Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, Lesli Margherita and More at Schmackary's for BROADWAY BAKES, 5/26-31

Schmackary's Cookies, The Official Cookie of Broadway, will hold its 2nd annual "Broadway Bakes" fund raiser from May 26-31. Schmackary's is located in the heart of the Theatre District at 45th and 9th Ave. in Hell's Kitchen.

Zachary "Schmackary" Schmahl, the owner, creator, and cookie master of Schmackary's says, "In our first ever Broadway Bakes last May, we raised nearly $10,000 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This year we're aiming to double the amount we give to Broadway Cares, the number one charity in the Broadway community."

Some of the biggest names on Broadway, like Audra McDonald, Sutton Foster, and Laura Benanti, along with about 20 other stars, will work behind the counter each afternoon from May 26-31 selling cookies to Schmackary's customers. Half of the sales and all of the tips generated while the Broadway stars are working at Schmackary's will go directly to Broadway Cares.

"Last year was one of the biggest things we've ever done. People were tipping the stars $20, $50, even up to $500 to get them to sing, dance, or give away signed memorabilia. Our customers absolutely loved it," says Schmackary. "In just two years, the growth of our little cookie store has been incredible and soon we'll be expanding to a 2nd and 3rd location in the NYC area. From there who knows where Schmackary's might go! Since the very first day we opened, the theatre family has been there supporting our business with open arms and we have them to thank for much our success."

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS helps ensure that the most vulnerable among us receive lifesaving medication and health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency financial assistance. Broadway Cares awards annual grants to more than 450 Aids and family service organizations nationwide 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.