For the past fifty years, Covenant House has been a safe haven for homeless and trafficked youth all across the country.
They are the largest charity in America in support of these causes, and Sunday night’s Gala showed the strength, resilience and empathy of their volunteers, sponsors, and founders alike. The event took place at Chelsea Industrial in manhattan, and guests were treated to a brilliant program full of performers, members of Covenant House, stories and performances from both present and past Covenant house kids, and so much more. The speeches given by Covenant house alumni left not a dry eye in the house, and it was an honor to witness the difference that this incredible charity makes in so many lives.
The night kicked off with a performance from Emmy award winning artist Darren Criss who performed a rendition of Keane’s “Somewhere Only We Know.” Additional performers included 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.”
“Desus & Mero” co-host The Kid Mero spoke about the connection that the charity has to his hometown, the Bronx. Covenant House Board Member and Emmy-, Grammy-, and Tony Award winner Audra McDonald appeared twice and talked about the importance of helping those in need. Actor Jason Ralph took to the stage to talk about Covenant House’s annual Sleep Out to End Youth Homelessness, and the importance that the charity holds to his wife Rachel Brosnohan, who lit up the empire state building earlier in the day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Covenant House. Additionally, the incredibly talented Covenant House youth performed original songs that hilighted their journey and how the charity has changed their life.
“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,” Covenant House President & CEO Kevin Ryan said. “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.”
We were so honored to take part in this beautiful event. Hear more about Covenant House and the awe inspiring work that they do here!
