The Broadway Flea Market and Grand Auction went virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of interactive experiences comprised the September 20 event, including a live and silent auction and an online store for theatre collectibles. In addition, one-on-ones (replacing the autograph table and photo booth) with Broadway favorites took place remotely. In total, the event raised $316,282 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
The live auction brought in $160,000; lots included virtual Zoom meet-and-greets with Jonathan Groff, Bernadette Peters, Ben Platt, and Plaza Suite’s Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and John Benjamin Hickey. Other opportunities included a virtual walk in the woods with Alan Cumming and opening night and party tickets to The Music Man and Plaza Suite. The auction culminated in a live Zoom-room bidding battle in the afternoon. Nearly 100 silent auction items were up for bid and raised $111,626, including a Halloween costume worn by Tom Hiddleston, a musical phrase from Waitress handwritten and signed by Sara Bareilles (the highest-selling lot, at $7,900), and a signed copy of Barbra Striesand’s Christmas CD.
Instead of tables of theatrical treasures from Broadway shows and organizations on 44th and 45th Streets, special “flea market finds� and eBay “buy it now� bundles offered fans another way to be part of the day, a beloved annual traditioin in the theatre community.
The event serves as a fundraiser for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Last year’s iteration raised $870,167. Since 1987, the fan favorite has raised $15.4 million. The proceeds go to help those across the country affected by HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 and other critical illnesses, to provide healthy meals, lifesaving medication, emergency financial assistance, housing, counseling and more. The donations also support and champion organizations focused on social justice and anti-racism.
For more information, visit . Check out highlights from last year's event below.
