“Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar
And you’ll live as you’ve never lived before…
You alone can make my song take flight
Help me make the music of the night.”
Music of the Night, Phantom of the Opera
If we had closed our eyes, we could have imagined we were in a Broadway Theater as Franc D’Ambrosio truly made the “Music of the Night” at our Amazing Grace Gala on April 22.
Franc D’Ambrosio is best known as the “Phantom” in the Tony Award-winning musical, The Phantom of the Opera, with over 2,300 performances in the lead role. His resume also includes an Academy Award-nominated film, an Emmy Award-nominated television show, a four-time Tony-nominated Broadway show, two Grammy considerations, and a National Theatre Award nomination. And, an Amazing Grace Gala!
Our dear friends at the Stonegate Banquet Centre outdid themselves, helping us transform the banquet room into an elegant concert venue. Phantom masks and candelabra’s decorated each table, as over 335 guests gathered to raise money for us and enjoy this “off, off, Broadway show”.
Speaking about his humble upbringings in the Bronx, NY, Franc entertained us not only with his beautiful voice but with his tender witty stories. After the show his on-stage persona proved more than genuine as he graciously greeted our guests and took special care to greet each of our Residents who were in attendance. Franc even sang an impromptu Italian duet with one Resident.
The Amazing Grace Gala is our largest fundraiser. Many thanks to all of our friends who joined us that night and all of the businesses and individuals who have helped underwrite the cost of this event. With your support, it was a great success.
The Music of the Night