.jpg)
On Monday, May 23, Covenant House gathered supporters to mark our 50th anniversary during the 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.
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 were treated to Oscar Award winner and Covenant House board member Ariana DeBose performing 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 Broadway star and Covenant House Board Member Capathia Jenkins, who sang “What A Wonderful World.”
“Desus & Mero” co-host The Kid Mero welcomed guests by sharing the connection between the work of Covenant House to his hometown, the Bronx. “Growing up, I knew plenty of kids who could have used a place like Covenant House,” he said. “Kids who could have used the guidance, the love, the therapy. I could have gone down a bunch of different paths, but I always had a family to go home to, people who I knew unconditionally loved and respected me, and it is sad, and unacceptable, to know that isn’t a universal feeling for all kids.”
The Kid Mero then invited Covenant House Board Member and Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner Audra McDonald to the stage, who highlighted the need to advocate for equal opportunity for all young people.
“It’s so wonderful to see your faces, and not in a little computer box,” said Audra. “With fresh eyes, we see the challenges the pandemic has left in its wake. And do you know what? These challenges are not new, but these past two years definitely reminded us how imbalanced our society is. Many of the root causes of homelessness became so exposed: Racism, housing and health inequity, the lack of education and economic opportunities, especially for young people of color. What’s new, post-COVID, is us, and our resolve to end youth homelessness.”
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. Robin has been involved with Covenant House 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.”
Former New Jersey Governor and US Senator Jon Corzine accepted the Board Service Award for his commitment to Covenant House and highlighted the need to support youth experiencing homelessness in Latin America.
“I’ve just returned from Guatemala, my first trip to Latin America since taking on the role of Latin America board chair for Covenant House,” said Jon. “The boys who will occupy the new Covenant House shelter there are just twelve to eighteen years old. They’ve had no dedicated services, ever, from anyone, until now. Just like the young girls and women we serve in Guatemala, they’ve been treated as throwaways in their own country and as undesirables in ours. This is morally unacceptable. These children and youth deserve the same path to success as all young people. The forces they are up against seem insurmountable. But that’s why we’re here: to help all our youth across our movement build a bridge from homelessness and exploitation to hope.”
Chief Financial Officer of Goldman Sachs Denis Coleman III was honored for his long-term commitment to the young people at Covenant House.
“It has been a real gift to have had the opportunity to bridge my professional drive with my passion for Covenant House’s mission,” said Denis. “I am also grateful that Goldman Sachs employees at all levels, past and present, have generously donated their time, expertise, and personal funds to this mission. Our goal is to work shoulder to shoulder with Covenant House to ensure the highest quality programs and services that will give young people the means and confidence to overcome homelessness. We can only rest from this endeavor when no young person is unhoused or exploited.”
Covenant House President & CEO Kevin Ryan thanked those in attendance, saying, “You make it possible for 2,000 children and youth across 33 cities in six countries to sleep safely at Covenant House each and every night. 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.”
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 serves on the Covenant House board, took part in the lighting ceremony of the iconic New York landmark commemorating the occasion.
Prior to the gala, Covenant House held a ribbon-cutting for our new, purpose-built facility in Manhattan. The 12-story facility provides safe housing for up to 120 young people each night, and includes classrooms, computer rooms and a beautiful new gym funded by the National Basketball Association and the National Basketball Players Association. The facility also includes mental health facilities, an on-site medical clinic, and a nondenominational prayer room.
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.
Accenture, Delta, Goldman Sachs, and Wealthspire Advisors served as sponsors for this year’s event.
