Catholic News Service

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.

In the middle of the night two years ago, he had an idea. It led to the annual St. Mark's "An Evening Among Friends."

The first event in 2005 featured television personality Regis Philbin of "Live With Regis and Kelly" and formerly of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

At the second event April 30, comedian Cosby did not disappoint. His afternoon show at Eastern Kentucky University's Brock Auditorium and a more intimate evening show in St. Mark Church benefited the parish's building fund, Madison County Habitat for Humanity and the Ennis Cosby Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for Cosby's late son.

Patrons who paid $500 for the church performance got to meet the entertainer and have photographs taken with him.

About 500 people, including Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Bishop Ronald W. Gainer of Lexington, attended the event in the church.

While the money was still being counted, all indications were that the event was a rousing success both financially and socially. As its title indicates, a major purpose of the evening is to promote friendship and camaraderie among those in attendance.