First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton will be appear at a 25th anniversary benefit for the Children's Defense Fund, a gala that will include performances by many Broadway notables, including Glenn Close and Davis Gaines.

Also scheduled for the Oct. 20 benefit at New York's Lincoln Center are Rosie O'Donnell (Grease!), Bebe Neuwirth (Chicago, Damn Yankees), Sam Harris & Lillias White (The Life), Joy Behar (Three From Brooklyn), Dance Theatre of Harlem & Arthur Mitchell, Eliot Feld (choreographer of On The Town) and his Ballet Tech, Desmond Richardson of American Ballet Theatre, and model Iman.

Founded in 1973 by Marian Wright Edelman, the Children's Defense Fund serves as a research and advocacy group for children in America, notably "poor, minority and disabled" kids. CDF's goal is to encourage "preventive investment" in children before they get sick, drop out or bet into trouble.

Carmen De Lavallade directs the event, which features choreography and music direction by Tony Monte. The benefit, at Avery Fisher Hall in NY's Lincoln Center, is produced by Terry Hodge Taylor.

Prices for the evening range from $500-$2,500 for pre-reception, dinner, show and post-reception. For those tickets call (212) 307-1226. For just the show ($25-$100) call CenterCharge at (212) 721-6500. For tickets (onsale Sept. 8) call (212) 581-3836.

--By David Lefkowitz