Stand Up for Heroes Celebrates 20 Years at Lincoln Center
NEW YORK CITY — Comedy, music and deeply personal veterans’ stories took center stage Monday night at Lincoln Center, where a special event raised support for injured service members and their families.
The 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes, presented as part of the New York Comedy Festival, generated funds for injured veterans and their families. Organizers said the initiative has now raised $117 million for veterans since its launch.
Celebrities, musicians, comedians and audience members all gathered with the same goal: showing their gratitude and standing behind veterans.
“Taking part is a chance to do something for people who have done something for me in a way I can’t fully comprehend,” he said. “I can’t know what that experience feels like. I’m simply the beneficiary of it, so giving back directly is the best way to honor that sacrifice and service.”
RELATED: Toukie Smith, Actress and Mother of Robert De Niro’s Twins, Dies at 74
For Minhaj, the evening carries a personal significance because of his family’s connection to veterans’ care.
“I love that the audience embraces the event and that our veterans are here,” he said. “This celebration is for them, too. We’re raising money to support them, and they’re here enjoying the night.”
Minhaj
“After fighting in a war, covering one and being injured in one, if you can create something like this, it’s a meaningful way to offer people motivation,” Woodruff said.
Organizers characterized the gathering as an evening of hope, healing and laughter—all while providing vital support to veterans and their families.
