NEW YORK, NY (April 15, 2011) – Last night, on Broadway in New York City, when the cast of “Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo” asked the audience to lend its support to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids (BC/EFA), an organization that was started by actors to raise funds for AIDS research and has grown way beyond its original mission, it was entrepreneur and philanthropist Arthur Benjamin, founder of the Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation and American Dog Rescue Foundation, that stepped up.

Robin Williams acknowledged Benjamin’s generous donation to Broadway Cares by inviting the well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist on stage to be photographed with the whole cast.

“I remember you in LA doing improv before all this fame befell you,” said Benjamin as he and Williams embraced. On his way out of the landmark Richard Rogers Theatre, when asked what motivated him to respond, Benjamin commented that “the opportunity to give back comes to all of us at surprising times and in unusual ways.”

He continued, “Being always prepared to respond, seizing these moments, knowing it is always a privilege and makes a difference, is one of the secrets that both makes life worth living and provides happiness.”

The show received a standing ovation as did Benjamin for his generosity.

The Arthur E. Benjamin Foundation is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt organization created to assist the building and growth of other foundations through leadership, management, marketing, and public relations. Established by Delray Beach business leader and philanthropist Arthur E. Benjamin, the Foundation’s core focus is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and animals, support young adults through educational efforts, and aid women in breast cancer recovery. For more information, please visit www.arthurebenjamin.com.

American Dog Rescue Foundation (www.americandogrescue.org) is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)3 organization committed to finding a home for every adoptable dog in the United States.  American Dog Rescue Foundation is committed to placing healthy dogs in permanent homes that are the right fit for the animal and its family.  Donations can be made by visiting www.americandogrescue.org/donate or calling (801) 944-3023.

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 $195 million for essential services for people with AIDS and other critical illnesses across the United States. For more information, please visit www.broadwaycares.org.