The event honored the work of Craig Spencer, President & CEO of the Arden Group and the Vice Chairman of the JBJSF, and the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. After hearing from Mr. Spencer and Jon Bon Jovi, guests were entertained with some of the tunes you know and love, like All That Jazz, Mr. Bojangles and Greatest Love of All.

Covenant House youth also shared their remarkable journeys from the perils of the street to opportunity, inspiration, and hope.

The evening raised more than $450,000 for homeless youth, making it the most successful Night of Broadway Stars event ever for Covenant House Pennsylvania.

Since Covenant House Pennsylvania opened its doors 15 years ago, the non-profit agency has served more than 35,000 youth in crisis. Many of these young people are victims of violence, abandonment and abuse, and have aged out of the foster care system. A Night of Broadway Stars raises critical funds to help support Covenant House’s important work serving young people in crisis throughout our community and celebrates the young people who have worked hard to make homelessness part of their past.

ABOUT COVENANT HOUSE PENNSYLVANIA
Now in its 15th year, Covenant House Pennsylvania serves homeless, runaway and trafficked youth under the age of 21. As the largest private child welfare agency in the Delaware Valley, Covenant House Pennsylvania’s programs are unique for this age group. With more than 30 programs and services including street outreach, a 51-bed crisis center and transitional housing, Covenant House Pennsylvania assists youth on their journey to independent living by offering secure and stable housing, a solid educational foundation, medical services, and vocation services. For more information about Covenant House Pennsylvania and to see how you can become involved, visit covenanthousepa.org.

Jon Bon Jovi and his wife Dorothea accepted the inaugural “Spirit of Giving Award” on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and its work to combat hunger and homelessness. Anne Thompson, a member of the Board of Trustees at Notre Dame, received the “Leadership in Education Award” for her hard-hitting, global environmental reporting. Peter Schivarelli received the “Leadership in Health Award” for helping to raise more than a quarter million dollars for the American Cancer Society in honor of Paqui Kelly, as well as raising more than a million dollars for the Ara Parseghian (of Notre Dame) Foundation by Chicago donating a portion of ticket sales for the last 19 years.

Photo: Jon Bon Jovi accepts the “Spirit of Giving Award” on behalf of the JBJ Soul Foundation from Coach Brian Kelly and his wife Paqui of the Kelly Cares Foundation. (AP)

The Irish Eyes Gala is the Kelly Cares Foundation’s signature event. It celebrates the generosity that serves as a catalyst for immediate, positive change in so many lives. Paqui Kelly is a two-time breast cancer survivor, which inspired them to create The Kelly Cares Foundation.

“I salute tonight’s honorees for their service to their communities, and for making such a positive difference in the world,” said Brian Kelly. “Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter continue to inspire so many of us here and around the world. I want to thank each of you for your generosity, and I wish you continued success as you impact lives in such a meaningful way.”

A check in the amount of $20,014.00 was presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation to the Special Olympics USA in honor of this summer’s Games taking place in New Jersey. Marc Edenzon, CEO and President of Special Olympics New Jersey, and Robert “Bobby” Fredericks, Special Olympics New Jersey athlete and 2014 USA Games participant, accepted the check on behalf of the Games.

“We are so fortunate to be together to honor Jon, Dorothea, Anne, and Peter for their wonderful work,” said Paqui Kelly. “It is also very exciting to support the Special Olympics taking place in New Jersey this summer. As you know, passion for sports runs deep in our family. We are looking forward to great competitions, and great sportsmanship.”

“Accepting the ‘Spirit of Giving Award’ on behalf of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation is an honor,” said Jon Bon Jovi. “We are proud to support Coach Brian Kelly and his amazing wife Paqui in their efforts to make a difference in their community through the Kelly Cares Foundation, as well as through all the lives they touch along their journey.”

Anne Thompson said, “The Kelly Cares Foundation is a triple threat in the fight to end cancer. Its focus on health, education and community provides much needed help to those facing this daunting challenge. As a cancer survivor, I am humbled to be honored and proud to help rid the world of this disease.”

“Never did I think I would receive an honor as prestigious as this one, presented by the Kelly Cares Foundation, headed by Brian Kelly, an amazing man and great football coach,” said Peter Schivarelli.

Rev. Bill Dowd, the official chaplain of the New York Giants, opened the program by leading the invocation. Tom Rinaldi, ESPN Commentator, and Jack Nolan, the Voice of the Fighting Irish, served as the evening’s Masters of Ceremonies. The night’s entertainment was provided by Notre Dame Glee Club’s Undertones.

Additional attendees included: Bill Belichick, head football coach of the New England Patriots; Congressman Peter King (R-L.I.), Ray Kelly, and NBC’s Andrea Mitchell.

