3.6.26
/ Events
Some nights don’t just entertain you — they move you. They lift you, crack you open a little, remind you that New York City, for all its noise and speed, still has an enormous heart.
Last night at the Beacon Theatre was one of those nights.
The tenth annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert burst to life in front of a sold-out crowd, honoring 40 years of God’s Love We Deliver and our life-saving work. On the red carpet, our friends shared their meaningful reasons to support God’s Love.
Executive Producers Greg Williamson, Nicole Rechter, and John Varvatos with President & CEO Terrence Meck
Executive Producer John Varvatos reflected:
“This Love Rocks concert is one of the most important things in my life.”
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Jeffrey Ross
Jeffrey Ross shared:
“I support God’s Love out of respect for my grandfather who got meals when I was a young comic and out of respect for Joan Rivers who I love so much.”
Whoopi Goldberg
From the moment our hosts stepped on stage, the evening took on a deeper emotional charge.
Whoopi Goldberg grounded the entire theatre with:
“The world is crazy right now. We’re all feeling it. Do what you can do. Come volunteer. Because that’s what you can do. That you can control. That means something to lots of people.”
L: Bay Melnick Virgolino
R: Mavis Staples, Hozier and Elvis Costello
Julianne Moore followed with warmth:
“In this big city, it would be easy to feel anonymous, but this organization makes New York feel like a neighborhood. And it reminds you that someone is always looking out for you.”
The performances didn’t just entertain — with our Music Director and Bandleader Will Lee at the helm, they vibrated through the floorboards.
The crowd couldn’t believe when Jon Batiste and Bill Murray led Preservation Hall Jazz Band down the aisles in a surprise second line.
L: Linda Perry
R: Susanna Hoffs
Linda Perry brought the audience to their feet with her iconic chorus of “What’s Up” and an excellent cover of “Black Hole Sun.” Though the show was on a Thursday, Susanna Hoffs charmed with “Manic Monday.”
L: Paul Simon
R: Warren Haynes, Mavis Staples, Hozier and Elvis Costello
Paul Simon transported the Beacon to years gone by with “The Boxer,” “Still Crazy After All These Years,” and “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” Warren Haynes, Elvis Costello, and Hozier gathered for a soul-stirring “The Weight” and roused the crowd when introducing surprise guest, and Love Rocks NYC alum Mavis Staples.
President & CEO Terrence Meck brought the house to a hush when he said:
“Most likely everyone in this theater tonight has loved someone who’s been sick… And when our vulnerable neighbors call on God’s Love We Deliver, we show up.”
L: Warren Haynes and John McEnroe
R: Mary J. Blige
Executive Producers Nicole Rechter, Greg Williamson, and John Varvatos
With the finale on the horizon, Executive Producers Greg Williamson, Nicole Rechter, and John Varvatos took to the stage to share their 10 years of thanks. To their family and friends, concert production crews, the musicians, and the God’s Love We Deliver team who has been a part of it since the beginning.
Nicole Rechter, Paul Simon, John Varvatos and Greg Williamson
Rechter surprised us all by presenting co-executive producer Greg Williamson with the inaugural Love Rocks NYC Impact Award. This award recognizes Greg’s relentless work to make Love Rocks NYC the iconic and world-renowned show it is all to benefit God’s Love We Deliver. With Greg’s vision and commitment, and the partnership of Nicole and John, Love Rocks NYC has raised more than $65 million, funding more than 6.5 million meals. That is music to our ears!
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None of this would be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Secunda Family Foundation, the RJKB Family Foundation, and all of our sponsors who joined us for a special rehearsal the night before to kickoff Love Rocks NYC. Long before the Beacon filled with applause, the magic had already begun. The previous evening’s rehearsal was unreal — musicians laughing, blending, experimenting, turning the room into a swirling, joyful workshop of sound and spirit. Not to mention the delicious bites by sponsors Shake Shack, Gramercy Tavern, Daily Provisions, and Petrossian Caviar.
Everyone who witnessed it walked out thinking: Tomorrow is going to be unforgettable.
And it was.
1: Shake Shack
2: Daily Provisions
3: Gramercy Tavern
4: Petrossian Caviar
Love Rocks NYC wasn’t just a concert. It was a reminder — a powerful, musical reminder — that we show up for one another. And that is what truly rocks.
L: Bloomberg Philanthropies
M: Richard Yulman and Kandy Kramer
R: Andria Ottley and Katy Williamson
L: Peter Shapiro, Greg Williamson and Thomas Secunda
M: Seth Unger, Cindy Secunda and Allison Jaffin
R: Mary J. Blige and Judy Hart Angelo
Thank you to all of our sponsors, especially presenting sponsor Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the RJKB Family Charitable Foundation and the Secunda Family Foundation. Finally, none of this would be possible without our amazing Executive Producers Nicole Rechter, Greg Williamson, and John Varvatos.
Donate to the event at this link or text DELIVER to 41444.
Thank you for an unforgettable night!
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