On June 18, Covenant House International presented Audra with their prestigious Beacon of Hope Award for her dedication to raising awareness and advocating for homeless youth. The award was presented at the annual Night of Broadway Stars benefit gala at Jazz at Lincoln Center by special guests Christine Baranski, Rosie O’Donnell, Lonny Price, and Kate Walsh. Audra’s husband, Will Swenson, and her daughter, Zoe Donovan, also gave special tributes. Hosted by The Late Show’s Stephen Colbert, the event featured the shelter’s youth performing on a program alongside Broadway stars including co-honoree Capathia Jenkins, Jeremy Jordan, and Laura Osnes.

Audra was first captivated by the work of Covenant House in 2014 and joined the Board of Directors later that year. The Covenant House serves 80,000 youth each year across 31 cities and six countries in the fight against youth homelessness. To make a donation, click here.