So yesterday was the annual Broadway Cares Flea Market and Grand Auction in NYC and I GOT TO GO!!! It was completely fantastic even though I wish it could have been outside on W 44th like it was supposed to. Since there was a 100% chance of rain, it was held in the Roseland Ballroom on W 52nd. It was still pretty epic.

For those who don't know, Broadway Cares is an organization that raises money to support finding a cure for AIDS. It holds a bunch of fundraisers and events throughout the year and Broadway shows usually will donate signed things and stuff from their show to be sold to raise money. During the Flea Market, each show has its own table set up with all sorts of things that you can't buy anywhere else except probably eBay I bought pretty much everything from the Phantom table and won something from the silent auction.

One of the highlights of my day was meeting JOHN GLOVER and getting his autograph. I went up to him with a huge, stupid smile on my face and told him "I love you so much." I wish I has thought of something more intelligent to say, but alas.. He laughed at me and signed a little piece of paper "with love" and then I felt special.

As for the excellent things that I bought, I got some old souvenir books from Phantom, a signed music prop, a package of the notes that the Phantom sends during the show (all of which were used onstage!!), a prop newspaper from the show, an actual piece of the chandelier, aaaaaaaand... wait for it..... HOWARD MCGILLIN'S BOW TIE that he wore during his final performance as the Phantom (which, as most of you know, I saw in July). It's awesome. I got it from the silent auction for more money than I would care to say. I love it. It's signed by Howard with his name, the date of his last performance (7/25/09), and the number of performances he did as the Phantom (2,544!!). It's complete with stains from his makeup

I wish I was obscenely rich though, because during the Grand Auction, they sold off Howard's MASK, the one he wore for hundreds of performances. It was also signed and dated with the number of his performances. It sold for over $2,600. I sadly do not have that much money. But oh well, the tie was definitely the next best thing!!

Can't wait until next year's Broadway Cares event!! Now I know to bring my life savings.

Your Friend and Angel,
O.G.

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