Clay Aiken – A Once-A-Year Celebration

 

Today, March 9th, 2015, the Al Hirschfeld Theatre in Broadway will host Broadway Backwards the once-a-year celebration that benefits Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.  The show is almost sold out and hopes to break records in money raised. Last years’s edition raised a record-breaking $423,182 for the two organizations.

This is the tenth annual edition of Broadway Backwards.  There will be a live orchestra and a large cast that will include some of the biggest showstopping acts from previous editions of Broadway Backwards. They will  perform many great songs from the musical theatre…but with a twist: women will sing songs originally written for men and men will sing songs written for women.  The night will be filled with wonderful singing, dancing, and respect for all.

Do you remember when Clay Aiken was one of many outstanding stars that  performed at Broadway Backwards 6. Held at the Longacre Theatre on 48th street, the show was held on February 7, 2011.

The obvious highlight for this Clay Aiken fan was seeing Clay shine on the Broadway stage as he performed “Home” from The Wiz. He started quietly and slowly built to a powerful climax. He sang from his heart and the audience was moved by his outstanding performance. As the applause continued, Clay returned to the stage for a second bow. Appropriately, Clay seemed right at “Home” on the Broadway stage.

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 2012, Broadway Cares/EFA funded $10, 856,755.00 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
  • Food Service and Meal Delivery Programs in 34 states

More than 450 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 some of the many fundraising events that are held yearly by BC/EFA:

  • Broadway Backwards
  • Broadway Barks
  • Easter Bonnet Competition
  • Broadway Bares
  • Flea Market & Grand Auction September
  • Fire Island Dance Festival
  • Gypsy of the Year Competition
  • Bucks County Cabaret

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.

Check out this wonderful video of Clay singing at Broadway Backwards on February 7, 2011.

Have you ever seen Broadway Backwards?

Clay Aiken News Network is an unofficial fansite. We are not affiliated in any way with Clay Aiken or his management. This website was made by fans for fans and makes no impression or impersonation of the official site, which can be found under the domain clayaiken.com.

5 thoughts on “Clay Aiken – A Once-A-Year Celebration

  1. Clay's performance of Home has always been one of my favorites. His voice brings out the emotional need for home and family, even though he has moved on with his own life. The audience were totally moved and gave Clay a standing ovation! When Clay uses his talent for the causes he believes in, he gives all his heart and soul!

  2. I never get tired of watching this video. Clay does a wonderful job of singing and raising $$ for many charities. I wonder if he was at the event last night in NYC that was raising money for many charities to fight autism.

  3. Loved watching the video again. Clay does belong on Broadway….His voice is just so powerful and pure…. Thanks Musicfan for posting the video today. Needed to see and hear Clay again…

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