Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Master Sculptor Armando Baisas headed to the bright lights of New York City to show off his carving skills at a VIP musical fundraiser to benefit Broadway Cares. Some of Broadway’s biggest talents took to the microphones and piano while guests enjoyed live performances over a panoramic view of Central Park. Chef Baisas delighted guests with his masterful carving techniques creating a Broadway themed display of fruit and vegetable sculptures. Fellow Canadian and David Letterman sidekick Paul Shaffer pounded the keys to destruction as the “Divas of Daytime” (Kathy Brier, Bobbie Eakes and Kassie DePaiva) performed the only song Shaffer ever wrote: “It’s Raining Men.”
Borrowing a line from A Chorus Line, this year’s event, subtitled “I Used to Dance Around the Living Room,” featured pianist Ben Cohn on his off night from Wicked, backing over a dozen stars as they performed some of their favorite songs, including ones that inspired them when they were younger and dreaming of fame. With tickets from $500-$1000/person, this event has raised almost $100,000 for Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids.

Photos Below: 1: Chef Baisas with Daytime Queen Bobbie Eakes, One Life to Live's Kathy Brier, Days of our Lives' Kevin Spirtas

2: Chef Baisas with Tony Award Winning Billy Elliot star Trent Kowalik with Tony Award in hand

3: L to R- Kassie Depaiva (One Life to Live), Bobbie Eakes, Kathy Brier, Kate Shindle (Miss America), Olivia D'Abo (Law & Order, Wonder Years), Trent Kowalik, Maya Days (Aida, Rent), Kathryn Holtkamp (Evita), Greg Jbara (Billy Elliot. Miscellaneous Film & Television)