‘Breaking’ giveaway benefits YDI

It may be a “bad” show, but its actors are doing some good.

Albuquerque’s long-running TV series “Breaking Bad” will wrap up production at the end of March, but its lead actor, Bryan Cranston, is reaching out to New Mexicans for a good cause.

The Emmy Award-winning actor announced that Albuquerque Studios and Youth Development Inc. are partnering for a fundraiser. And the grand prize is a set visit to “Breaking Bad.”

	Online To purchase raffle tickets for the contest, call 212-7440 or visit www.ydinm.org

“It’s getting down to the wire,” he said of the show’s final production days. “There is a level of sadness and pride around. Now we’re giving back.”

Albuquerque Studios is hosting a “Tribute to ‘Breaking Bad’ ” raffle that will benefit YDI Inc. The raffle will be drawn at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Wool Warehouse. Chances to win are $10 a ticket or six for $50 and are available by calling 212-7440.

Cranston, who plays teacher-turned-drug-dealer Walter White, is known for getting involved in various efforts in the community. He’s taught acting classes at YDI and for the past two years sponsored a celebrity softball game held at Isotopes Park.

“This is my way to say ‘thank you’ to the community,” he said. “This program is also a very grass-roots program that identifies and saves at-risk youth in hopes that they can find something that they can get passionate about.”

Cranston said helping out in the community is vitally important to him.

“I’ve been lucky in my career that I can’t imagine not being part of making a contribution to the community that has been so supportive to me personally and the show,” he said. “Albuquerque has become my home and the community welcomed me in.”

There will be five grand-prize winners who will win access to the “Tribute to ‘Breaking Bad’ ” reception on Saturday. It also will include a photo opportunity with Cranston and other cast members.

The winners will get signed exclusive memorabilia and a “Breaking Bad” and Albuquerque Studios gift bag.

Cranston said the winners will be able to meet Anna Gunn and others as well as see props and wardrobes that the cast wore.

“It’s been a great ride and Albuquerque has been a good host,” he said. “The city has become a vital character in the show, and it’s lent itself to aiding the storytelling. Walt has been a role of a lifetime for me, and it all happened in Albuquerque.”
— This article appeared on page D1 of the Albuquerque Journal