Events
Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary Gala – Ariana DeBose, Darren Criss, Audra McDonald, Rachel Brosnahan and More
On Monday, May 23, Covenant House, the largest charity in the Americas helping homeless and trafficked youth, gathered supporters to celebrate their 50th anniversary during their annual Night of Covenant House Stars Gala. The event took place at Chelsea Industrial in New York City. Rising to Tomorrow, the theme of this year’s event, highlighted Covenant House’s 50 years of service and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to preventing and ending youth homelessness.
Darren Criss Photo by Aaron Almendral
Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral
Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral
Jason Ralph and Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral
The event kicked off with a performance by Emmy Award winner Darren Criss , who opened the gala with a rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” Guests also heard from Oscar Award winner and Covenant House board member Ariana DeBose, who performed a mashup of Coldplay’s “Fix You” with Adele’s “Turning Tables;” singer Krysta Rodriguez who performed “What’s Up?” and” Don’t Worry Be Happy;” and singer and Covenant House Board Member Capathia Jenkins, who sang “What A Wonderful World.”
Krysta Rodriguez Photo by Aaron Almendral
Krysta Rodriguez Photo by Aaron Almendral
The Kid Mero Photo by Aaron Almendral
Kayli Carter Photo by Aaron Almendral
“Desus & Mero” co-host The Kid Mero welcomed guests by sharing more about the organization’s connection to his hometown, the Bronx. He then invited Covenant House Board Member and Emmy-, Grammy-, and Tony Award winner Audra McDonald to the stage, who appeared twice during the program and highlighted the need to continue helping homeless youth. Actor Jason Ralph, who has been involved with the organization for years, spoke about Covenant House’s annual Sleep Out to End Youth Homelessness. The stars were also joined by Covenant House youth, who performed original music and shared stories about how the organization changed their lives.
Audra McDonald Photo by Aaron Almendral
Trailblazer and “Good Morning America” anchor Robin Roberts accepted this year’s Beacon of Hope Award in recognition of her dedication to ending youth homelessness. Roberts has been involved with the organization since 2014 and said, “When I meet the young people and alumni at Covenant House and hear their stories, I am inspired by their courage in the face of unimaginable fears; about the kind of perseverance that refuses to let go of their dreams, however unlikely their realization may seem at any given moment; about not allowing themselves to be defined by others or a circumstance but, instead, affirming and embracing their truth. We all need to hear these stories and share them. And, as a humble recipient of this Beacon of Hope, I am honored to be a bearer of your light.”
Robin Roberts Photo by Aaron Almendral
Former New Jersey Governor and US Senator Jon Corzine, who serves on the organization’s board, was also honored, taking the stage to accept the Board Service Award for his years committed to the organization.
Jason Ralph and Ariana DeBose Photo by Aaron Almendral
“You make it possible for 2,000 children and youth across 33 cities in six countries to sleep safely tonight under a Covenant House roof each and every night,” said Covenant House President & CEO Kevin Ryan to the overflow crowd of supporters at Chelsea Industrial. “Thank you for supporting our young people and our frontline staff through the worst days of the pandemic, enabling us to provide 700,000 nights of housing and shelter last year, and 3.5 million meals since March 2020. In the midst of a global pandemic, Covenant House added more than 900 beds, rebuilt or renovated facilities in a dozen cities, opened in 10 new cities, and added innovative programming for young people overcoming homelessness and human trafficking. You made that possible.”
Kevin Ryan, Robin Roberts, Ariana DeBose, Darren Criss Photo by Aaron Almendral
The evening ended with the Empire State Building lighting up in Covenant House’s colors. Earlier in the day, Emmy Award winning actress Rachel Brosnahan, who also serves on Covenant House’s board, took part in the lighting ceremony of the iconic New York landmark commemorating the occasion.
Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Prior to the gala, Covenant House celebrated the grand opening of their new purpose-built facility, the first in their 50-year history in New York City. The 12-story project features 60 bedrooms, closets, classrooms, computer rooms and a recreational center. The facility also includes mental health facilities, an on-site medical clinic, and a nondenominational prayer room. Throughout the building there are individual bathrooms and bathing facilities to accommodate the gender identity of all the youth who may come to Covenant House. United States Senator Chuck Schumer, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and more participated in the grand opening.
Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Funds raised from Night of Covenant House Stars go directly to food, clothing, healthcare, education, job training, and short and long-term housing for youth overcoming homelessness at Covenant House across the U.S., Canada, and Latin America.
