Covenant House’s “A Night of Broadway Stars” Honors Ted Leonsis

Mayor Vincent Gray, Ted Leonsis and Linda Greene

By Punch Correspondent Darryl Keeton

Show tunes and philanthropy collided on Wednesday, June 20th in Southeast D.C. The stars were out at The Town Hall Education and Recreation Campus (THEARC). But these were of the special Broadway variety and the twinkles that accompanied them were the worthy beneficiaries of Covenant House Washington, the largest shelter provider in the area serving homeless, abused and trafficked young people between the ages of 18 and 24 in Washington D.C.

Chuck Wagner of "Beauty and the Beast"

Rita Harvey of "Phantom of the Opera"

The Covenant House’s premier event, “A Night of Broadway Stars” features not just great musical performances, but some of the top headline performers of well-known musicals such as Phantom of the Opera, Beauty and the Beast and Les Miserables to name a few. All proceeds from this annual gala benefit programs of Covenant House Washington. This year’s event also honored Ted Leonsis, a noted philanthropist and the majority owner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the Washington Wizards, and the Washington Capitals.

The evening began with a 6p.m. cocktail hour and buffet reception that allowed local business leaders and dignitaries a chance to unwind, catch-up and chat a bit before the show started. By the time participants heard the music tones encouraging them make there way to their seats, the evening was already well on it’s way to being a success.

Sue Bluford and Donald Richardson

Judith Terra, Neil Berg and Linda Greene

Renowned composer and lyricist Neil Berg, whose credits include The Prince and the Pauper, and Grumpy Old Men, did a superb job hosting the evening and producing the show. The audience clapped their hands and tapped their feet to familiar songs throughout the evening as Mr. Berg led and accompanied his stage cast on piano. A warm summer night gave way to a cool evening for a great cause.

Henok Tesfaye, President of U Street Parking

Established in 1995, Covenant House Washington is a local facility that is part of the broader Covenant House organization, which began in 1972. It is the largest privately funded agency in the Americas providing food, shelter, immediate crisis care, and essential services to homeless and runaway kids. For more information on the organization, go to www.covenanthousedc.org.