New York City – On Monday night the Lincoln Center stage was filled with laughter, music and heartfelt veteran testimonies as the 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes event kicked off the New York Comedy Festival. Organizers reported that the benefit has now raised $117 million for injured veterans and their families since its inception.
Stars and stories unite for a common cause
Comedians Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson and Hasan Minhaj headlined the evening, each emphasizing the personal connection they feel to the mission. Johnson said, “It is an opportunity to do something for people who have done something for me that I can’t possibly contextualize… giving back directly is the best way to honor any sort of sacrifice or service.”
Minhaj added a family perspective, noting that his mother has served as a physician at the VA for more than two decades, helping those who have served the country. “My mother is a physician at the VA… she has been helping those who have served our country, and she has done her part being a physician to help them after they come back,” he said.
Founders reflect on two decades of hope
Bob Woodruff, co‑founder of Stand Up for Heroes and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, reflected on the event’s longevity. “If there’s anything that’s acceptable and okay, having fought in the war, covered the war, got injured in the war, if you’re able to pull off something like this to give you some motivation,” Woodruff said, underscoring the night’s focus on hope, healing and laughter.
The audience, a mix of veterans, families and community members, responded with enthusiasm, creating a celebratory atmosphere that honored the sacrifices of service members while raising critical funds for medical care, rehabilitation and family support programs.
Impact beyond the stage
Since its debut, Stand Up for Heroes has become a cornerstone of veteran‑focused philanthropy in the nation’s cultural capital. The $117 million raised has funded prosthetic devices, counseling services, adaptive sports programs and emergency financial assistance for families facing the challenges of injury and recovery.
Organizers said the event’s success demonstrates the power of community‑driven initiatives that blend entertainment with purpose. “Everyone who was involved—whether it was the celebrities, the musicians, the comedians, or the people attending—were there because they wanted to support veterans,” a spokesperson noted.
As the night concluded, the message was clear: comedy can be a conduit for compassion, and the partnership between the arts and veteran advocacy continues to thrive, ensuring that those who have served receive the care and gratitude they deserve.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