Rachel Brosnahan lights The Empire State Building in honor of Covenant House’s 50th Anniversary on May 23, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Accenture, Delta, Goldman Sachs, and Wealthspire Advisors served as sponsors for this year’s event. Covenant House is the largest, primarily privately funded charity in the Americas helping homeless and trafficked youth, providing 24/7 crisis care and ongoing support in 33 cities across six countries. In 50 years of service, Covenant House has never closed its doors.
Empire State Building, LED Lights.
For more information, go to www.covenanthouse.org
G.H. Harding
STRIKE END LOOMS — (Via Showbiz 411/Roger Friedman) All the studio chiefs met Wedneday with the Writers Guild and will continue negotiating tomorrow, according to a WGA post.
The sudden seriousness of the studios is welcomed as the deadline looms for the 2023-24 TV season. If the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes aren’t resolved by early October, my sources say it will be impossible to put on a season.
Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, Disney’s Bob Iger, Universal’s Donna Langley and Warner Bros Discovery’s David Zaslav were present today for the negotiations, a sure sign that the studios are finally in panic mode.
There are no daytime or nighttime talk shows, no new material on TV, and actors can’t promote the fall and winter movies. The actors have already missed the Telluride, Venice, and Toronto Film Festivals. Now the New York Film Festival looms, as does the premiere of Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
The so-called Fall TV Season has been decimated; the Emmy’s pushed back and just general chaos everywhere. The severity of the strike -142 days in- has hurt almost-every-single below-the-line sector, from caterers to limo drivers to costume houses. It’s reported that it will take up to 10-12 weeks to fully resume everything. That means early-November and let’s not forget come Thanksgiving, the holiday season officially starts. Stay tuned.
Burt Bacharach
LOVE, BURT AT THE CUTTING ROOM — Monday night at Steve Walter’s Cutting Room was the presentation of Love, Burt – celebrating the majesty and memory of Burt Bacharach’s music.
The show really moved me and reminded me of the reason I do what … the music!
The show was just sumptuous – with the assembled group -led by Mike Visceglia- honoring and doing proper justice to a host of Bacharach songs – everything from “Baby, It’s You” to “One Less Bell To Answer,” The Look Of Love” and “Alfie” were all dutifully done. Especially poignant was their rendition of “A House Is Not A Home.”
The fact of the matter is that when these songs were recorded, they were embedded into everyone’s consciousness. These versions were good, but the originals remain standout. You hear a lot about the Great American Songbook, but these songs are the “new” Great American Songbook. Just luscious.
They ended the show was one of my favorite-Bacharach songs, from the 1988 album Burt recorded with Elvis Costello, Painted From Memory. One of the album’s strongest cuts is “God Give Me Strength.” It was simply sensational.Spotted there were Benny Harrison and Maria Milito from Q1043.
The room was packed like never before; what a night!
Micky Dolenz on KTLA
SHORT TAKES — Micky Dolenz headlines the ACE Theatre Friday night in LA, and was a guest on KTLA Wednesday. Here’s a shot of him on-set with Sam Rubin who interviewed him with the KTLA-gang. Sam’s the second from left. Industry stalwarts at the ACE Theatre show include legendary-LA Times writer Randy Lewis; LA Magazine’sRoy Trakin and Goldmine’s Ken Sharp … Roger Friedman reported Wednesday that the pre-sales of Jann Wenner’s upcoming book Masters have been severely impacted by his New York Times interview. Take a read here: https://www.showbiz411.com/2023/09/20/jann-wenners-new-book-the-masters-drops-in-pre-sales-run-on-amazon-almost-off-the-top-2000-after-scandal-erupts And just last night his big presentation at NYC’s 92nd Y with Cameron Crowe was shuttered as well … SIGHTING: Alison Martino at NYC’s Algonquin Hotel …
The Morning Show
When Apple TV’s The Morning Show debuted years ago (November 2019), created and run by Kerry Ehrin, it was a first-rate series certainly of The Sopranos-like and Mad Men-like caliber. Billy Crudup was astonishingly good as were Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon and Steve Carell. The second season was basically trash. Three episodes in on a third season -with a 4th already guaranteed- it’s kind of a mixed-bag. I did not care for the first two EPs, but the third was bordering on the edge of greatness – and Witherspoon wasn’t even in this one and there was no explanation why. Jon Hamm has joined the cast as sort of an Elon Musk-figure. To me, he’s still Don Draper, just with an updated wardrobe. Most of the production staff has been replaced and it seemed to me, they’re still finding their way. The trouble is, that with these 8 or so episode-runs, it gets really good at episode 6. Go figure …
Rupert Murdoch
Rupert Murdoch to retire per CNBC? More on this next column … Meg Ryan and David Duchovny in What Happens Later – looks cute and Ryan directed it – check out the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqTZqSglhZo … RIP Roger Whitaker
David McCallum
and Happy Bday David McCallum; Curtis Urbina; and Bill Murray!
