Covenant House Florida Celebrates 30th Anniversary at Night of Broadway Stars

Covenant House Florida Celebrates 30th Anniversary at
Night of Broadway Stars

        Covenant House Florida celebrated 30 years of helping homeless youth and young adults at the nonprofit’s signature fundraising event, Night of Broadway Stars, A 30-year Red Carpet Affair. The one-of-a-kind musical experience raised $100,000 for the organization, which provides shelter and services for homeless youth and young adults, and attracted 400 guests.

“We’re so thankful for the generosity of this community and its support of Night of Broadway Stars and the homeless young people we serve,” said James M. Gress, Covenant House Florida executive director. “We had a full house of supporters who enjoyed a show that gets better and better each year.”

        From the stage of the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater, Night of Broadway Stars’ A-list artists performed a mix of classic Broadway numbers alongside contemporary rock ‘n roll tunes. The eclectic performance included songs from Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables as well as from Rock of Ages and A Night with Janis (Joplin). Plus, formerly homeless American Idol contestant Hollywood Anderson energized the audience by singing the heartfelt love song that landed him on the Idol stage. For the grand finale, Anderson joined the Broadway stars and Covenant House Florida residents onstage for a moving rendition of Little Help from My Friends.

        The event honored supporter Harry Durkin, a dedicated supporter of Covenant House Florida since its inception. Durkin’s support has ranged from organizing annual trips for youth to attend Florida Marlins games to securing volunteers and funding from the alumni group of his alma mater, University of Notre Dame.

        Roxanne Vargas, host of the NBC 6 lifestyle and entertainment show, “6 in the Mix,” served as the honorary chair and emcee for the evening, and Cindy Schutt, longtime supporter of Covenant House Florida, was event chair. Committee members included Harry Durkin, James Gress, Ginger Martin, Jeff Richman, Katie Scheuermann, Elisa Stone, Nancy Tanner, Carole Tolomeo and Jan Vrins. Ambassadors were Jeff Cato and Bob Tentshert, Traci Miller and Troy McHatton, Roger Hicks and Don Donahue and Maria and Rich Pierson.

        Night of Broadway Stars started with lavish gourmet dinner stations and premier cocktails in the Peck Courtyard while guests bid on premium silent auction items. As dinner and bidding winded down, guests were escorted into the theater for the Broadway spectacular. During the show, auctioneer Gordon Latz from the Harry T. Mangurian, Jr. Foundation, auctioned a spectacular cruise provided by Azamara Club Cruises, the luxury brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., diamond earrings from Daoud’s Fine Jewelry, and a spa package for six from Lifestream Spa & Boutique. After the auction and Broadway performance, guests mingled with the Broadway stars and Covenant House residents at a VIP dessert reception in the Peck Courtyard.

        Covenant House Florida reaches 200 teens a-day via street outreach, crisis shelters, transitional housing projects, and walk-in services, making it one of the largest private agencies serving runaway and homeless youth in the state of Florida. For more information on Covenant House Florida, visit www.CovenantHouseFL.org or call 954-568-7914