18th Annual Flea Market & Grand Auction Raises $419,464 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
BC/EFA Flea Market
(Photo © Joseph Marzullo)
A total of $419,464 was raised yesterday at the 18th annual Flea Market & Grand Auction, an outdoor fair in which members of the theatrical community donate and sell their wares to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). The charity is the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has distributed over $85 million to pay for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, or HIV-related illnesses.
One of the most popular features at yesterday’s event was the Celebrity Table, where stars gathered throughout the day to sign autographs and pose for photos in exchange for donations. Among those who participated were Bernadette Peters, Charles Busch, Marian Seldes, Drew Lachey, Katherine Helmond, Michael McKean, Cy Coleman, Mario Cantone, Bebe Neuwirth, Tovah Feldshuh, and Christine Ebersole.
Cast members of hit Broadway shows — including Avenue Q’s John Tartaglia and Stephanie D’Abruzzo and Wicked‘s Joey McIntyre — were present at their respective show booths, selling items to passers-by. The organization that raised the most money was United Scenic Artists, which donated $16,923 to BC/EFA. A grand auction of unique and priceless items capped the day.
For more information on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, visit the organization’s website at www.BroadwayCares.org.
