Ross to take part in Covenant House gig

NEW YORK, June 1 (UPI) -- Diana Ross has agreed to lend some backstage support to 12 homeless children being given the chance to perform on Broadway, Covenant House said.

The event is to take place Tuesday at Manhattan's Hudson Theatre.

"Ms. Ross has quietly, without any fanfare, been an incredible supporter of our mission and our kids," Kevin M. Ryan, president of Covenant House, said in a statement. "She has on more than one occasion taken the time to visit our shelter to lift the spirits of our kids and our staff. Her presence on Tuesday night will make it an evening our kids and everyone in attendance will never forget. We are so grateful for her incredibly humble, loving support of our kids."

Ross said she's looking forward to it.

"It is important for me to continue to entertain and support people, and especially to support young people like those at Covenant House, who are working so hard to reach their dreams," she said.

Ross is to present a check to support the Covenant House mission of helping homeless youth at the inaugural "Night of Broadway Stars," which will feature a performance by young people being helped at Covenant House.

The event will include a full revue of performances by Broadway performers such as Rita Harvey from "Phantom of the Opera," Natalie Toro from "Les Miserables," Capathia Jenkins from "Dreamgirls" and Darius de Haas from "Kiss of the Spider Woman." Serving as the show's host will be composer/lyricist Neil Berg, Covenant House said.