This Thanksgiving as families sit down to bountiful feasts and stave off food hangovers while watching football games on television, several Off-Broadway shows are helping the less fortunate by participating in the annual fall fundraising drive for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Every year at this time, a huge swath of the theatrical community – Broadway, national tours, and of course, Off-Broadway -- comes together to raise funds for this worthy charity that provides essential services for those living with AIDS, as well as programs including The Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative, The Al Hirschfeld Free Health Clinic, and The Dancers’ Resource.

Following post-show audience appeals, company members rush into the theatre with red plastic buckets to collect donations from generous audience members. In addition, some shows sell exclusive souvenirs to raise additional funds, including the Carols for a Cure CD, a holiday recording featuring the New York casts of several shows including Avenue Q and Altar Boyz. Also, the cast of The Marvelous Wonderettes hawks specially autographed posters during this time. Other participating Off-Broadway productions include Blue Man Group, Naked Boys Singing and the recently closed Still Life.

The fall 2009 fundraising drive began in early November, and culminates on December 7 and 8 with the Gypsy of the Year competition, a fabulous variety show (and a highlight of the fall theatre season) organized by the prodigiously talented actors of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, including Naked Boys Singing, Avenue Q and Newsical.

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation’s leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations. By drawing upon the talents, resources and generosity of the American theatre community, since 1988 BC/EFA has raised over $175 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.

Even if you don’t plan to attend the theatre within the next few weeks, you can still help out by visiting www.broadwaycares.org or calling 212.840.0770. You can make a donation, to even reserve your seat for the Gypsy of the Year performance, which will be held on Dec. 7 at 4:30pm, with a second performance including awards for the companies that raise the most money on Dec. 8 at 2pm.  Both shows will be held at the Palace Theatre at 48th and Broadway. Tickets range from $20-$350 and are on sale now.