The seventh annual Broadway Bears auction to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS was held on February 15, 2004 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill at 237 W. 42nd Street in New York City. This wonderful event provides Broadway lovers with the opportunity to place their bids on the phone and over the internet, as well as in person. On this gala evening, 40 new bears made their debut to raise much-needed funds for AIDS-related charities.

The 40 fabulous members of the newest group of one-of-a-kind bears made their grand entrance in fine fashion. Each pale gray bear, generously donated by The North American Bear Co., Inc., was beautifully dressed in a costume designed and created in amazing detail. The costumes were exact replicas of the ones actually worn in the Broadway shows. In addition, each bear was autographed by a cast member, member of the creative team or costume designer.

Fans of Frank Wildhorn's JEKYLL & HYDE and the original Lucy, our very own Linda Eder, were thrilled to learn that Lucy Bear was to make her debut at the 2004 auction. Fond memories of The Red Rat and Linda dressed in that costume came flooding back. What a wonderful time that was when Lucy (Linda) took the stage and brought down the house at every performance! We are extremely proud to say that Lucy Bear, autographed by both Linda and Frank, earned $1,900 for BC/EFA.

There were many other great and memorable characters making their debut on this same evening. Among the newest group of bears were Elphaba (WICKED), Puppeteer Stephanie D'Abruzzo with Kate Monster (AVENUE Q), Ulla (THE PRODUCERS), Millie Dillmount (THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE), Guido Contini (NINE), Seymour Krelborn (LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS), Tracy Turnblad (HAIRSPRAY), Toad (A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD), Eliza Doolittle (MY FAIR LADY), Effie Melody White (DREAMGIRLS), Velma (CHICAGO), Little Cosette (LES MISERABLES) and Milky-White (INTO THE WOODS).

The evening was a huge success and lots of fun. According to Scott Stevens at BC/EFA, this group of well-dressed, adorable bears raised $127,210. In the first seven years, the Broadway Bears auction has raised more than $900,000, an amazing feat for little furry creatures. Congratulations to bears and humans alike for a job well done!

Linda and Frank meet Lucy Bear backstage at Radio City Music Hall.