Health advocate Richard Simmons hosts the Broadway Bears IV benefit on Feb. 11, a one-night auction of "42 one-of-a-kind Broadway Bears."

Broadway Bears IV takes place at the Millennium Broadway. The event will raise funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, the ongoing theatre effort aimed at meeting the challenges of AIDS.

In the program, theatre's 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