Nicole Kidman stuns crowds with $100K donation to HIV/Aids fundraiser
The donation is "the largest donation for any one auction item ever" according to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Nicole Kidman nearly blew the roof off the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City when she donated $100,000 as part of a charity auction.
On Saturday (26 November) the Broadway production of The Music Man held an auction to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS after the show. One of the items in the auction was the hat worn by Australian actor, Hugh Jackman, in the show.
After bidding for the hat reached £19,000, Nicole Kidman, a fellow Aussie actor and a co-star of Jackman’s in Australia, bid $100,000 causing the room to erupt. Several members of the cast fell to the stage, seemingly in shock, while Jackman threw the hat to the ground in disbelief. Members of the audience were equally shocked.
Posting various bits of footage of the moment together Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS said on Instagram that the donation would provide “20,000 meals and 2,000 doctor visits this holiday season for those living with HIV/AIDS, struggling with COVID-19 or facing other life-threatening challenges.”
After having the hat placed upon her head by Jackman, Nicole said: “I love you. I love Broadway. And I love what they do (at) Broadway Cares!”
She added: “But I also want to say the show was extraordinary,” which led to further cheers from the crowd who were by this point all on their feet.
Afterward, Jackman posted on Instagram: “The generosity and love emanating from @nicolekidman leaves me speechless. Thank you, Nic for your friendship and support!”
Nicole commented: “Darling Hugh, To my friend of 30 years Right back at you such a generous gorgeous man, it was a brilliant night in the theatre and an honor to be able to donate to @bcefa!”
She added: “Congratulations to the talented cast…”
Broadway Cares has told People magazine in response to the donation: “Broadway Cares is blessed with friends across Broadway. But we have no greater champion than Hugh Jackman. This extraordinary gift from his pal Nicole Kidman is by far the largest donation for any one auction item ever.”