Today's the day the Teddy Bears had their picnic! And they brought along all their Broadway-loving friends for another successful and entertaining Broadway Bears auction, presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS! And much to the thrill of bear and fan-boy alike, the 11th Annual event raised over $127,000!
The three top-winning Bears were Cyrano de Bergerac ($8000), The Lion King ($9000) and Spamalot ($17,000)! Details on every lot and bid below...
The auction, which took place Sunday, February 17 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill, hosted over 40 Broadway Bears available for online, telephone and live-bidding! Master of "Bearamonies" and BC/EFA favorite, Bryan Batt (AMC's "Mad Men," Beauty and the Beast) filled each lot with hilarious one-liners, which hit the mark every time as fodder for those who daren't raise their paddles!
The expert and elegant Lorna Kelly, as auctioneer, wielded the fate-sealing gavel through an evening filled with endless cheers, high-bidding tension, witty stories and phenomenal bear-tailored costumes that amaze and impress year after year! BC/EFA is extremely grateful to North American Bear Company, Inc. for donating the original as well as ongoing casts of naked but adorable "celebearities!"
BroadwayWorld News Desk Editor, Eugene Lovendusky, attended the evening and reports the top bid for each lot and some entertaining tidbits and bonuses associated with some Bears.
An enormous amount of credit MUST go to the other-worldly-skilled designers of these bears. Their incredible fancywork -- from intricate beading to hand-stitched seams, from resized special pieces to unparalleled exactness -- make these Bears true works of art!
Applause to Christine Pedi and John Treacy Egan for their jovial Opening Number, penned by Douglas Braverman. And a huge bravo! to talented Music Director Michael Lavine on piano.
Special thanks to Bobby McGuire, friends and production staff at BC/EFA for another superb special event. Broadway Cares has provided a heart and unflinching attention and love to the Broadway community. But even more angelic, Broadway Cares continues to raise the bar in hosting and creating fund-raising events that exist not just for a wonderful cause; but ultimately unify a family of people who share one common passion: The Theatre!
Everyone just had such a great time! Who couldn't with a night dedicated to miniature high-fashion on teddy bears! Congratulations to another winning season of "beary" good fun!
CLICK HERE to view the Broadway Bears 2008 Collection!
Visit www.broadwaycares.org for more information.
Bear Photography (and event Video Projection) by Christopher Economakos
COME RELIVE THE AUCTION!
Lot 7: Chip Tolentino (from The 25th Putnam County Spelling Bee) signed by Jose Llana
Bonus to Lot: Autographed caricature of Original Broadway Cast (commissioned by Jesse Tyler Ferguson); Prop board that Marcy Park kicks in the show
Top Bid: $1100
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