PFF hosts Broadway fundraising event for pulmonary fibrosis
Performers to 'belt' for PFF at 15th annual event March 10, foundation says
Broadway performers will sing show tunes at the 15th annual Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Broadway Belts for PFF! event, which will be held at New York’s Sony Hall March 10 to raise funds and awareness for pulmonary fibrosis, a disease in which scar tissue forms in the lungs.
Tony Award winner Julie Halston, known for her roles in “Our Town” and “Tootsie,” will host the event, which will feature a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner, a live show, and an after-party. Tickets to watch a livestream of the event are available free with registration.
Broadway Belts for PFF! is sponsored in part by Boehringer Ingelheim, which markets Ofev (nintedanib) for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, the most common form of pulmonary fibrosis disease.
“On the 15th anniversary of Broadway Belts for PFF!, we invite everyone who cares about lung health to join us in the fight for a cure for this devastating disease,” Seth Klein, PFF’s chief development officer, said in a foundation press release.
In pulmonary fibrosis, scar tissue forms in the lungs, causing shortness of breath and a dry, hacking cough that can limit daily activities. But “with your support, we can improve the quality of life for those living with [pulmonary fibrosis] and speed the path to a cure,” Klein said.
Lineup features performers from ‘Hamilton,’ more
Broadway Belts for PFF! has raised nearly $4 million to support research into pulmonary fibrosis and help the more than 250,000 patients living in the U.S. and their families. The 2023 event raised nearly $500,000. “We are humbled and overwhelmed by the extraordinary talent and generosity of the Broadway community,” Halston said.
This year’s event will feature Robert Creighton, whose credits include “Frozen” and “Cagney;” Lesli Margherita (“Gypsy,” “Matilda the Musical”), Bryonha Marie (“Our Town,” “Book of Mormon”), Jinkx Monsoon (“Chicago,” “RuPaul’s Drag Race”), and Ephraim Sykes (“Hamilton,” “Ain’t Too Proud”). More performers will be announced soon, the foundation said.
The 2025 Ralph Howard Legacy Award will honor Todd Tullis, a disease advocate who lost his mother to pulmonary fibrosis. Tullis, a hospitality professional and event sponsor, has inspired people to support those with pulmonary fibrosis, the foundation said. Past award recipients include the Hales Family Foundation, which won the 2024 award; Robert Creighton, who received it in 2023; Tom Viola, the recipient in 2022; and Laurie Chandler, who was awarded it in 2021.
Broadway Belts for PFF! is directed by Carl Andress, and features Christopher McGovern as musical director. The event is produced by D. Michael Dvorchak, Ed Windels, Sue Frost, and Halston.
About the Author
