Health advocate Richard Simmons will host the Broadway Bears IV benefit, a one-night auction of "42 one-of-a-kind Broadway Bears." The event, scheduled to take place at the Millennium Broadway, will raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, the theatre effort aimed at meeting the challenges of AIDS.

In the Broadway Bears program, theatres top designers and design teams recreate "Broadway's most memorable characters and performances" with stuffed bears, which are transformed after being "meticulously dressed in handsome costumes."

In many cases, the bears are autographed by the stars they represent; Carol Channing (Hello, Dolly!), Elaine Stritch (Company), Sherie René Scott (Aida), Michael Crawford (Phantom of the Opera) and Chita Rivera (Bye, Bye Birdie) are expected to sign bears for this year's collection.

The bears are auctioned after being previewed on-line at www.BroadwayCares.org. At the Millennium, a private reception and reserved seating for the auction is available for $150; unreserved seats are available for $35. The Millennium is located at 145 W. 44 St. For reservations call (212) 840-0770, ext. 268. Live telephone bidding and pre-registered bids are available at (212) 840-0770, ext. 228.

—By Murdoch McBride