Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA) held its 15th annual and final edition of The Broadway Bears, an auction of handmade, one-of-a-kind teddy bears uniquely costumed as characters from Broadway’s biggest hits, on March 18 at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City. The grand finale event raised a record-setting $198,300 that night, bringing the Bears’ running total to slightly more than $2 million.

This year’s Bears were inspired by Broadway hits such as The Lion King, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (signed by J. Pierrepont Finch portrayers Daniel Radcliffe, Darren Criss and Nick Jonas); Priscilla Queen of the Desert; Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway; The Book of Mormon; and many more.

Tom Viola, executive director of BC/EFA, noted: “An extraordinarily talented team of Broadway designers, costume shops and wardrobe personnel designed, costumed, draped, dressed and frocked, painted, outfitted, stuffed and lipoed, shod and hatted, feathered, tattooed and armored, bedecked and bedazzled these furry masterpieces, giving of their time, energies and amazing talent over 15 years to create this unique and delightful fund-raising event. The Broadway Bears truly reflects the creative vision, sheer artistry and technical skill that are the hallmark of all of Broadway.”

Money raised through BC/EFA goes to more than 400 HIV/AIDS and family service organizations nationwide.