Broadway is an amazingly powerful place and it always fills my heart with joy when I hear “charity” and “Broadway” in the same sentence. Lately we’ve been hearing about giving back; here are just some of our favorite ways to do it.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids – They have some many wonderful charities to support and loads of fun ways to do just that. Here are just a few of our favorites – check out the website to find out more about upcoming events!

• Broadway Bears – This is something that is totally a once in a lifetime experience. Each Broadway show will contribute a themed bear (really, a bear) from the show. This year was the last for this charity, but still an all time favorite, it’s been around for 15 years! Which was your favorite bear? Did you buy one?
• Broadway Bares (ahem, not to confused with the aforementioned event) – It’s burlesque + Broadway which equals a naughty good time! Wait, and this year they are doing fairy tales? Men in tights ya’ll… with capes!
• The Easter Bonnet Competition (happening this month!) – It raises an insane amount of money each and every year. This show is fun and adorable filled with skits and costumes and a great time all around! PLUS, the best part? Huge. Bonnets. Just go buy a ticket!

Newsies – You’ve heard of it, right? That crazy 90′s movie that bombed and is now currently the hottest thing on Broadway? Hotter than “Your Mom” jokes. Hotter than a solar flare. You get the point. We love Newsies because they do a lottery of each performance for discounted tickets (and you know how we feel about lotto’s!). When they opened on Broadway, March 29th, they held a special lottery for 100 tickets with the proceeds going to BC/EFA. Those dirty little paper boys sure know how to be fantastic.

Givenik – We already know about these fabulous people (check out our interview with Ben AND they sponsored a recent a-mazing ticket contest), but let’s reiterate: you buy discounted tickets from their site and 5% goes to your favorite charity. How easy and simple is that? It’s something that can be done all year with single tickets, pairs and even groups!  Sally forth and buy!

Broadway Barks- One of my favorites, this charity was founded in 1998 by the darling Bernadette Peters and Mary Tyler Moore. Every year in Shubert Alley (summertime) a huge event is held with Broadway fans and stars coming together to support shelter animals and adoption! There is also signed Broadway memorabilia, raffles and a silent auction that benefits participating shelters and rescue groups. A must-do for any Broadway fan and animal lover! Just be ready to take home a pet, because you will most certainly want to!

We’ve only named a few ways to give back – so what’s you’re favorite Broadway related charity to support? Event? We want to know!

Ashley, May 2012