Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Broadway Cares mission statement is geared towards mobilizing the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.

Broadway Cares was founded in February 1988 by members of The Producers’ Group. Money raised was earmarked to be awarded to AIDS service organizations nationwide, including Equity Fights AIDS.

In May 1992, Equity Fights AIDS and Broadway Cares merged to become Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The Board of Trustees of this newly established not-for-profit fundraising organization assumed the missions of the previously separate organizations and continues to fund the social service work of The Actors Fund and to award grants three times a year to AIDS service organizations nationwide.

Raising the Philanthropic Budget

In an incredibly unique fashion, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS must raise every single dollar of our philanthropic budget every year in order to fulfill its mission. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Grosh Is a Part of It

Grosh had the distinct opportunity to be involved with this year’s production of the The Wicked Rocky Horror Picture Show. The week before the performance we received a call from Wicked’s own Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald requesting a silver mylar rain curtain and drapery for their production at the Fonda Theatre.

Without hesitation it turned into a donation, as Broadway Cares/EFA is such an incredible cause and has done so much. According to Rick Desloge, the foundation raised over $50,000 before raising the curtain. Congratulations to the cast of Wicked and BC/EFA on such an incredible accomplishment.

The event was directed by company member Timothy A. Fitz-Gerald with choreography by Jonathan McGill. Musical direction provided by Andrew Graham. “THE Wicked ROCKY HORROR SHOW” was produced through special arrangements with Samuel French, Inc. WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, played through March 15, 2015 at the Pantages Theatre.