Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has announced that Tony Award-winning producer Thomas S. Perakos has made a commitment of $1 million to the organization’s annual poker night fundraiser Broadway Bets. The Texas hold ’em-style event, which gives theater fans the chance to play cards alongside industry insiders and Broadway stars, will see Perakos donate $200,000 a year over the course of the next five years. Perakos is the event’s first presenting sponsor.
“The arts don't just entertain us — they sustain us,” Perakos said in a statement. “Nothing could possibly give me greater joy in these most challenging and difficult times than to help anyone in our Broadway community in need.”
Perakos has won Tony Awards for his work as a producer on “The Band’s Visit” and “Leopoldstadt,” and was a co-producer on the currently running “Buena Vista Social Club,” which won five 2025 Tonys. Perakos is also a producer on the upcoming Broadway play “Giant,” which won the 2025 Olivier Award for Best New Play.
In partnership with the Perakos Family Cares Foundation, Perakos’ gift will focus on wellness, health care, health insurance, mental health support, counseling and emergency assistance for members of the Broadway and theater community in critical times of need.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be entering this next chapter of immense growth, expansion and impact for Broadway Bets,” said Danny Whitman, executive director of Broadway Cares. “Even more lifesaving support will reach people in need thanks to our new King of Hearts, Tom Perakos, and his extraordinary commitment of more than $1 million.”
Last year’s tournament brought in a record $546,500. Its final table saw Willkie, Farr & Gallagher partner Jeffrey Korn face off against actor and opera singer Audrey Federici. In the end, Korn scraped out a win over Federici with a pair of twos. Since its origins in 2015, the event has raised $2.7 million for Broadway Cares.
This year’s Broadway Bets will take place on May 18 at the Edison Ballroom. Foresight Theatrical’s Mark Shacket and Alex Wolfe and the Road Company’s Brett Sirota will serve as tournament directors.
Table sponsors for the event include 321 Theatrical Management; the Araca Group; Foresight Theatrical; the John Gore Organization (parent company of Broadway News); the Nederlander Organization; Satisfi Labs and Broadw.ai; No Guarantees; Astor Place Theatre; PRG; RCI Theatricals; the Road Company; the Shubert Organization; SpotCo; Sweet Hospitality Group; TodayTix; Willkie, Farr & Gallagher LLP and Withum. Opportunities to sponsor tables remain available.
The event is made possible by City National Bank, United Airlines and the New York Times.
