Mark MacKillop is a familiar name within the theatre community when it comes to fundraising efforts and the call to action to end stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS. He is currently the number-one fundraiser for the annual Broadway Bares fundraiser, held June 22 at Hammerstein Ballroom. , he's raised more than $277,000鈥攚hich puts his career total at just under $1 million.
We caught up with MacKillop to hear how the support of friends and organizations help drive him to success year after year.
You fundraise to give back and pay it forward. Do you mind sharing your personal experience with needing support from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS?
Mark MacKillop: When I first moved to NYC, there was a time when I was unemployed and didn鈥檛 have health insurance. I got quite sick and lost my voice and couldn鈥檛 sing, which for any artist or athlete, getting injured or sick makes it feel like your world is crumbling. I went to a free clinic, and they couldn鈥檛 figure out what was wrong. Finally, I got set up with a doctor through the Actors Fund, now known now as the Entertainment Community Fund, and got healthy again. My philosophy is if you take from the pot, then you fill it up so there鈥檚 enough for the people who come after you.
Your fundraising happens year round, with your Duets shows, your salons, and your new single. How do you keep so focused on it 12 months a year?
This is going to sound incredibly corny, but when I was a kid, my dream was to move to NYC, be on Broadway and be friends with the most talented people in the world. I love putting together my Duets shows and Salons because it gives me an opportunity to sing, perform and raise money for BCEFA, all while creating community. My friends are busy with their own lives and off traveling, performing around the world, some winning Tony Awards, but I love that they make time to come sing with me and help me raise money for BC/EFA. That kind of love and community is what keeps me focused on raising money for BC/EFA.
Can you share about the generosity of people and organizations that help with your fundraising efforts?
I鈥檝e found when you鈥檝e been raising money for BC/EFA for over 11 years, and it鈥檚 year-round, the people who want to support you will find you. I have a wonderful circle of people in my life who are so amazing with helping me. All the money I鈥檝e raised I have not done alone. From Robbie Rozelle to Jamie Drake, Michael Hull, Jelani Remi, Grant Cobb, to friends in shows who help get me Opening Night 半岛体育s signed for my fundraising to people who follow me on social media and donate to companies like Bike Athletics, who last year donated $30,000 to my fundraising. I do not do this alone. This is a community of people who have rallied with me around Broadway Cares, and I think that鈥檚 awesome.
What is your dream number in terms of money raised?
Before he passed, I became close with David Mixner. He personally requested me to be one of the shirtless guys who walked him onstage at his final annual birthday fundraiser. He then insisted we have coffee later, and we got to know each other. He wanted me to know that the work I was doing was important and not to stop. At the time I had raised about $400,000 for BC/EFA. During his life he raised a million dollars for the Ali Forney Center and after he passed, I vowed I would continue and raise at least a million dollars for Broadway Cares. If I reach my personal goal for Broadway Bares this year which is $250,000, I鈥檒l be just shy of one million.
Your single 鈥淪ometimes a Day Goes By鈥� is a lesser-known Kander and Ebb song from Woman of the Year. What drew you to record it?
I was given this song from Adam Michael Tilford one night at Marie鈥檚 Crisis. He insisted I sing it, so I gave it a listen and I loved it. I really wanted to record my own version. As a baritone, there aren鈥檛 a lot of roles being written these days for us to be leading men, and there definitely aren鈥檛 a lot of songs written about two men in love. So, I made some edits. I think this song is beautiful and now I hear a love story that I can see myself in when I listen to it. I will also be donating 100% of the money from downloads and streams during Pride month to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
You can show your support for Broadway Cares . You can stream MacKillop's "Sometimes a Day Goes By" below.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is one of the nation鈥檚 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 Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has awarded more than $300 million for essential services for people with HIV/AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States.
