5 Questions The success of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS comes not only from those making personal donations of financial contributions, but also those who so graciously offer their time and talents to make a difference. We asked three of those shining lights to share their stories.
What is your favorite memory of making a difference through Broadway Cares? LISA DAWN: I was asked to be a part of the
National Grants Committee which allocates donations. It was very humbling and enlightening to see how far Broadway Cares reaches. ESTEE: At one of the New Jersey State
How did you first get involved with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS? LISA DAWN CAVE: In 1996, I decided
to volunteer to work on the Easter Bonnet Competition.
ESTEE DECHTMAN: During my senior year
of high school in 2017-2018, I served as an International Thespian Officer, which meant that I was a student representative for the Educational Theatre Association which partners with Broadway Cares. JEFF JOHNSON-DOHERTY : In 1995, my friend
J. Kevin Draves brought the organization to my attention. By that time, I had lost about 30 friends to the epidemic. He told me, “This would be a great outlet for you and a nice way to give back.”
What motivates you to volunteer with Broadway Cares? LISA DAWN: They not only help the
entertainment community, but also assist grassroots organizations in every state that aren’t assisted by big foundations or corporations. ESTEE: In this turbulent environment, the
support for the work that Broadway Cares does is more important than ever. The fear, the unknown, the worry about the future is something that students must step directly into and not shy away from. All of my friends who have passed away, because I know if they were here they’d be doing the same thing I am doing now. JEFF:
Thespian festivals, there was an amazing Broadway Cares fundraiser called “Minute to Give It.” The fundraiser was a minute of people giving all of their loose change, dollars, some even wrote checks. Students from all over come together, give back to their community and make a genuine difference.
Lisa Dawn Cave
Production Supervisor for Frozen
JEFF: During Broadway Bares, I love looking
out into the audience. Experiencing their energy is so thrilling. It’s an escape for people. It’s one of the reasons I add a lot of humor to my designs. If I can make them smile for one minute, it makes me happy. As a member of the theatre community, why is it important to you to give back? I believe we are all connected. When one person suffers in any way, big or small, we all become fractured. LISA DAWN:
Estee Dechtman Broadway Cares Student Volunteer
ESTEE: Broadway Cares brings artists together
and allows underrepresented voices to shine in the spotlight. Their impact is what allows the arts to be so life-changing. JEFF: It’s just what we do. It’s an innate part
of our makeup to help people in need. It just comes naturally for a lot of us. Describe Broadway Cares in three words. LISA DAWN: Caring, non-judgmental and
a bright light.
ESTEE: Bold, fabulous and
(not really one word but it’s OK) a force to be reckoned with! JEFF: Family, love and hope.
Hope’s the big one.
Jeff Johnson-Doherty
Broadway Bares costume designer and dresser at Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen
Behind the Scenes
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