Put on Your Poker Face! BC/EFA Hosts 'Broadway Bets' Tournament Tonight

Broadway's biggest behind-the-scenes players are going "all in" for Broadway Bets, the inaugural Broadway poker tournament benefiting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Co-chairs Paul Libin, executive vice president of Jujamcyn Theaters and BC/EFA Board of Trustees president, and Robert E. Wankel, president and co-CEO of The Shubert Organization and longtime BC/EFA trustee, previously announced the first collection of "Full House" sponsors, who have purchased full tables for eight players. The initial Full House sponsors include Ambassador Theatre Group, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Jujamcyn Theaters, On the Town, The Road Company, The Shubert Organization and SpotCo. "Two Pair" sponsors, purchasing spots for four players, include The Araca Group, Darren Deverna of Production Resource Group, Serino/Coyne and Sweet Hospitality Group.

Broadway Bets is a Texas Hold 'em poker tournament set for tonight, May 18, at Sardi's, New York City's iconic theatre district restaurant at 234 West 44th Street. Whether you're a first-time player or a poker ace, everybody can play and anyone can win.

Broadway Bets will welcome an array of industry insiders and theatre fans competing to be the last player standing and first Broadway Bets champion. Prizes will be awarded for top players. Serving as Broadway Bets' tournament directors are Micah Hollingworth of Jujamcyn Theaters and Mark Shacket of Foresight Theatrical.

The evening is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Doors open at 6:30 pm; tournament play begins at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available now at broadwaycares.org.

For those not quite ready to go "all in," Broadway Bets guest passes will be available for purchase to observe the poker table action. Guests also will be able to play other casino games with an opportunity to win prizes. All prizes will be announced later this spring.

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 in all 50 states 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 Broadway Cares online at broadwaycares.org.