PHANTOM Star Franc D'Ambrosio Raises Funds for Special Kids Tonight

Internationally known singer, actor, and the world's longest-starring PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, Franc D'Ambrosio, is bringing his vibrant legato voice to the annual Dinner-Show fundraiser of the Elizabeth W. Pouch Center for Special People, tonight, October 21, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

The fundraiser, kicking off at 7 pm, benefits children with developmental, intellectual, and neurological challenges who receive services from the Pouch Center division of the Staten Island Mental Health Society, (SIMHS), which is marking its 120th year of service to the Island's children and families.

Tickets to the Pouch Auxiliary Dinner-Show are $70 per person. For information and reservations, contact SIMHS Director of Volunteer Services Maryann Striffolino at 718-442-2225 or visit www.simhs.org.

"We are thrilled to have the virtuoso Franc D'Ambrosio performing at our fundraiser. His breathtaking voice and musical gifts are a fitting tribute to our celebration of 120 years of serving children with special needs. We know that Staten Islanders and their friends from throughout the city won't want to miss the opportunity to attend this musical showcase in support of such a good cause," said SIMHS President/CEO Fern Zagor. "We look forward to a night of unforgettable music."

Proceeds will maintain and expand the Center's wide range of clinical, evaluation, therapeutic, education, advocacy and support programs and help defray costs of services for clients and families who cannot afford to pay.

The distinction of performing as the "Phantom" more than 2,300 times on the San Francisco stage earned Mr. D'Ambrosio the nickname, "Iron Man of the Mask." For the last several years, his Grammy-nominated one-man tribute to Broadway and Hollywood, as well as his showcases of Christmas songs and the music of World War II have electrified audiences throughout the country and abroad. With the success of his national and international tours, the Bronx-born singer joins the ranks of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman among the handful of "Phantom" alumni to successfully cross over to solo careers.

Among Mr. D'Ambrosio's other career highlights, he played a major role in the film GODFATHER III as Anthony, the opera-singing son of Al Pacino's Michael Corleone, and performed the Academy Award-winning theme song, "Speak Softly Love," in both the film and on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. He also starred as Tony in the national touring company of Barry Manilow's COPACABANA and has been the featured musical guest in numerous TV specials, ice-skating shows and opera companies.

The golden-voiced singer, 52, studied in Italy with the late Luciano Pavarotti and today teaches his craft to young artists in Italy each summer at the Lorenzo Malfatti Accademia Vocale di Lucca. He has also lectured for the University Of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory Of Music in Spoletto, Italy. He works with the Cherubini Music Conservatory in Florence, Italy and American University in Washington DC. D'Ambrosio also participates in numerous lecture series for such prestigious institutions as the Julliard School and American Academy Of Dramatic Arts in New York City and the New Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.

The SIMHS is a private, not-for-profit agency that has been serving Staten Island children and their families since 1895. Our goal is to help these children and their families improve the quality of their lives and enhance their futures. Its 300 professional and support staff provide assistance to more than 5,000 individuals each year (over one-in-ten Staten Island families) in 20 programs at 21 locations throughout the borough. In addition, our more than 500 volunteers contribute 50,000 hours of service. The Pouch Center Women's Auxiliary, founded in 1975, is the client-centered fundraising, event-planning and volunteer service arm of the Pouch Center. For information about the Pouch Center, call (718) 448-9775 or visit www.simhs.org.