News Briefs: Bill Cosby

From CNS News Briefs May 11, 2006:

Appearances by Cosby, Philbin help Kentucky parish pay off debt
RICHMOND, Ky. (CNS) -- Bill Cosby and Regis Philbin represent celebrity bookings any first-time agent would be proud of. But when the "booking agent" is a Catholic priest and the celebrities are raising funds for his parish and other charities, the story takes a twist. To top it off, the parish is not in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago or Philadelphia. It is in Richmond, some 25 miles down the road from Lexington. The story of how a small-town priest could attract big-name talent is an amazing one, and it's all tied into the drive, determination and the never-settle-for-no attitude of Father James W. Sichko, pastor of St. Mark Parish in Richmond. Facing a parish debt of close to $1 million at the time he was named pastor, Father Sichko was searching for a way to chip away at the debt, while involving hundreds of St. Mark's parishioners in the process. The idea he came up with led to the annual St. Mark's "An Evening Among Friends." The first event in 2005 featured television personality Philbin of "Live With Regis and Kelly." The second event April 30 featured comedian Cosby.