What comes to your mind when you think of Broadway? Shows, musicals, New York City, drama, excitement? Bright lights and showstoppers are commonly associated with Broadway shows, but what you may not think of is the impact Broadway has on the community. Purchasing Broadway tickets and experiencing the performing arts are also philanthropic initiatives. Check out how Broadway gives back to the community in the following three ways.
Classical Action by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
This Broadway organization takes advantage of the talent in its community and resources to hold fundraising events and raise money for the battle against HIV/AIDS. Classical Action: Performing Arts Against AIDS (a program of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS) was founded in 1993 and is one of the largest non-profit AIDS fundraising organizations in the country. The organization’s mission is to serve people who are in need of “life-saving medications, health care, counseling, nutritious meals and emergency financial assistance,” according to its website.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS also makes and awards grants to more than 400 nationwide AIDS and family service organizations. Its $35,000 grant helped the Boston-based company Community Servings deliver 9,600 meals a week to terminally-ill people who were confined to their homes. BC/EFA also raised more than 250 million dollars for people with AIDS (and other critical illnesses) who were in need of necessary services.
Broadway Gives Back: Broadway Charity Songs Concert
For the third year, Broadway Gives Back is producing “Broadway Charity Songs,” a concert pairing award-winning songwriters with charities. Inspired by the mission of the charity, each songwriter composes an original song and draws awareness to charity organizations. This event will feature 12 original songs written by 12 composers for 12 different charities. Songs written by big names like Sting and Brian Yorkey, Henry Krieger, Andrew Lippa and Benj Pasek will be performed by some of the best talent on Broadway (soon to be announced). Some of the charities being honored in the concert include the Ronald McDonald House, Donors Choose and Helping Hands Monkey Helpers. The event will be held on March 22 at 7 p.m. at 54 Below, Broadway’s Supper Club in New York, New York. Tickets are available online at 54Below.com.
Broadway Gives Back is dedicated to letting people in need know they have a friend in the Broadway community. The organization partners with non-profit organizations to produce award-winning art that makes an impact.
Ticket Auction Fundraisers
Charity organizations are always selling, auctioning or raffling off tickets as part of their fundraising efforts. Unfortunately, because of budget cuts within Broadway and shows selling out months in advance, acquiring free tickets to auction off has become too difficult. Instead, many charities buy the tickets outright (prior to the date of the fundraiser) and then auction them off for a higher price. This type of approach works for extremely popular shows like “The Book of Mormon.” Bidders are willing to pay more for the exclusivity of the show and unique experience that Broadway provides. As a result, organizations gain a profit margin benefiting their charity. You even can hold both a raffle and auction, for raising more funds.
