Kevin Carpenter, who is battling cancer, his wife Dawn, his daughter Anastasia as well as his son Andrew and niece Jessica were picked up in style by stellar limo driver Steve in white stretch limo from their home in Philadelphia at 2:30pm and driven into New York for what would be one of the best nights of their lives.

They were met in the heart of Manhattan by their event coordinator, singer and songwriter . Jeffrey gave them a huge gift basket with candy, Front Row t-shirts and flower arrangements of roses, Dawn and Kevin's favorite flower. In addition, they received gifts and signed paraphernalia donated for the event by their favorite comedian, Jeff Dunham and their favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles.

 

Dinner was at Barbetta, the oldest restaurant in the New York theater district. The service was first class and the meal was fantastic. Dessert was perhaps the highlight. Dozens of deserts were picked from the dessert cart and put on the table, where Kevin, Dawn, Anastasia, Jessica and Jeffrey passed them around and sampled each one, family style. "This is the best chocolate mousse I've ever had! exclaimed Dawn. "Really? said Anastasia, "I don't like it. But I like this cake!

The night was still young as they left Barbetta and walked to the nearby Majestic Theater to see "Phantom of the Opera. They had the best seats in the house, fourth row on the aisle. When the chandelier almost falls on the audience, it dropped right above Andrew's head! "I wasn't scared, he told Jeffrey later.

At intermission, Kevin and his family were treated to all the souvenirs they wanted, including the complete cast recording and a music box. Following the performance, they were given a backstage tour by longtime cast member Wren Marie Harrington and received a poster signed by the entire cast. They met many other cast members, including Marni Raab, who played the female lead Christine, and Howard McGillin, who played the title role of the Phantom.

Then it was onto Gray's Papaya for the best hot dogs in Manhattan and world famous H&H Bagels to get them a New York breakfast for the following day. Jeffrey hugged Kevin and his family goodbye. They returned to Philadelphia, full of memories and a feeling of togetherness that will last their entire lives.

"It's a dream come true, Kevin told Jeffrey. "My wife Dawn and my daughter always wanted to go to New York City and they've always wanted to see 'Phantom of the Opera.' That's truly want I want: to make my family happy and see them happy. I feel much better about everything. This is something I feel was the best thing that could have happened to our family. Thank you Jeffrey and thank you Front Row!