Broadway Bears XII: Auction of 40 one-of-a-kind Broadway Bears, in aid of BC/EFA

Broadway�s cuddliest friends kick off a new year with the 12th annual Broadway Bears auction on 15 Feb, 2009 at the B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

40 one-of-a-kind Broadway Bears � each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing some of the theater�s most legendary performers and/or performances � will be put up for auction.

For those who cannot make it to the auction, but want to take part in all the excitement, live telephone bidding will also be available as are pre-registered fixed bids by calling 212-840-0770, extension 268. Internet bidding is available by visiting www.BroadwayCares.org.

Once again this year�s Broadway Bears will be hosted by Bryan Batt (Mad Men, La Cage Aux Folles, Beauty and the Beast, Jeffrey) with long-time Sotheby�s auctioneer, Lorna Kelly

This year�s Broadway Bears auction celebrates its 12th year with a stellar cast of cele�bear�ties representing recent Broadway hits like A Chorus Line, A Man For All Seasons, Avenue Q, Billy Elliot: The Musical, Boeing-Boeing, Equus, Gypsy, Hairspray, In The Heights, Irving Berlin�s White Christmas, Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Shrek The Musical, South Pacific, Spamalot, Spring Awakening, Wicked, Xanadu, Young Frankenstein, along with bears from Broadway classics like Beauty And The Beast, Camelot, Cats, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mame, My One and Only, Peter Pan, The Producers, The Sound of Music, Starlight Express, State Fair, West Side Story, The Who's Tommy, The Wiz, You�re A Good Man Charlie Brown.

North American Bear Co., Inc. has again graciously donated the �bare� bears which were then handed over to top Broadway design teams who meticulously research, design, fit, sculpt, shoe, armor, hat, paint, dress, nip, tuck, tattoo, bejewel and feather the �bare� bears into true one-of-a-kind works of costumed theatrical art.

The skill and imagination devoted to the creation of these coveted collectibles has been recognized worldwide, from The Museum of The City of New York � where 10 bear alumni reside as part of the permanent costume collection � to media acclaim as far away as England and Japan. In addition, noted designers such as Bob Mackie have created original bears for these auctions.

The entire Broadway Bears XII collection can be previewed online at www.BroadwayCares.org.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation�s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grants making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $150 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses.

The Broadway Bears XII is sponsored by The New York Times, Continental Airlines, North American Bear Co., Inc.

BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors� Fund � including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women�s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic at The Aurora in NYC, The Dancers� Resource and two supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations yearly.