Broadway Cares
Since the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, Chicago House and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) have shared a legacy rooted in courage and creativity. In the mid-1980s—when stigma overshadowed compassion and resources were scarce—Chicago House was one of the first organizations to partner directly with theater communities to raise awareness and funds for those most impacted. At the same time, Equity Fights AIDS was founded by the Council of Actors’ Equity Association for The Actors Fund’s HIV/AIDS Initiative and Broadway Cares was founded by The Producers’ Group to award funds to AIDS service organizations nationwide, including Equity Fights AIDS, then the two organizations merged in 1992. What began as small acts of solidarity from local performers, stage crews, and audiences quickly became a powerful demonstration of what the arts could spark: a national movement that used storytelling and talent as tools for collective action.
As Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS grew into the country’s leading industry-based HIV/AIDS fundraising and grantmaking organization, it became a natural fit for Chicago House to support their local efforts. For decades, we have been proud participants in the Red Bucket collections, where casts, crews, and Chicago House staff and volunteers invite audiences to give generously at the end of performances. Each year, this campaign raises millions for people living with or affected by HIV across the country. As a long-time BC/EFA grantee, Chicago House receives a portion of those proceeds, allowing us to provide stable housing and wraparound care to thousands of clients.
As new shows come through Chicago each year, casts bring fresh and exciting ideas and experiences to support their fundraising goal. Last year, Chicago House collaborated with the touring cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and The Baton Show Lounge for a one-night-only cabaret that brought fans and performers together for a celebration with purpose. The evening was electric and reminded us what happens when the theater world and the advocacy world meet: creativity becomes a force for change.
That momentum continues. On Monday, November 24th, we are thrilled to collaborate with the cast of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical and Sidetrack for “The Noise at Night” cabaret, a benefit supporting Broadway Cares and Chicago House. Events like this not only raise critical funds but also strengthen the bonds between artists and the Chicago community. They honor decades of shared history while building the next generation of supporters who understand that the fight for health, dignity, and justice is far from over.
The story of Broadway Cares and Chicago House is ultimately one of people choosing to take action together. What began in the 1980s as a response to crisis has become a partnership defined by unwavering commitment to those we serve.