NAMES IN THE NEWS — Glenn Gretlund; Jodi Ritzen; Leonard Nimoy; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Scott Shannon; Zach Martin; Michelle Grant; Art Rutter; Maria Milito; Joe Lynch; Melinda Newman; Mandy Naylor; Kimberly Cornell; Sam Rudin; Jim Clash; Terry Jastrow; Randy Alexander; Bob Merlis; Andrew Sandoval; Art Rutter; and CHIP!
It was a lovely day full of style and compassion.
Fashion 4 Development hosted its 11th Annual First Ladies Luncheon on Tuesday, September 19th during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Evie Evangelou, F4D President and Founder co-hosted with Princess Corinna zu Sayn-Wittgenstein, who was announced as F4D’s Goodwill Ambassador for Music.
The annual luncheon well-known event where First Ladies and Royals from around the globe, as well as diplomats, philanthropists, fashion VIPs, and other key influencers celebrate the unprecedented cooperation between diplomacy and fashion. This year’s grand affair honored the late Queen Elizabeth II in partnership with the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
Over 32 first ladies were in attendance including First Lady of Paraguay, First Lady of Serbia, First Lady of Albania, Princess of Eswatini, First Lady of Ecuador, First Lady of Malta, First Lady of Cabo Verde, First Lady of Israel, First Lady of Colombia and more. Additional notable attendees and honorees included Fern Mallis, Flaviana Matata, June Ambrose, Chaz Dean, Julia Haart, Preeta Sinha, Jennifer Hanks Allaire, Dr. Inez Hernandez, Aneeta Williams, Bonnie Lautenberg, Monica Elias, Sergio Nicolosi, Amy Shiels, Laine Siklos, Janna Bullock and Sofie Mahlkvist.
Kicking the day off with a green carpet and a cocktail reception, guests networked and mingled as exhibitions from couture fashion designer Stewart Parvin and milliner Rachel Trevor-Morgan were on display. Evangelou then welcomed all guests and introduced the Commonwealth Fashion Exchange Video showcasing an initiative that launched in Buckingham Palace and then graced the F4D Global Runway in New York City.
The annual luncheon is also dedicated to honoring those who celebrate the unprecedented cooperation between diplomacy and fashion around the world. Honorees included 2023 Franca Sozzani Award winner, Johannesburg-based designer Thebe Magugu. Sara Sozzani Maino introduced Magugu, honoring him for preserving his South African heritage through fashion and design.
Assembly member Rebecca Seawright introduced philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and presented her with the 2023 Philanthropy Award. “We must work together,” Shafiroff said. “Not just in our countries, not just locally, but globally, because sustainability is a global issue. It’s important for all of us to be involved.” She continued, “We want future generations to have the opportunity to live in a good world, it’s our obligation to work on a sustainable future by creating long and short-term goals, incentives and rewards, and a sense of team work together, this is all achievable and doable.”
Speakers throughout the afternoon included remarks by Naila Chowdhury, the Director of Social Impact and Innovation at UC San Diego, who was just announced as F4D’s Goodwill Ambassador. As an advocate for human rights, she said, “We are at the critical juncture where climate, sustainability, gender equity, human rights, dignity, and zero tolerance of any form of violence has become imperative to address.”
F4D Awards created exclusively by Toye, Kenning & Spencer, founded in 1685 and with a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Toye, Kenning & Spencer is the leading and most diversified craft skills employer in the United Kingdom.
To learn more about F4D, please visit: http://www.fashion4development.com
Photos courtesy Michael Ostuni /PMC
(Cover art features L to R: María De Lourdes Alcivar De Lasso (Ecaudor), Verónica Alcocer García (Colombia), Leticia Ocampos (Paraguay), Evie Evangelou, Débora Katisa Carvalho (Cape Verde), Tamara Vučić (Serbia), Michelle Muscat (Former First Lady of Malta)
Thank-you again to Eli Marcus and the staff of Dave and Buster’s, at 234 West 42nd Street.
Eli Marcus
Eli was sending the concierge’s to the show The Shark Is Broken.
The producers of The Shark Must Be Broken, Eli Marcus and the general manager of Dave and Buster’s
There were lots of new friends to be made such as Carol Mennie, Caroline Rosado from the Hilton, Dinnella Collado from the Washington Square Hotel, Benjamin Maddy from Dave and Buster’s and Maddie of Benjamin Steakhouse Prime
Maddie
This destination for sports enthusiasts, foodies, and arcade offers space, fun and some fabulous happy hour deals.
