Tonight, Clay Aiken will be one of many outstanding stars that will be performing at Broadway Backwards 6. Held at the Longacre Theatre on 48th street, the performance is a fund-raiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids.
Clay has been an active supporter of Broadway Care/EFA. When he was starring in Spamalot, Clay helped raise a great deal of money for the organization. He was a loud cheerleader in working with the cast of Spamalot to earn the most money for the Easter Bonnet competition. He spent time most of the nights of the campaign, taking pictures with fans and encouraging the rest of the staff to participate too. His Sir Robin Bear received the highest bids two years in a row and he helped at the Easter Bonnet presentation by singing with Hannah Waddingham.
Many of Clay’s fans appreciate Clay’s support of the charity, but many don’t really know the scope of Broadway Cares/EFA. It is an amazing organization that helps so many people every year.
The Council of Actors’ Equity Association founded Equity Fights AIDS in 1987. Their money was raised through the efforts of Equity theatre companies across the country. It was specifically earmarked for The Actors’ Fund’s AIDS Initiative.
Members of The Producers’ Group founded Broadway Cares in 1988. The money raised by this organization was earmarked to be awarded to AIDS service organizations across the country, including Equity Fights AIDS.
In May, of 1992, Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Cares merged to become Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This newly established not-for-profit fundraising organization assumed the missions of both organizations and continues to fund the social service work of The Actors’ Fund and to award grants twice a year to AIDS service organizations nationwide.
In 2010, Broadway Cares/EFA funded nearly $10 million in grants. Some of the organizations that they support are:
- Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative
- The HIV/AIDS Initiative
- Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic
More than 400 AIDS and family service organizations are funded by BC/EFA. They help hundreds of thousands who face the uncertainly of their short and long term challenges.
One of the unique things about BC/EFA is the wonderful fundraisers that they have through out the year. I am sure you have heard of some of them, but the talented people who participate in these events make it hard to not get involved in the event. The following events are already on the calendar for 2011:
- Broadway Backwards (February)
- ABC Daytime Salutes Broadway Cares (March)
- Broadway Bears (March)
- Easter Bonnet Competition (April)
- Broadway Bares (June)
- Flea Market & Grand Auction September
- Fire Island Dance Festival (September)
- Gypsy of the Year Competition (December)
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. With all of our help, what they do can make a difference.
Clay has been very dedicated to assisting Broadways charitable interests.
Can't wait to hear what Clay will be singing tonight… I was one of the lucky one that got their picture taken with Clay when he was in Spamalot..raising money for Broadway Bears… Should be a great show tonight. I love how he is always making a difference in charities that are near and dear to his heart…
Clay always supports very worthy causes. Broadway Cares/EFA does wonderful work. Wishing Clay the best for tonight! I hope all the fans who get to go have a great time! 🙂
Clay always helps out all of these organizations. I can't wait to hear what he sings also. Should be a great show. Hope everyone who goes has the best time…and, maybe, we might get some clack. Will be waiting for the cellcerts tonight.
Thanks so much for the information about Broadway Cares/EFA. I had no idea of the number of
fund raisers they have each year. Clay is certainly involved in a number of wonderful charities.
I know it will be a spendid night for those attending. I am certainly excited to learn what Clay sings.
any clacks 🙂 ?
how was it ? … (dying with curiousity 🙂 )