Photo Coverage: Capathia Jenkins, Jeffry Denman, et al. Attend Covenant House Benefit

Calling Covenant House a "place where opportunity changes the lives of homeless kids," Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman accepted the Covenant House Beacon of Hope Award from Covenant House board member Barbara Bush at A Night of Broadway Stars benefit on June 2nd before an audience of over 1,000 at the Rose Hall Home of Jazz Theatre at Lincoln Center.

"All of us need mentors," said Cashman. "I had one of the toughest bosses in Mr. Steinbrenner, but he gave me opportunities I never would have had otherwise. When you have the privilege to meet the kids at Covenant House, you see the light in their eyes, the goodness in their hearts, and their desire to succeed. To see what happens in the lives of these kids when they are given just a little support is really inspiring. I hope to be a part of this place and this mission for many years to come."

"Tonight is a night our supporters get to see the goodness, the talent, and the spirit of our incredible kids," said Covenant House President Kevin Ryan. "When you applaud their efforts, I promise you that is a new experience for them.

"Our kids come to us often with no families," said Ryan. "Sometimes without hope. The people who support Covenant House, the people at this Night of Broadway Stars celebration, become hope and love for our kids. Tonight at Lincoln Center, you became part of a memory that will live with our kids forever."

A Night of Broadway Stars featured a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for homeless youth at Covenant House to perform with some of Broadway's greatest performers. "I can't put into words what tonight meant to me," said Roger, one of the Covenant House youth who sang a show-stopping performance of One More Day. "I think tonight, singing at Lincoln Center, I proved to myself that if you believe in something and work at it, anything is possible. I am so grateful to Covenant House and the people who came here to support us tonight."

A major sponsor of A Night of Broadway Stars was Goldman Sachs, not only helping to provide the financial support needed to care for over 51,000 homeless kids a year, but by often having staff volunteer at Covenant House, most recently to paint the gym at the New York shelter.

The evening's co-honoree along with Cashman was Paul Danforth, Global Head of Sales for CAA Sports. "Paul is an amazing guy, he represents some of the biggest names in the sports and entertainment industry, but he is a man who is most proud of his family and the kids here at Covenant House," said Ryan. "Paul doesn't talk about Covenant House, he lives it, getting to know the kids and being part of real solutions to the problems they face."

"Covenant House is a special place, and getting to know the kids is what makes it special for me," said Danforth. "I am glad to help in any way that I can, because these kids deserve our respect and support."

A Night of Broadway Stars was hosted by renowned composer and lyricist Neil Berg, whose credits include The Prince and The Pauper, Grumpy Old Men and 100 Years of Broadway. "Neil Berg is one of the greatest friends of Covenant House and our kids," said Ryan. "For nine years, he has brought his talented friends on Broadway together with our kids, and his efforts have helped us raise money to save literally hundreds of thousands of lives."

Joining Berg were the young people from Covenant House, New Jersey's Bergen County "Future" Broadway Stars chorus, and some of Broadway's greatest performers, including Rita Harvey, Luba Mason, Capathia Jenkins, William Michaels, Natalie Toro, Lawrence Clayton, Danny Zolli and Jeffrey Denman.
All proceeds raised by A Night of Broadway Stars will benefit the homeless young people served by Covenant House.

Photo Credit:  Insider Images