BC/EFA's Nothing Like A Dame 2005 Raises $300,000

Nothing Like A Dame 2005, presented by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, has raised a total of $300,000 for the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative of The Actors' Fund of America. This year, that amount includes a generous $50,000 gift of support from an anonymous donor. Nothing Like A Dame, an evening of performances from the leading ladies of Broadway, celebrated its 10th anniversary this year; the annual event has raised over $1,600,000 since 1995. Last year's Nothing Like A Dame raised $250,000.

Nothing Like A Dame 2005 included performances from Kathy Brier, Zoe Caldwell, Kate Clinton, Jennifer Cody, Paige Davis, Lea Delaria, Edie Falco, Sutton Foster, Randy Graff, Ann Harada, Dee Hoty, Nancy Lemanager, Andrea McArdle, Maureen McGovern, Bebe Neuwirth, Phyllis Newman, Rosie O'Donnell, Orfeh, Phylicia Rashad, Lynn Redgrave, Lillias White, Karen Ziemba and ZaZa and Les Cagelles from La Cage aux Folles

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fund raising and grant making organization. BC/EFA is the on-going, committed response from the American theater community to an urgent worldwide health crisis. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of this community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes across the United States. Since it's founding in 1988, BC/EFA has distributed over $100 million for critically needed services for people with AIDS, HIV, or HIV-related illnesses.

In 1995, the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative (PNWHI) of The Actors' Fund of America was formed with the help of an intial grant of $10,000 from BC/EFA. In addition to producing the annual NOTHING LIKE A DAME benefit, since then BC/EFA has provided over $1.6 million to the Women's Health Initiative and remains the program's largest funder.

The Actors' Fund of America founded in 1882, is widely recognized as the only national human service organization serving the entire entertainment community, including theatre, television, film, music, opera, and dance. The Actors' Fund's broad spectrum of programs - designed to address the unique needs of our community - includes comprehensive social services, financial assistance, supportive and affordable housing, career counseling and skilled nursing and assisted living care.

In 2004, The Fund's Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative (PNWHI) provided case management services to more than 350 women who were facing serious medical conditions. In addition PNWHI helped over 900 women receive medical treatment through The Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic at The Aurora at 475 W. 57th Street. Please visit www.actorsfund.org to learn more about The Actors' Fund's programs.