Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has announced the return of its annual “Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction” to the Theater District. The 40th annual edition of the fundraiser will see West 44th and 45th Streets, Shubert Alley and part of Times Square transformed into an open-air market between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 27. The online silent auction is now live, with more lots to be added.
The Live auction will begin at 5 p.m. on Sept. 27, but lots will be available online for pre-bidding beginning on Sept. 9. On the day of the event, bidding will continue in person at the flea. The highest online bid on each lot will carry over into the live auction, where bidding will continue. If the highest online bidder isn’t able to attend the live auction, a proxy bidder can be assigned to bid on their behalf.
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Throughout the day of the flea, representatives of current and recent Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, producing organizations, unions, guilds, marketing groups, ticket agencies, concessionaires and fan clubs will offer items like merchandise, Playbills, posters, stage-used props and costumes.
Both silent and live auctions will feature offerings like signed posters, costume pieces, handwritten music, vintage set pieces, as well as opening night tickets, meet-and-greets and the opportunity to appear in a walk-on role.
Also returning this year are the autograph table and photo booth, located on the outdoor deck of Junior’s restaurant in Shubert Alley. Broadway stars will gather here to meet fans, sign autographs and take photos in return for donations to Broadway Cares.
All sales at the flea and from both auctions will benefit Broadway Cares, the grantmaking organization that helps provide essential medical, nutrition, counseling and housing services to people nationwide living with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses. Since 1988, the organization has awarded over $300 million for these essential services, partly funded by annual events like the Broadway Flea Market, Broadway Bares and Broadway Bets.
The first Broadway Flea was held in 1987, consisting of just two tables staffed by the cast and stage managers of “A Chorus Line.” Since then, the 39 editions of the Flea have raised over $21 million for Broadway Cares, including a record-breaking $1.6 million last year.
More details for this year’s fundraiser, including participating tables, additional auction lots and special guests, will be announced later this month.
