That donation marks the largest single contribution in BC/EFA history and brings the foundation’s total contribution to BC/EFA to $6.95 million since 2005. The foundation is funded by royalties from late award-winning lyricist Ebb’s vast catalogue of work and makes an annual donation to BC/EFA. “With John Kander, Fred gave us some of the most delightful, smart and hilarious songs in more than a dozen groundbreaking and acclaimed musicals of the last 50 years. But Fred’s extraordinary legacy as an artist is matched only by his generosity of spirit,” said BC/EFA executive director Tom Viola in a statement. “Fred’s lyrics abound in a wry humor, a zest for living and genuine concern and compassion for his fellow travelers, particularly those with whom he worked in the theatre community. This $1.3 million gift to Broadway Cares enables us to secure and increase our support for The Actors Fund, as well as hundreds of AIDS and family service organizations, at a time when other funding sources are cutting back, as more and more men, women and children reach out for help. With this gift, Fred is a part of doing God’s work, perhaps not what he had in mind when he wrote the lyrics to ‘Class’, but certainly what he expressed in the sentiments of ‘A Quiet Thing.’ Thank you, Fred!”

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $225 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. For more information visit broadwaycares.org.