Joel Grey, Patti LuPone, Paul McCartney, Idina Menzel, Vanessa Redgrave, Chita Rivera and many more.

Broadway favorite Bryan Batt and auctioneer Lorna Kelly will be on hand to host and lead the evening’s festivities.

Previews of this year’s bears and details on bidding and tickets will be available soon. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $195 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses.

For more information about Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org or call (212) 840-0770.