Brenda Braxton, Anita Gillette and More Slated for CABARET CARES Gala

Joseph Macchia, founder of Help Is on The Way Today, has announced the cast list and menu for Cabaret Cares' May 21st Annual Gala at Metropolitan Room.

Help Is On The Way Today is a 501c3 non-profit that assists children and youth living with HIV and AIDS. It is supported largely through monthly performances and the yearly Gala produced by the fundraising series produced by Macchia, Cabaret Cares.

The Gala will include a cocktail hour, a live auction, dinner with unlimited beer, wine and the special Gala Cocktail, and a variety show featuring top NYC Talent. The Metropolitan Room is located at 34 West 22nd Street between 5th and 6th Avenues. Tickets are available now through: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2918917.

The show will feature: Joie Bianco, Brenda Braxton, Kim Dunbar, Samara Erlich, Tom Gamblin as host and performer, Anita Gillette, Doreen Montalvo Mann, Warren Shein and Lisa Yeager. A trio will be led by Tex Arnold on Piano, and includes Bob Renino on Bass and Peter Grant on Drums. The evening will be directed by Dorian Woodruff.

The delectable buffet dinner menu has just been revealed: Appetizers include Matambre (stuffed roll meat with vegatables) with potato salad, Salad Brasilera: kale, caramelized walnuts, tart cranberry, shaved parmesan with orange balsamic vinegar, Empanadas (beef, chicken, eggplant & goat cheese), Meat Balls with marinara sauce and Polenta with mushroom sauce. Entrees include Rigatoni with tomato sauce and vegetables, Lemon chicken with sautéed vegetables (zucchini, carrots and broccoli), Salmon with mashed yucca, lemon sauce and capers. Desserts include Flan, and two types of Mousse: Passion Fruit Mousse or Romeo and Juliette (Brazilian vanilla mousse and guava).

Earlier this year, Macchia announced the organization's 2017 special honorees. The Cabaret Cares Ruth Kurtzman Lifetime Achievement Award honoree is songwriter/producer, David Friedman. Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today will bestow two Spirit Awards this year, honoring entertainer Bob Diamond, and as a couple, Joseph And Mara Bianco, parents of young singer, Joie Bianco.

Since its founding in 2005, Cabaret Cares/Help Is On The Way Today has raised over $150,000 and assisted more than 700 children in need. Monthly performances feature many of New York's finest nightclub and theater performers. The charity supports an annual Backpack and School Supply Drive, scholarships for summer camp and an annual Holiday Toy and Gift Drive. The charity also helps families with special and immediate needs. Help Is On The Way Today is currently working on a new mentoring initiative, and is on track for a record breaking fundraising year.

Joseph Macchia has been distinguishing himself as a cabaret producer in New York City since 1998. He has won five MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets) Awards for his ongoing fundraising series, Cabaret Cares, a Bistro Award and a Broadway World Award. His essay about World AIDS Day and the importance of the symbolic Red Ribbon recently appeared in NEXT Magazine, and he was recently profiled in features in PLUS Magazine and Advocate.

To learn more about Help is On the Way Today, to become a sponsor and to donate money or auction items, visit www.helpisonthewaytoday.org or call 718-672-6714.

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