Bucks County Cabaret, Featuring Linda Eder, Raises $131,650 for BC/EFA

An exuberant audience filled the Bucks County Playhouse on October 4, 2014, to cheer and heap adoration on celebrated singer Linda Eder as she headlined this year's edition of Bucks County Cabaret (#buckscountycabaret), raising $131,650 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Eder's vocal dexterity was on full display at the historic New Hope, PA, theatre as she rolled through an array of Broadway classics, standards and pop hits. Her set list included everything from Irving Berlin to ABBA, Andrew Lloyd Weber to Adele.

"I grew up as very much a Minnesota farm girl," Eder told the captivated crowd. "I dreamed of being on stage, but I never thought I'd be a singer because I was too shy. Little did I know that one day I'd be on a Broadway stage."

Eder originated the role of Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde and has become one of the most popular concert singers in the country. She first burst onto the music scene during an unprecedented 12-week championship run on TV's original Star Search.

And while reminiscing about her personal journey, Eder also underscored the goal of the evening - supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. She even enthusiastically joined in a spirited live auction immediately after her performance, helping to raise even more for Broadway Cares.

Tom Viola, executive director of Broadway Cares, said: "Linda personified the community spirit in Bucks County and the surrounding area. She shared her artistic talents while giving graciously of her time to help those less fortunate. It's a trait that we consistently and continually see from all in the Bucks County area. Their longtime commitment to providing help and showing compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS makes it an honor for us to produce Bucks County Cabaret for a third year."

Eder was accompanied by music director William Stein and Peter Calo on guitar.

Broadway Cares awarded $5.7 million in grants this year to more than 450 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide. In Pennsylvania, 25 organizations received more than $260,000, including $10,000 in support to Bucks County-based F.A.C.T. -- Fighting AIDS Continuously Together.

Following the performance, BC/EFA friend and favorite auctioneer Lorna Kelly led the lively auction that included once-in-a-lifetime backstage meet-and-greet experiences with Hugh Jackman at The River, Idina Menzel at If/Then, Alan Cumming at Cabaret and the national touring production of Kinky Boots, as well as a special evening with Eder herself at her upcoming holiday concert.

This year's Bucks County Cabaret was sponsored by The New York Times, Showtime Networks and United Airlines, with special thanks to Bridge Street Foundation, Kevin and Sherri Daugherty, and the staff and crew of Bucks County Playhouse, led by Producing Director Alex Fraser and Executive Producer Robyn Goodman.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised more than $250 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

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. For more information, visit www.broadwaycares.org or follow Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Twitter @BCEFA or on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

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