Love Rocks NYC benefit to help meet rising demand for meals
NEW YORK (AP) – The War & Treaty’s Michael Trotter really never missed a chance to perform at Love Rocks NYC 2023, a benefit for God’s Love We Deliver, on Thursday, even though he fainted and fell on stage His leg was broken in the fall. Nashville last week.
“I got a rock and roll story out of it,” he told The Associated Press, sharing a laugh with his wife and bandmate Tanya Trotter. “How many performers can say they broke their fibula performing a rock and roll song called ‘I Hate Myself for Loving You’ by Joan Jett on the Ryman (auditorium) stage?”
The Americana duo, whose major label debut “Lover’s Game” hits stores Friday, is eager to share that story at the star-studded benefit with comedian Chevy Chase, who also says a thing or two about falling on stage himself. knows.
Reflecting on sharing the stage Thursday night at New York’s Beacon Theater with James Taylor, Sheryl Crow, Mavis Staples and Pat Your name should be on a flyer at the event.” Benatar and Neil Giraldo, “It’s always humble and genuine at the same time.”
Michael Trotter said it was the ability to serve as performers for an important cause that made the night so special. And David Ludvigsson, President and CEO of God’s Love We Deliver, says the funds raised by the Love Rocks NYC benefit are much needed this year.
“The demand for our services is really through the roof,” Ludvigsson said. In the first six months of this fiscal year, the New York charity has distributed 33% more meals than in the same period last year, meaning it will need to fund nearly 1 million more meals. The issue is compounded by an increase in its cost by more than 30% due to inflation, especially high food prices.
Ludvigsson said her clients living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other serious illnesses also face God’s love for providing food — creating an increasingly problematic circle of need. On March 1, the federal government ended enhanced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which Ludvigsson said could further increase demand for the charity’s services.
“It’s like a never-ending battle,” Ludvigsson said. “There isn’t a lot of government money for our work. Two-thirds of our annual budget comes through private fundraising. So as we continue to grow, especially at a clip of 33% a year, This puts more and more pressure on fundraising.
That’s what makes events like Love Rocks NYC so important to charities that look at fundraising in terms of food, not dollars. Major sponsorships generate 50,000 meals, or $500,000. Those who want to watch a livestream of the event – which will also feature comedians Stephen Colbert, Phoebe Robinson and Neil Patrick Harris – are asked to donate at least two meals or $20.
Douglas Elliman real estate broker and Love Rocks NYC co-executive producer Greg Williamson said they added the livestream because of the pandemic, but decided to keep it because it gives more people a chance to be a part of the event.
“This show may sell out Madison Square Garden, but we want to try and keep it intimate,” he said. “But so many people want to see this and need to see this. We’re using music to heal – to fund these meals to save lives. It’s a remarkable thing and we want to take it to the whole world.” We want to spread the word so that people know what is happening here and maybe we can be an example to others.
Love Rocks NYC is also gaining a reputation for bringing artists back together, with the John Mayer Trio’s reunion this year for the first time since 2017 as a prime example.
Williamson said the hardest part of building the lineup was convincing artists not to be part of the program, which is now in its seventh year. It’s finding space in his schedule.
The early departure of James Taylor helped. “He’s obviously a very charitable person and loves this type of thing,” Williamson said. “Once you’re lucky enough to lock down one of these key actors early on, the rest falls into place.”
For War and Pact, they were thrilled to be able to perform at a benefit again after seeing the work that God’s Love We Deliver.
“Is there anything better in life than feeding the hungry or telling someone you care?” Michael Trotter said. “We’ve all been in positions where all we needed was a little bite to eat. I know it may not look like it when you look at me, but I too have been hungry for a few days. ,
The Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits is supported through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US with funding from the Lilly Endowment Inc. AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropic coverage, visit