All across the multiple screens were football, basketball, and hockey games from across the sporting world. At the sports bar an impressive selection of drinks, including craft beers, signature cocktails await. I sampled some their tasty bites and was impressed.
wings
Pretzel Dogs
To sooth your inner child air hockey and arcade games are waiting to be played.
Margarita and I playing for Make A Wish
If you are looking for entertainment they have a legendary Trivia Night with fantastic prizes.
Double Pepperoni Flatbread
wings
BBQ Chicken Flatbread
This is actually a great place to throw your holiday parties.
Fire-Grilled Atlantic Salmon
Boneless Wings
Chocolate- and caramel-filled churros with chocolate and salted caramel dipping sauces.
I am so glad the Mayor of Times Square invited me to his event.
Margarita Parlionas and Eli Marcus
Mike Young‘s Night at The Ned takes place weekly in the members’ Magic Room space, and presented by Akiva. The next show is Sept 27th, and will be weekly thereafter. Past attendees and comedians have included notables like Michael Rapaport, TJ Miller, Jeffrey Ross, Chris Rock, Robin Thicke, and many more.
The comedians who joined the lineup on Friday, Sept 15th, to surprise the room packed with 90 The Ned members/guests (and a bevy of models), included the below. Attendees, inclusive of members, enjoyed custom cocktails, wine, beer and bottle service during the performance, and dined on cuisine from The Ned’s signature menu favorites. The show takes place in The Magic Room, an exclusive feeling lounge complete with a beautiful wooden bar, featuring plush jewel toned velour seating, a red decor aesthetic, and ambient table lamps. It is the perfect setting for an intimate comedy show, complete with a stage, and a grand piano.
Photos Courtesy of Geoffrey Nurse/GN Studios for The Ned
You Gotta Believe , a New York City-based, national organization that focuses exclusively on finding permanent parents and families for older kids in foster care, hosted its 9th annual Voices: Stars for Foster Kids benefit concert at Town Hall in NYC, on Monday, September 18th.
Created and hosted by Stars In The House’s Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, the benefit concert featured special performances and appearances by Donna Murphy, Patina Miller, Adam Pascal, Sharon Catherine Brown, Javier Colon, Ta’Nika Gibson, Matt Gould, Norm Lewis, Griffin Matthews, Gracie McGraw, Krysta Rodriguez, Cody Saintgnue, NaTasa Yvette Williams, Bellamy Young, Andrea McArdle and Executive Director of You Gotta Believe Jennifer Pinder. The evening was be directed by Brenda Braxton with music direction by Seth Rudetsky. Other guests in attendance included: Jackie Hoffman, Our Lady Jay, Tom Cavanaugh, Juwan Crawley, Jackson Walker, and others.
Special moments included: Bellamy Young sharing her personal story of being a foster child – and at 8-years-old identifying with the song “Maybe” from the musical ANNIE. After she shared her touching story with the crowd at Town Hall, the original “Annie,” Andrea McArdle surprised Bellamy on-stage and sang “Maybe” to her. Also, actor & model Cody Saintgnue sharing his own story about of being in foster care and later adopted – and what his family means to him. The “Voice” winner Javier Colon came on-stage to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” – a song that reminded him of his childhood, to him.
Today nearly 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States, and every year as many as 22,000 youth will age out of the foster care system. Without the safety net of a forever family to provide the security and comfort most take for granted, these young people are left on their own to face a future filled with hardships — from lack of education to unemployment, higher rates of incarceration, poor health, early parenthood and homelessness. A staggering 20% of youth who age out alone will experience homelessness – that’s 4,000 homeless kids each year.
Due to the transformative work of YGB since 1995, thousands of parents have been trained to make an unconditional commitment to youth in care, over 750 families have been licensed as foster families after receiving training through YGB, and nearly 375 older youth have been adopted into families trained by YGB. YGB offers families perpetual support, including counseling and mental health services, to ensure permanency.
Created by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley in 2015, Voices: Stars for Foster Kids brings together the very best performers from the American stage and screen to raise awareness about the plight of kids in foster care, particularly those aged 10 and older who are in danger of aging out of the foster care system alone. Combining celebrity, music, and everyday people sharing their incredible stories, Voices: Stars for Foster Kids directly benefits YGB’s mission to find permanent families for older kids in foster care. Since its inception in 2015, Voices: Stars for Foster Kids has raised $3,392,300 for YGB.
For more information on You Gotta Believe, VIP tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit YouGottaBelieve.org.
Photo Credit: Jenny Anderson / Getty Images for You Gotta Believe
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