Gypsy of the Year Benefits BC/EFA

On December 8 and 9, Broadway's best and brightest will dance, sing and celebrate six weeks of intensive fundraising as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS presents the 26th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The event, produced by and benefiting Broadway Cares, is the culminating chapter of fall fundraising efforts by Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies.

Gypsy of the Year honors the tireless work of theatre's ensemble singers and dancers, known as "gypsies." For two afternoons, more than 200 of New York's most talented gypsies and their special guests will perform original skits, songs and dances. Awards are presented to the top fundraisers and for the best presentation during the two performances.

The six weeks of fundraising for BC/EFA begins today as casts, crews and dozens of volunteers give of their time to take their places at theatre exits, accepting donations in Broadway Cares' famous red buckets. Many shows also are offering autographed Playbills, posters and unique experiences in exchange for a donation. Watch and share a special video about the start of this fall's collections featuring Tony Award-winner Alan Cumming.

Popular Broadway personality and longtime Broadway Cares friend Seth Rudetsky, afternoon host of SiriusXM Satellite Radio's "On Broadway" channel, will return for the seventh year to host.

So far, 25 editions of Gypsy of the Year have raised more than $57.2 million. Last year, 51 participating shows raised $4,343,234. Gypsy of the Year is sponsored by The New York Times and United Airlines.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations in all 50 states and is the major supporter of the social service programs at The Actors Fund, including the HIV/AIDS Initiative, the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative and the Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic.

The 26th Annual Gypsy of the Year Competition will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 and 2 p.m. on Dec. 9 at The New Amsterdam Theatre, 214 West 42nd Street, NYC. Advance can be purchased online for $30-130 at broadwaycares.org or by calling 212-840-0770, ext. 268. VIP and Priority tickets are $250-375.