The AIDS crisis that began to emerge in the early 1980s clearly indicated the Broadway community was in dire peril. Two organizations emerged to help during the devastation, becoming the nonprofit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (BC/EFA). In 1988, Tom Viola (himself an HIV-positive survivor) took the helm as BC/EFA executive director. Under his leadership, the organization grew exponentially. Now, after 36 years, Viola is stepping down at the end of 2024.
There’s no disputing that the Broadway community and beyond owes him a massive vote of thanks for his dedication, hard work and commitment to BC/EFA and its outstanding progress —now national–in all things surrounding AIDS and more: the organization ranks as one of the most important fundraiser-grant-makers in the country. Viola also successfully led in helping the Broadway community through the COVID pandemic and lockdown.
Current BC/EFA Director of Development Danny Whitman, who’s been with the nonprofit for 15 years, will succeed Viola, who will remain as a consultant through 2025, mainly advising on the national Grants Program strategies and procedures.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS began in late 1987 when Equity Fights AIDS was established; in February 1988, the Producers’ Group founded Broadway Cares. The two groups officially merged in May 1992 to form Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, continuing the missions of both organizations.
During his tenure, Viola has been much lauded. In 2010, he was recognized by the Tony Awards with the Tony Honor for Excellence in Theatre for “the leadership, advocacy and creativity through which he has mobilized the theater community’s response to AIDS and other critical health issues.” He’s also received the Patrick Quinn Award for Distinguished Service, the Sandy Fund Award from the Humane Society of New York, the Howard Ashman Award from GMHC and The Mosaic Award for Distinguished Alumni from the University of Cincinnati.
For more information, visit broadwaycares.org
