Covenant House's A Night of Broadway Stars Gala To Unite Formerly Homeless Youth & Broadway Stars For Performance at Lincoln Center

Jon Bon Jovi To Receive Beacon of Hope Award; Former First Lady Laura Bush to Attend

NEW YORK, June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Homeless youth working towards brighter futures will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with Broadway stars at Covenant House's A Night of Broadway Stars gala on Tuesday, June 12 on the stage of Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center. A Night of Broadway Stars starts at 6:00 pm with a cocktail reception. The show begins at 7:30 pm, followed by a dessert reception with the stars.

Rock star and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi will receive Covenant House's "Beacon of Hope Award," honoring his extensive support of the homeless young people striving to turn their lives around at the shelter for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth.  Leo Carlin, President of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which works to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair, will also be honored with the Beacon of Hope Award.

"All kids need love, guidance and mentors who lead by example," said Bon Jovi. "Yet some have had to grow up fast and have had more than their share of challenges.  But thanks to organizations like Covenant House there is always hope."

"Jon has been a friend to Covenant House for over 20 years, giving of his resources and time and talent to build new homes and new lives for homeless kids," said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. "Joining with Leo Carlin, The Soul Foundation has become a beacon of hope, leading the way in the fight against homelessness by providing not only compassion, but practical, long-term solutions.  We cannot thank Jon and Leo enough for being such important members of our Covenant House family."

This star-studded evening is hosted by renowned lyricist and composer Neil Berg, and will include a full revue of performances by some of Broadway's greatest talents, including 2012 Best Actor Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan and his Newsies co-star Capathia Jenkins, Ron Bohmer and Rita Harvey from Phantom of the Opera, Lawrence Clayton from Les Miserables, Rob Evan from Jekyll and Hyde,  film and TV star Karla Mosley and Danny Zolli from Jesus Christ Superstar.

Olivia Harrison, wife of the great Beatle and philanthropist George Harrison, will receive the Casa Alianza Hands of Peace Award for her support of Casa Alianza (Covenant House) Guatemala. Her support has provided love, hope and protection to homeless youth in Latin America, helping to save thousands of lives. Ryan says, "No Covenant House 40th Year Anniversary would be complete without recognizing Olivia's and George's role in making our Latin American programs possible, and we are honored and blessed to thank her in this special way."

Also to be honored for his service to homeless youth is Tom McGee, National Managing Partner of Deloitte Growth Enterprise Services. McGee will receive the International Board Service Award for his work as a driving force for change in the battle against homelessness. "Tom has been an incredible gift to our kids as a member of our Board, from sleeping outside of our New York shelter to raise funds and awareness for our kids, to traveling internationally to our sites to learn the issues and be part of real solutions to the problems our kids face," said Ryan. 

Ryan added, "It is also very appropriate that on our 40th anniversary, our Co-Chairs are Laura and Barbara Bush.  Ever since President George H.W. Bush visited our kids over 20 years ago, three generations of the Bush family have championed the cause of our kids.  Former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Barbara have continued the tradition by taking the time to know our kids and stepping up to help whenever our kids have needed their support.

"Covenant House has thousands of homeless youth working towards their dreams in six countries at our 21 locations every day -- over 56,000 last year alone," said Ryan. "Supporting A Night of Broadway Stars gives our kids a chance to make dreams come true ... a chance to dream of jobs, of homes, of families of their own."

For ticket information, contact [email protected] or call 212-330-0506.  To learn more about the event, visit www.nightofbroadwaystarsnyc.org.

Founded in 1972, Covenant House is the largest privately funded agency in the Americas helping homeless kids, providing 24/7 crisis care and ongoing support at 21 facilities, www.NINELINE.org, Covenant House NINELINE (1-800-999-9999) and www.covenanthouse.org

SOURCE Covenant House