Dedicated donors and cherished friends from across the Broadway industry gathered in New York City’s Edison Ballroom on December 16, 2024, to celebrate the retirement of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Executive Director Tom Viola.

The evening’s host, the always-hilarious Christopher Sieber, guided the audience through a joyful array of performances, speeches and stories from Viola’s illustrious career. 

The celebration began with welcoming remarks from Robert E. Wankel, president of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ Board of Trustees and CEO of The Shubert Organization, and Philip Birsh, Board of Trustees treasurer and president and CEO of Playbill. 

The lineup of speakers also included Debra Monk, who laced her heartfelt words with her trademark adults-only limericks; Bebe Neuwirth, who recounted how a casual idea she shared with Viola blossomed into the Entertainment Community Fund’s The Dancers’ Resource program; and Jonathan Groff, who shared a touching story about how his journey with Broadway community began when Viola discovered him waiting tables and invited him to volunteer for Broadway Cares. 

“Tom, thank you for seeing me when I was 19 years old, and opening my heart and mind to the value of community and giving back,” Groff said. “You changed me forever with one conversation. All of us in this room will never stop being motivated by what you created and we will be eternally trying to do you proud.”

The legendary Lillias White performed a sparkling rendition of “Make Someone Happy” from Do Re Mi, and the effervescent Beth Leavel shared an electrifying take on Hello Dolly!’s “Before the Parade Passes By.” Norm Lewis brought his rich and captivating vocals to Broadway Cares’ anthem, “Help is on the Way.” The song’s composer and lyricist, David Friedman, made a surprise appearance to share the work’s significance and his endless appreciation for Viola.

Joseph Benincasa, president and CEO of the Entertainment Community Fund, spoke to the essential collaboration between both organizations, and how Viola’s leadership has played a vital role in providing lifesaving support to people across entertainment and the performing arts.

The evening was brought to a close by Danny Whitman, Broadway Cares’ director of development and incoming executive director. He spoke to Viola’s extraordinary impact, beginning with his pivotal role in the formation of Equity Fights AIDS under Colleen Dewhurst, and Viola’s ability to transform ideas into actions that have saved lives, nurtured artists and expanded Broadway Cares’ mission.

Viola took the stage to rapturous applause, expressing wholehearted gratitude to everyone for sharing in the evening and for their unwavering support throughout his 36-year tenure with the organization. He then shared four phrases of encouragement, scribbled on a card years ago by a therapist during a moment of anxiety about the work still to be done. They live in his wallet to this day.

Begin where you are. Do what you can with grace. Move forward in faith. And, ask for help.

Viola retires from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on December 31, 2024. His leadership saw the organization persevere through two pandemics and emerge as one of the most impactful fundraising and grant-making organizations in the country.

The evening was underwritten by Mary D. Fisher.

Photos by Angela of York