Cabaret Cares Gala, Honoring Sidney Myer and Julie Wilson, Set for 5/18 at the Laurie Beechman

Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today, a 501c non-profit organization founded by MAC Award winning producer, Joseph Macchia, will hold its annual fundraising gala (cocktails, auction, dinner, show) on May 18th at the Laurie Beechman Theater, featuring a live show with many of New York's favorite performers who donate their time and talent to this wonderful event. To help a child living with HIV, you can purchase your tickets here now: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/606603

The evening will be hosted by actor/singer Tom Gamblin, and a complete list of entertainers is included below. As previously announced, two Lifetime Achievement Awards will honor Mr. Sidney Myer, hilarious actor/singer and long time manager of the cabarets at Don't Tell Mama, and the beloved cabaret star, Ms. Julie Wilson.

Mr. Arsenio Amadis will receive this year's Spirit Award. Mr. Amadis is 2013 Mr. Eagle Leather and Founder of Leather Cares. The Spirit Award is a tribute designated for an individual who has shown unusual support of the charity throughout the previous year.

The talent lineup is: Quinn M Bass, Frank Dain, Bob Diamond, Suzanne Dressler, Samara Ehrlich, Barbara Fasano and Eric Comstock, Eric Michael Gillett, Peggy Herman, Tanya Holt, Beau Howard, Robert Ima, Jillian Laurain, Valerie Lemon, Rosemary Loar, Sue Matsuki, Liz McKendry, Doreen Montalvo, Carolyn Montgomery-Forant, Jason Morris, Gretchen Reinhagen, Ricky Ritzel, Nesha Ward, Lennie Watts and Susan Winter.

Mr. Macchia founded help Is On The Way Today in 2005 to assist children and youth living with HIV and AIDS. Since then the organization has raised over $80,000 and assisted more than 700 children in need. Fundraising is undertaken primarily through monthly performances by many of New York's finest nightclub and theater performers, and goes towards the annual Backpack and School Supply Drive, scholarships for summer camp and an annual Holiday Toy and Gift Drive. The charity also helps families with special and immediate needs. Help Is On The Way Today is currently working on a new mentoring initiative.

The annual Gala includes a cocktail hour beginning at 5pm, a live auction, a 6pm buffet dinner with unlimited beer, wine and the special Gala Cocktail, and an 8pm show featuring Broadway and Cabaret performers. Tickets are $125.00 and can be purchased at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/606603.

Laurie Beechman Theater is located in the West Bank Café at 407 W. 42nd Street, NYC 10036. To learn more about Help is on the Way Today and to donate, visit www.helpisonthewaytoday.org.