NEW YORK CITY — Lincoln Center hosted a powerful evening of comedy, music and personal stories Monday night as performers and guests gathered to support wounded veterans and their families.
The 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes, presented as part of the New York Comedy Festival, raised funds for veterans and their loved ones. According to organizers, the event has generated $117 million for the veteran community since its launch.
From the comedians and musicians to the celebrities and audience members, everyone in the room shared a common reason for being there: honoring and supporting those who served.
The lineup included Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson and Hasan Minhaj. Organizers said the program remains centered on veterans, highlighting their resilience, recovery and determination.
Johnson discussed why taking part in the fundraiser was meaningful to him.
“It is an opportunity to do something for people who have done something for me that I can’t possibly, like, contextualize,” he said. “Like I can’t know it, and you can’t feel it. You’re just the beneficiary of it, and so then to give back directly is the best way to honor any sort of sacrifice or any sort of service.”
For Minhaj, the night carries an especially personal meaning because of his family’s longstanding connection to veterans’ care.
“Oh, I just love that the audience appreciates it so much, and our vets are here. And this party is for them also,” he said. “We’re raising money to help them, and they’re here having a great time.”
Minhaj