Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today Announces 2017 Award Winners

Joseph Macchia, founder of Help Is on The Way Today, has announced Cabaret Cares' special annual awards, to be celebrated at the May 21st Gala at Metropolitan Room. Scroll down for photos of the winners!

Help Is On The Way Today is a 501c3 non-profit that assists children and youth living with HIV and AIDS. It is supported largely through monthly performances and the yearly Gala produced by the fundraising series produced by Macchia, Cabaret Cares.

The organization's 2017 Cabaret Cares Ruth Kurtzman Lifetime Achievement Award honoree is songwriter/producer, David Friedman. Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today will bestow two Spirit Awards this year, honoring entertainer Bob Diamond, and as a couple, Joseph and Mara Bianco, parents of young singer, Joie Bianco, who just made her solo cabaret debut at Metropolitan Room. The awards are designated for those who have exhibited ongoing generosity towards Help Is On The Way Today.

Tickets will go on sale in April for the Gala and a complete talent list will be announced soon.

Since its founding in 2005, Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today has raised over $150,000 and assisted more than 700 children in need. Monthly performances feature many of New York's finest nightclub and theater performers, including the cast of On Your Feet, CAGNEY star, Robert Creighton, Marilyn Maye and many others. The charity supports an 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, and is on track for a record breaking fundraising year.

Joseph Macchia has been distinguishing himself as a cabaret producer in New York City since 1998. He has won five MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) Awards for his ongoing fundraising series, Cabaret Cares, a Bistro Award and a Broadway World Award. His essay about World AIDS Day and the importance of the symbolic Red Ribbon recently appeared in NEXT Magazine, and he was recently profiled in features in PLUS Magazine and Advocate.

To learn more about Help is On the Way Today, to become a sponsor and to donate money or auction items, visit www.helpisonthewaytoday.org or call 718-672-6714.