The Kelly Cares Foundation, now in its fifth year, was founded with the objective of supporting organizations, initiatives and programs that closely align with the goals and values of the Kelly family in the three pillars of Health, Education, and Community. The Foundation is establishing itself as a “Playbook for Hope” in the local community and beyond as it seeks to provide direct and immediate assistance for as many people as possible.

Since its founding in 2008, the Kelly Cares Foundation has donated over $1.3 million to support causes locally, nationally and globally. Organizations that have received contributions from the Kelly Cares Foundation include the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, South Bend Center for the Homeless, Breezy Point Disaster Relief Fund and the Notre Dame Hesburgh Library.

The all-new show, hosted by Neil Berg, will feature Broadway performances, cocktail hour and a dessert reception with the stars – all to support the lifesaving work of Covenant House! This event will begin at 5:30pm and will be held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Ballroom A/B, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA.

We are excited to announce that a new, private event has been added prior to A Night of Broadway Stars. Our Board Chairman, Jon Bon Jovi, will play a short acoustic set during an intimate gathering – a once in a lifetime opportunity! Following the event you and your group will be able to have your photo taken with Jon Bon Jovi by our photographer. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the performance will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to this special pre-show performance are limited to sponsors and available for purchase to individual ticket holders to the A Night of Broadway Stars show. Sponsorship opportunities are available, contact Katie at 215-951-5411 or development@covenanthousepa.org for more information.

Covenant House Pennsylvania opened its doors 15 years ago, and has served more than 35,000 youth in crisis. Many are victims of violence, abandonment and abuse or aged out of foster care and showed up on Covenant House’s doorstep on their eighteenth birthday. Since 1999, homeless youth have come to Covenant House for help – for a safe haven and place to stay, a meal and a better opportunity.

Please visit stars.covenanthousepa.org for all the details on how you can be a part of this wonderful evening to support Covenant House.

This year’s honorees were selected from thousands of nationwide volunteer initiatives that took place October 26 during the 2013 Make A Difference Day. This year’s winners embraced the spirit of volunteerism with efforts ranging from kids creating bed kits for underprivileged kids to eye surgeons performing cataract surgery free of charge for needy agricultural workers. These efforts have created a lasting and meaningful impact on their communities; the monetary awards will help ensure that the honorees are able to continue their projects.

In addition to the fourteen award winners, Today Show co-hosts Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie were honored at the event for their advocacy of Today’s Shine a Light campaign, promoting volunteerism across the U.S. Additionally, Jon Bon Jovi – the Grammy-award winning musician, philanthropist and founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation — was also recognized for his commitment to giving back to the community. NBC News correspondent Jenna Bush Hager served as master of ceremonies for the event.

“Gannett’s purpose is to serve the greater good of the communities we reach and the volunteer efforts that take place on Make A Difference Day inspire us to live that purpose. Every action, big or small, makes an impact and will hopefully serve as an inspiration for many others to join in years to come,” said Jim Lenahan, editor-in-chief of USA WEEKEND.

“Paul Newman was always very enthusiastic about Make A Difference Day and was thrilled to be part of such an initiative. Newman’s Own proudly continues the tradition to help recognize the good that is going on around all of us. The dedication of the people involved in these winning initiatives is incredibly inspiring,” said Tom Indoe, president and COO of Newman’s Own, Inc.

“Points of Light applauds the power that volunteers like these harness to make a real difference – in their communities, throughout the country and around the world,” said Tracy Hoover, president of Points of Light. “We were founded almost 25 years ago by President George H. W. Bush, who has continually advanced the belief that ‘any definition of a successful life includes service to others.’ This year’s awardees clearly embody that definition of success.”

During the awards ceremony, past national honoree, Assistance League of Burbank, CA, was also recognized with the All-Star Award—a $10,000 grant from the Gannett Foundation, a corporate foundation sponsored by Gannett Co., Inc. that supports nonprofits in communities which Gannett serves.

The ten 2013 Make A Difference Day Award honorees are:
• Bailey Snow, Granite Bay, CA
• Elijah Rodriguez, Leonardo, NJ
• Escambia Charter School, Cantonment, FL
• Jessica Carscadden, San Diego, CA
• Jessica Collins, Shelbyville, KY
• Nick Katsoris, Eastchester, NY
• Operation Access, Sonoma County, CA
• Peggy McGee, Green Valley, AZ
• Playworks DC, Washington, DC
• The University of Akron, Akron, OH

The three 2013 City Award honorees are:
• City of Cleveland, TN
• Volunteer Action Center – University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
• Weirton Madonna and Weir High Interact Clubs, Weirton, WV

Make A Difference Day 2014 will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25. For more information, please go to makeadifferenceday.com