2nd Annual ‘Breathless on Broadway’ Benefit to Raise PH Awareness
Several Broadway popular performers will focus their attention on pulmonary hypertension (PH) at the Second Annual “Breathless on Broadway” benefit on June 6 at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City.
Some of Broadway’s favorites will help the Phware Global Association raise awareness about the disease. The event will include a red carpet, dinner, and a show, and will have the talented Max Von Essen (of “An American in Paris,” “Evita,” “Dance of the Vampires,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,”), Giuseppe Bausillo (of “Cats, “Aladdin,” “Newsies,” “Billy Elliot”), Michael Lanning (of “Bonnie & Clyde,” “Civil War”), Zachary Sayle (from “Newsies National Tour”), and Liv Rand.
“Broadway (and Sardi’s) are normally dark on Mondays, but not on June 6th. That Monday night will be all about raising awareness for an incurable disease, to honor those who live with pulmonary hypertension and remember those who have died from the disease,” said TV and radio host Jeffrey Hayzlett, who will co-host the event with Zach Rand (from “Les Miserables” and “Mary Poppins”), in a press release provided to Pulmonary Hypertension News. “I am honored to co-host the evening’s festivities with Zach Rand so that others affected by the disease have a chance at a better life.”
In addition, the benefit will include the a cappella performance group, Switch. The five-member band with a special ear for classic and contemporary mashups pushes the boundaries of their vocals with original arrangements. They were also at the first event, but this year they won’t be alone, and additional performances will be announced soon.
“Breathless on Broadway” will also have a silent auction that will feature prizes such as a dinner for two at an exclusive New York restaurant, tickets to a Broadway show, and more.
“My family and I are honored to be hosting this event to raise awareness for a very personal cause. And while my sister Chloe isn’t here to witness this, we continue our fight for the many other families affected by pulmonary hypertension. I am excited to co-host with Jeff and thrilled to welcome my talented Broadway colleagues who will perform to help this cause,” said Rand, who will host the event in honor of his late sister, Chloe, who lost the battle against the disease in 2006.
The intimate musical evening, taking place at the heart of the theater district on 44th Street, already has the support of some of Broadway’s brightest stars.
“We focus on global awareness and alternative research through the use of technology,” stated Phaware’s Marie Rand. “We have taken the models from our for-profit work and thrust them into the nonprofit world resulting in a unique business model. Our understanding of the disease and for the community, in conjunction with our backgrounds in high-end marketing and technology, allows us to change the course of both awareness and research.
“I am thrilled to be working in honor of my daughter Chloe and for all people affected by PH,” she added. “The idea for ‘Breathless on Broadway’ began in the car driving home one night when Zach was appearing in ‘Les Miz’ on Broadway. He asked if someday his voice would be big enough to help other people. He was 9 years old. Just before his 18th birthday, the first ‘Breathless on Broadway’ happened.”
Phaware Global Association was founded by Marie Rand, John Hess, Steve Van Wormer, and Harry Rozakis. Each with their own connections to the world of PH, they bring their specialized business expertise to the organization.
The evening will have a Red Carpet moment starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and entertainment at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and tickets are $150 per person, but seating is limited. For more information, visit “Breathless on Broadway.”
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