Emcee and Keynote Speaker Biographies

Steve Angrisano (emcee)

Steve is one of the most dynamic and effective communicators with youth in the country. A singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Steve creates relevant, dynamic music for liturgy and listening, proclaiming that through Christ we have the power to carry out God’s work. His unique blend of laughter, song, story, and audience interaction have made Steve a popular choice for parish missions, concerts, workshops, and youth events. He has been featured at major youth events nationally and internationally, including World Youth Day, the National Catholic Youth Conference, and countless parish, school, camp, and diocesan events. A parish musician, music director, and youth minister for more than ten years Steve’s focus is one of honest ministry. What he shares is a witness of the love and life of Jesus. Steve lives in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, with his wife, Jenni, and their three children. Visit www.steveangrisano.com.

Renee Bondi (keynoter)

Renee was engaged to be married, had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. But then one night a bizarre accident shattered her spine and left her quadriplegic. Renée lost not only all use of her hands and legs, but also her singing voice. She could barely speak above a whisper. Unwilling to accept that her life was over she sought the Lord for direction. Against all odds and all physicians’ prognoses, Renée’s voice was miraculously restored with a clear, angelic sound. She harnessed her talents to inspire and give hope to others. An incredibly gifted Christian singer before her accident, Renée has augmented her gifts to include a dynamic speaking ability that grabs her audiences. Evident throughout her presentations is her joy in the Lord. A native of Southern California, Renée lives with her husband, Mike, and their young son, Daniel. For more information, visit www.reneebondi.com.

Tony Melendez (keynoter)

Tony came to international attention in 1987 when he was selected by the youth of Los Angeles to perform for Pope John Paul II. Born without arms because of a drug prescribed to his mother during pregnancy named Thalidomide, Tony plays guitar and push-button organ using his feet. So moved by the performance, the pope approached Tony, kissed him, and commissioned him as a Hope Giver. For the last twenty years he has traveled throughout the world making appearances in countless stories on television and in newspapers and magazines. Tony resides in Branson, Missouri, with his wife, Lynn, and their children. For more information, visit www.tonymelendez.com.

Father R. Tony Ricard (keynoter)

Fr. Tony is a priest for the Archdiocese of New Orleans and the pastor of Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in New Orleans. He is also the core instructor of church doctrine for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University. He is the author of I Still Believe: A Testimony of Faith after the Storm and co-author and editor of MAXimum Faith: Prayers and Reflections by Young Katrina Survivors. Fr. Tony has given keynote addresses, retreats, revivals, and youth talks across the nation. He is a native of New Orleans and a proud graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School and St. Augustine High School. He is a former New Orleans Public School teacher who holds a B.S. degree in elementary education from Loyola University, a master’s of theology degree from Xavier University and a master’s of divinity degree from Notre Dame Seminary. Since August 29, 2005, Fr. Tony has been dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. “I will survive,” has become his motto. Indeed his presence here is proof that God will always be with us in the midst of the mess. For more information, visit www.fathertony.com.