Joseph Zappala News

The Friars archives and Wikipedia have finally been corrected. Nineteen Eighty Eight was a watershed year for women. They gained membership to numerous private men's clubs that heretofore were off limits to women. The Friars, being one of the more famous of the bunch had an article heralding the event written by a less than factual reporter for The New York Times. The paper of record, in an early forerunner of fake news only listed the first 7 women and overlooked number 8...Jamie deRoy who was in that initial group, along with Liza Minnelli, Joan Rivers, Brooke Shields, and other prominent female entertainment figures was not mentioned.

Friar Robert De Niro received the Club's highest honor -- the Friars Club Entertainment Icon Award -- at the Friars Foundation's annual gala at the Waldorf Astoria on October 7, 2014. The prestigious award has been bestowed only four times in the Club's 110-year history. Entrepreneur Carlos Slim was also honored with the Friars Foundation Icon Award for Philanthropy. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you photos below!

Many show business greats have been honored by the Friars Club, and have performed before an audience of entertainment savvy members at the club house on 55th street. Nicole Henry was the latest addition to that list on Feb. 10. This great tradition was continued in the Frank Sinatra Dining Room with an event produced by Friar Historian Bruce Charet and co-produced by Friar Jeff Leibowitz. Singer/pianist Loston Harris was also on the bill. Rosario Dawson hosted the evening of great dining and great music.

Legendary actor/comedian Don Rickles will be honored with the Friars Club's Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy at a star-studded awards gala which will be held on Monday, June 24, 2013 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. Among those scheduled to participate in honoring Rickles through their songs or words will be Bob Costas, Tony Danza, Kathy Griffin, Diana Krall, John Mayer, Bob Newhart, Regis Philbin, Joan Rivers and Bob Saget.

The Friars Club established the Friars Foundation in 1977 as it's charitable arm. It's mission is to help performing arts groups create excellent innovative and affordable programs for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants. The Foundation also helps prepare the next generation of performers and musical artists through scholarship programs for students studying the performing arts.

Yesterday, June 6, the Friars Club Foundation honored legendary singer Connie Francis and philanthropist Leonard A. Wilf at their annual Applause Award Gala. BroadwayWorld brings you coverage of the event below.