A Night of Stars to Raise Funds for Needs, Services of Friars

HNP Communications Around the Province

NEW YORK — On Oct. 1, the Holy Name Province Office of Development will hold an event that will raise funds for the Province’s ministry to the poor, its educational programs for friars and the care of elderly friars.

The event, called A Night of Stars, will include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and an hour of performances by five Broadway stars, followed by a “Meet the Stars” reception. It is being held at SECOND, a venue two blocks from St. Francis of Assisi Friary on West 31st Street.

“We friars care for all people from cradle to grave and need your help to continue our work,” said David Convertino, OFM, executive director of development, in an email message. “The Franciscan friars serve over two million people each year who are suffering from the obstacles of poverty, hunger, homelessness and mental illness, through our services at food center, breadlines, shelters, inner city schools, soup kitchens and residences for the mentally ill.”

Tickets for the Monday evening event, which cost $500 per person, can be purchased online at www.nightofstars.org and by phone at 212-564-8862. The website includes information about a variety of sponsorship opportunities.

“I am hoping that I can count on your support for the work that we friars do for those that are most in need as well as helping us to care for our elderly brothers and to education our young friars for future ministry in service to those in need,” said David, who has led the Province’s development initiatives since 2011.

“Educating our young friars for ministry is one way to ensure that the Franciscan presence and care will continue in our Church and our world,” he added.

This event is an inaugural Night of Stars, said David, who hopes to hold similar fundraising events in the future.

This year’s performers are actresses from Come From Away, Hello Dolly, Summer: the Donna Summer Musical, and Avenue Q. It promises to be a fantastic evening, according to David, who is very pleased with the interest shown so far in the event.

Information about the programs offered by the friars of Holy Name Province – and ways to support the friars’ work – can be found on FriarWorks.org. In recent years, the Province has conducted fundraising campaigns to assist specific needs. This spring, for example, programs were launched to raise money for new mothers to provide necessary supplies for their babies and to raise money to help bury the deceased who have no family or friends.

Related Links