By Sandi Durell

 

This yearly gala raises money for kids on the street, kids who need a home, direction and help and for many years, throughout the world, they get that help from Covenant House. Needless to say, the problems have increased dramatically with Covid-19.

Last night’s virtual streaming A Night of Covenant House Stars gala featured not only the many young folks who have found a path through music, art and the tools to success, but the celebrities who are part of the process like Board members Audra McDonald and John Dickerson.

Your heart cries when listening to the personal stories of many of these kids, how they came to Covenant House and the remarkable help they received.

 

 

Singing throughout the two hour event was a long list of Broadway celebrities that included many highlights:

A trio consisting of Bobby Conte Thornton, Laura Osnes and Jeremy Jordan – “This Is My Song” – a spectacular rendition of a new Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (Dear Evan Hansen) song “This is Me” delivered with all the emotional guts by Keala Settle  – “You’ll Never Really Know If You Don’t Try” sung and played on guitar by Dolly Parton, as well as a powerful duet by Darius De Haas and Capathia Jenkins, and songs from Ariana DeBose, Jon Bon Jovi . . . a gorgeous ballad sung by Stephanie J. Block to her daughter, and the cast of Broadway’s SIX.

 

Guest speakers with words of encouragement and hope included Nikki Sixx (with poignant personal stories), Dionne Warwick, Stephen Colbert, Tony Shalhoub and Morgan Freeman.

The Covenant House Kids, as well as alumni,sang and played amazing songs showing off how their musical abilities have come to fruition.

 

The evening closed with Michael McElroy’s powerful Broadway Inspirational Voices lifting spirits.

 

The work continues and you can help by visiting: www.covenanthouse.org  or www.safeplacetosleep.org

or call: 800-388-3888