Broadway Belts for PFF! Set for March 7, in Person and Virtually
The glam and glitzy affair that is Broadway Belts for PFF! is set for March 7 in New York City. And for the first time, supporters can experience the event interactively from home.
The 12th annual event — the single largest fundraiser for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) — again brings together a host of Broadway stars and other celebrities for a swanky evening of music, comedy, and performance.
“We are thrilled to offer our first ever hybrid event with the opportunity to join us in person in New York City or to enjoy the magic of Broadway from the comfort of your home through a fully virtual, interactive experience,” the PFF stated on a webpage about the event.
Tony Award-winning actress and comedian Julie Halston will host the event, which, for in-person guests, will include a cocktail reception, a four-course dinner, an open bar, and after party.
For virtual attendees, the evening will begin with a message from the PFF’s medical team. That will be followed by an interactive virtual mixology class during which virtual guests will learn how to make handcrafted “mocktail” and cocktail versions of two Broadway-themed drinks. After that, Broadway Belts for PFF! performances will be live-streamed.
This year, Tom Viola will receive the Ralph Howard Legacy Award for his work at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which he has led as executive director since 1997.
“We are delighted to celebrate Mr. Viola’s tremendous contributions to health and family service organizations nationwide along with his unwavering generosity and support of the PF community since the inception of Broadway Belts for PFF!” the organization stated in its announcement.
Howard and his wife, Broadway veteran Halston (“Tootsie”), created the fundraiser in 2010 to honor Associated Press theater critic Michael Kuchwara, who died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Howard, a longtime newscaster, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2008 and died in 2018, years after receiving a lung transplant.
Available now, tickets for the Edison Ballroom are $500 for each individual main floor ticket and $1,000 for two main floor seats. Sponsorships are also available. Virtual tickets are $50 each.
Over the years, performers and surprise guests have included Liza Minnelli, Tony Danza, Stephanie Mills, Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”), and members of the original cast of “Hairspray.”
Note that both the state of New York and the Edison Ballroom require event attendees to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination. Masks will be required when event guests are not eating or drinking. Visit this site for a full description of the event’s COVID-19 policies and procedures.
For more information, contact Jackie Williams, PFF’s director of development and special events, at 312-224-4667 or [email protected].
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