Stand Up for Heroes marks two decades of fundraising at Lincoln Center

The New York Comedy Festival hosted its 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit at Lincoln Center on Monday night. The evening combined musical performances, stand-up comedy, and personal narratives from veterans to generate revenue for injured servicemembers and their families. Organizers stated that the initiative has accumulated $117 million in total funding for these individuals since it began.

The event featured a lineup of comedians including Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson, and Hasan Minhaj. According to organizers, the program centers on the experiences of veterans, specifically their stories of survival and perseverance. Attendees, musicians, and performers all gathered with the stated goal of supporting those who have served in the military.

Josh Johnson discussed his motivation for participating in the fundraiser. He described the experience as a chance to repay a debt he felt he could not fully comprehend. “It is an opportunity to do something for people who have done something for me that I can’t possibly, like, contextualize,” Johnson said. He noted that while the sacrifice is difficult to imagine, giving back directly is the most effective way to honor that service.

Hasan Minhaj connected the event to his personal family history in healthcare. He highlighted that his mother has worked as a physician at the Veterans Affairs hospital in California for more than 20 years. “My mother is a physician at the VA. She has been working at the VA right off the street in California for the past 20-plus years,” Minhaj said. He added that she has spent that time helping veterans recover after their service.

Minhaj expressed satisfaction that the audience appreciated the cause and that the veterans themselves were present at the venue. “Oh, I just love that the audience appreciates it so much, and our vets are here,” he said. He emphasized that the gathering served the veterans as much as it served the donors, stating, “We’re raising money to help them, and they’re here having a great time.”

Bob Woodruff, co-founder of Stand Up for Heroes and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, reflected on the personal drive behind the event. Woodruff is a veteran who was injured in the line of duty. He explained that pulling off a major production provides the motivation needed to continue the work. “If you’re able to pull off something like this to give you some motivation,” Woodruff said, referencing his history of fighting in and covering wars before getting injured.

Organizers characterized the Monday night gathering as a time for hope, healing, and laughter. The event concluded with the continued distribution of funds to support the daily lives of injured veterans and their families.