Broadway Bears Charity Auction Raises $130,000

Broadway lovers and teddy bear collectors came together on February 11 at the 10th Broadway Bears auction, which raised a total of $130,000. The event was hosted by Bryan Batt with Lorna Kelly reprising her role as auctioneer. A total of 43 specially made teddy bears—each dressed in original, handmade costumes representing some of the theater's most legendary characters—were auctioned to the highest bidder in support of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. To date the Broadway Bears have raised well over $1.35 million; last year's Broadway Bears auction raised $112,000.

Top bids included the $8,000 Mary Poppins bear signed by Julie Andrews and Ashley Brown, the $6,500 Phantom of the Opera bear signed by Sandra Joseph and Hal Prince and the $6,000 A Chorus Line bears 17 bears in total, signed by the entire revival cast.

Several Broadway stars dropped by to lend their support to the event, including Jane Carr, Stephanie D'Abruzzo, Felicia Finley, Andrea Martin, Christopher Sieber, Jennifer Smith and Josh Strickland. Other stars participated by lending their autographs to the various bears that were auctioned off, including Mel Brooks, Kirk Douglas, Nathan Lane, Cyndi Lauper, Patti LuPone, Donna Murphy, Rosie O'Donnell, Sarah Jessica Parker and Martin Short.