"With You, We Can Be Stronger..."

Joining with some of Broadway's greatest stars, eight young people from Covenant House brought a crowd of 500 to their feet with an inspiring performance that punctuated a night of hope for the future of homeless youth.

"We are in the midst of an economic downturn in which we all have difficult decisions to make," said Sister Patricia A. Cruise, President of Covenant House. "But for the kid starving on a street corner, the issue -- in good times and bad -- remains the same. Does anybody care? By being here tonight, and by helping Covenant House help over 65,000 homeless kids this year, you answered that question with a resounding yes."

Covenant House honored Chris Gardner, best-selling author of The Pursuit of Happyness, who has visited with Covenant House residents and inspired them with his personal story of overcoming homelessness. "I'm wearing a shirt tonight given to me by Nelson Mandela, and I only wear it on very special occasions," he said. "There is nothing more special and more important than the work being done by Covenant House to help homeless kids in need. Times are hard, but all that means is that more of us have to pick up the slack and do as much as we can."

Gardner thanked Ace Greenberg, the legendary CEO of Bear Stearns, who was in attendance and has been a long-time supporter of Covenant House. "Ace Greenberg is the example we should all try to live up to, and I owe him so much for how he helped me," said Gardner, who pledged his continuing support for Covenant House in honor of Mr. Greenberg.

One of the evening's featured guests was Sister Mary Rose McGeady, former President of Covenant House. "She is a child-care expert and a tireless crusader for homeless children," said Sister Tricia. "For 13 years, Sister Mary Rose lived the mission of Covenant House as our President. For her entire life, she has lived to serve God and the poor. We are honored she has come back to be with us."

Covenant House Chief Operating Officer Jim White acknowledged the commitment of Broadway composer Neil Berg, who brought together the Broadway stars and the band that entertained and inspired the audience.

"Five years ago, Neil asked how he could help," said White. "Before he did anything, I told him to come visit our kids at Covenant House. He came, he ate lunch with the kids, he got to know them. And once you get to know these kids, you are hooked. That's the magic of this place. And Neil has been an incredible friend to Covenant House, and an incredible gift in the lives of our kids, ever since."

With Neil Berg on piano and introducing the songs, the evening featured Broadway stars Rob Evan, who opened the gala with a rousing rendition of This is the Moment and later Bring Him Home from Les Mis; Rita Harvey singing Think of Me from Phantom of the Opera; Danny Zolli, performing Sherry from Jersey Boys; and Capathia Jenkins whose rendition of And I'm Telling You from Dream Girls had the crowd on their feet.

The audience remained on their feet as Covenant House youths Kalif Davis, Courtney Tyner, Odari Campbell, Charlesetta Baker, Curtis Bent, Mark Martin, James Robinson, and ShaLysse Denny performed the song Stronger. The encore, Love Changes Everything, featured the Covenant House kids joining with the Broadway stars for a performance those in attendance will never forget.

"On behalf of our young people here tonight, and the 65,000 kids Covenant House helped last year, and the estimated 800,000 kids who will be homeless tonight, thank you," said Sister Tricia. "Thank you for giving all our kids their moment to shine ... and the chance to sing their songs."

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Related Information:

• Video: Covenant House Youth perform with Broadway Stars at the Light the Night Gala
• Video: Sister Tricia's remarks at the 2008 Light the Night Gala

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