The Black Eyed Peas concert in Central Park on September 30, 2011 – the largest charity concert ever held on the Great Lawn – combined with ticket sales from Sting’s 25th anniversary/60th birthday concert at the Beacon Theatre on October 1st as well as donations made via texts or at robinhood.org raised more than $7 million for Robin Hood, New York’s “largest private poverty-fighter.” The funds raised will be used to support food pantries, homeless shelters, health clinics and will provide jobs training for New Yorkers in need throughout the five boroughs, according to Robin Hood.
“This was an amazing weekend of music, and it’s incredibly gratifying to see New Yorkers come together during difficult times to help their neighbors in need,” stated David Saltzman, executive director of Robin Hood. “The Black Eyed Peas and Sting have a long history of giving back to their communities and we’re truly honored that they’ve chosen to help the 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty through Robin Hood; we hope to do them proud.”
Sting’s concert at the Beacon Theatre included performances by Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, Rufus Wainwright, and Billy Joel. Prior to the show’s kick-off, Sting was recognized for his philanthropic work by Robin Hood. The charity’s executive director presented Sting with a “plaque naming the music room in the Robin Hood-funded KIPP NYC College Prep High School in his honor.” Construction on the school is expected to be completed late 2013.
Source: Robin Hood – October 3, 2011