RENT Offers Auction Items Benefiting BC/EFA

"RENT" fans around the world have a new chance to re-experience the show with some one-of-a-kind experiences - dinner with the stars, a walk-on role in the show and a guitar made especially for the tour. These opportunities are being made possible through the theatrical industry's semiannual fundraising campaign to benefit the national nonprofit organization Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Because of the international interest in the show and the support of the show's fans, the auctions, which began on Nov. 17, are being offered on the Web sites charitybuzz.com and eBay as well as immediately following the show's performances while out on the road.

The first item available in the eBay auction is a post-show dinner with members of the company on Sunday, Nov. 22, while in Providence, R.I. Bidding continues until Nov. 20.

Auctions continue with backstage "nights with the company," memorabilia auctions and post-show meet and greets, which are being held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings in the two upcoming cities of Milwaukee and Orlando, Fla., through December 6.

The penultimate experience is a chance to dine with original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp following the 8 p.m. show in Orlando, Fla., on December 2. Bidding has already begun on charitybuzz.com.

A limited-edition guitar, which was available only in Korea during the company's recent visit, is available on eBay beginning December 4. Made in South Korea and presented to the company as a gift for the auctions, this guitar is one of only 250 produced. The front panel features a picture from this production of "RENT." Once the winning bid is accepted at the end of this fundraising drive, the guitar will be signed and personalized by the cast.

Interested bidders can search "RENT" on eBay and charitybuzz.
These auctions are also posted on the "RENT: The Broadway Tour" Facebook page (www.facebook.com/everythingisrent) and Twitter feed (www.twitter.com/rentthebwaytour).
During a similar fundraising drive last spring, "RENT" raised $352,060. The show was honored as the top fundraiser among participating Broadway shows and national touring companies.

"What the brilliant company of the national tour of RENT is doing for BC/EFA in cities and towns across the country will resonate for men, women and children living with AIDS in those communities long after the curtain has come down," said Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. "For tens of thousands of families facing the challenges of AIDS, there is indeed no day like today and for them there is no more compassionate advocate and friend than the company of RENT."

The tour continues until February 2010. Dates, schedules and ticketing information can be found on the show's Web site siteforrent.com.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organization. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, BC/EFA raises funds for AIDS-related causes and other critical illnesses across the United States. Since its founding in 1988, BC/EFA has raised over $160 million dollars for critically needed services for people with AIDS and other serious illnesses. BC/EFA is the major supporter of seven programs at The Actors' Fund - including The AIDS Initiative, The Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, The Dancers' Resource and three supportive housing residences. BC/EFA also awards annual grants to over 400 AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.
For more information about "RENT", please visit www.siteforrent.com.

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