Broadway Bears XI will be held at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on West 42nd Street. The evening will begin at 6 PM with a private reception and an advance VIP preview of this year's collection of bears. At 7 PM the doors will open for general admission ticket holders, and the auction is scheduled to commence at 8 PM.

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.

Those unable to attend the New York auction can bid on-line. BC/EFA accepts pre-bids and prearranged phone bids the night of the auction. Previews of this year's bears will be available on the Broadway Cares website in January 2008.

Last year's auction, hosted by Bryan Batt, brought in $130,000 for the charitable organization. Top bids were for the Mary Poppins ($8,000) and The Phantom of the Opera ($6,500) bears.

Since its inception in 1998, Broadway Bears has raised over $1.35 million dollars for BC/EFA. For more information about Broadway Bears XI or Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, visit the BC/EFA website at www.broadwaycares.org or call (212) 840-0770, ext. 268.