Audra McDonald Embarks on 'Sleep Out' Campaign to Help Homeless Youth

Tony Award-winner Audra McDonald, whose Broadway performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill has just been extended through October 5th, has announced that she will sleep outside in solidarity with homeless youth one night this summer as part of Sleep Out: Broadway Edition 2014.

As part of Sleep Out: Broadway Edition 2014, the six-time Tony winner has embarked on a campaign to raise $10,000 or more for the organization. She is already well on her way to meeting her goal, but to encourage people to donate further, she is now offering an array of one-of-a-kind prizes in exchange for donations that are made between Friday, August 8 at 10am EDT and Friday, August 15 at noon EDT.

For a $35 donation, Audra will recognize you in a "Cool People Hall of Fame" on her Facebook page
For a $100 donation, Audra will give you a shout-out on Twitter
For a $275 donation, Audra will send you a personalized autographed copy of the Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill cast recording (courtesy of PS Classics)
For a $500 donation, Audra will record your voicemail greeting (sent as an MP3)
For a $1,000 donation, Audra will sing happy birthday on video to you or a special person of your choosing

Supporters will be contacted with details on how to redeem their prize.

While Sleep Out: Broadway Edition 2014 officially takes place on August 17 in New York City, Audra will sleep outside in solidarity with homeless youth on a different night this summer, as she will be traveling that evening. Audra will join the Covenant House International Board of Directors in September.

Source: Covenant House

Photo credit: Autumn de Wilde