Broadway Inspirational Voices Will Host CHOOSE YES! 30th Anniversary Fundraiser

Broadway Inspirational Voices has announced its annual fundraiser concert, honoring 30 years of support and strengthening communities in need through arts, education and outreach programming. The organization’s theme for this year is “Choose Yes!,” applauding all of the “yeses” throughout its three decades that brought BIV to where it is today. The event will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at City Winery at Pier 57 (25 11th Avenue), bringing together some of the best of Broadway’s community. The evening will raise funds to support BIV’s mission of inspiring hope and unity.

“The BIV Inspiration Award recognizes those who are changing the dynamics of not only the arts, but society as a whole,” said Angela Grovey, Executive Director of BIV. “We would not be where we are today if it were not for our honorees taking that leap and committing to their mission with a yes! Michael McElroy stepped up to the challenge when we as a community needed a ray of hope and founded this incredible organization, and Tom Viola’s work has had an unimaginable impact far and wide. We could not think of two people more deserving of this recognition than Michael and Tom, and look forward to celebrating all they have achieved.”

This year’s fundraiser is set to deliver a memorable evening of inspiration and uplifting performances curated by Artistic Director and GRAMMY nominee Allen René Louis. The event will include an award ceremony to commemorate both the exceptional work BIV continues to do with its Arts & Education Programming as well as the remarkable impact of this year’s honorees. The evening will conclude with a cocktail party providing guests with the opportunity to mingle with choir members, Broadway luminaries, and other distinguished attendees who share a passion for the arts and positive change including Aneesa Folds, David “BS” Bradshaw, Leslie Carrara Rudolph, Paul Rudolph, Ariana DeBose, Phylicia Rashad, Sara Bareilles, Seth Rudetsky, Avery Wilson, James Wesley and 2023 BIV Inspiration Award Recipient Marc Shaiman.

“Back in 1994 when the AIDS crisis hit our Broadway community hard, we needed hope, inspiration and an opportunity to come together to grapple with the loss of an entire generation of artists, who were also our friends and family. So, as artists, we started the Broadway Gospel Choir to provide comfort, joy and the promise of a better day,” said BIV Founder and GRAMMY nominee, Michael McElroy. “Since then and over the past three decades, Broadway Inspirational Voices has been reimagined. I am so proud that they have expanded their programming, partnered with local organizations including Ronald McDonald House New York, Covenant House International, LaGuardia High School, and New York City Department of Corrections, among others, and have become an integral part of the theatre community – where they can uplift voices through their signature arts, education and outreach programs.”

“I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution and legacy of BIV, and am truly honored to now be recognized by the organization as it celebrates 30 extraordinary years,” said Tom Viola, former Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (1996 – 2004). “Talented artists have taken the stage with the choir, served as mentors and supported community and youth programs, illustrating the power of unity and the arts. I am thrilled and proud to join the Broadway community and beyond in celebrating all that has been so joyfully accomplished by these glorious, diverse voices - a legacy shared with the community, past and present. I know that Broadway Inspirational Voices will continue to have a place in my heart, in all our hearts for many years to come.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards Broadway Inspirational Voices' programming, focused on community outreach, music education, and collaborative projects that bring the joy of music and the arts to underserved populations. Most recent programming includes: 

“BIV @ The Cov,” which has served over 500 Covenant House residents from New York to California in the last three years, providing an opportunity to write, perform and showcase their songs alongside some of Broadway’s best in the industry.

“Songs in the Key of Me,” which over the last 13 years, has brought together a team of Broadway composers with professional musicians and singers to create an original musical composition with program participants, serving over 800 patients and their families across all 50 states.

“BIV @ Senior Facilities,” which celebrated its first season with The Griot Circle, an organization exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of elderly LGBTQ people of color. The program includes an open mic, featuring BIV singers and talented seniors.

“BIV Mentorship Program,” which has served over 330+ inner-city performing arts students to date, providing an opportunity for the next generation of community and professional choirs to be mentored by Grammy nominated and Tony Award recipient, Broadway Inspirational Voices.