Who: John Halpin
Snapped: Outside the Music Box Theatre on 45th Street

Were you buying theatre tickets just now?
I was; I just bought tickets to an Actors Fund benefit performance of Shuffle Along.

Are you an actor?
I’m not. I’m a major gifts officer at Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

What does that entail?
I work with our Angels Circle, made up of people who make a donation of $1,000 or more, per year. They provide really valuable support for the organization.

What is the most satisfying part of your job?
They [the donors] give a lot to Broadway Cares, so we’re really helping this community of actors and everyone involved in the theatre. We’re also supporting organizations throughout the country that are helping people with HIV/AIDS and other health issues. It’s immensely rewarding to be able to do that kind of work.

How did you get involved with BC/EFA?
My background is in social work. In the past, working as a social worker, I helped a lot of people who had health challenges, including HIV/AIDS. Working at Broadway Cares was a way to continue that work and help build support.

I imagine it must be a difficult industry to work in at times?
Being a social worker is challenging work. What I’m doing right now, raising funds, means I’m not in direct service anymore. I have an immense amount of respect for people who work on the front lines; it’s important work, but challenging work.

The theatre can be a great escape from reality, don't you agree?
Yes. It’s a chance to step out of your own experience and learn about other people’s challenges and issues.