Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization, has updated and redesigned their website.
According to the site, Equity Fights AIDS was founded in October, 1987 by the Council of Actors'
Equity Association. Money raised through the efforts of Equity theatre companies
across the country was specifically earmarked for The Actors' Fund's AIDS
Initiative. Broadway Cares
was founded in February, 1988 by members of The Producers'
Group, and money raised was earmarked to be awarded to AIDS service organizations
across the country, including Equity Fights AIDS. In May, 1992, the two organizations merged to become BC/EFA. 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 twice a year to AIDS service organizations
nationwide. BC/EFA's mission "is to mobilize the unique abilities within the entertainment industry to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS." Since
it's founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $100 million for
critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, or HIV-related
illnesses.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS annually presents and benefits from a number of Broadway-related events, including Broadway Barks, the Easter Bonnet Competition, the Nothin' Like a Dame concerts, the Flea Market and Grand Auction, and the Gypsy of the Year competition. In addition, proceeds from Seth's Broadway Chatterbox, Broadway Bears and other events go to the organization. Recently, the latest edition of BC/EFA's bawdy Broadway Bares series raked in a record $654, 000.BC/EFA also provides national and international grants, and offers a number of fundraising programs (such as Dancers Responding to AIDS, Classical Action, Broadway Delivers, and BC/EFA Student Programs). For more information on Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and on the Actor's Fund, visit www.broadwaycares.org.
