Some rock icons were among the stars lending their talents to Monday evening's Robin Hood: Rise Up New York! COVID-19 relief benefit in a powerful display of unity during the world's deadliest pandemic in over a century.
Sting, Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Joel each delivered powerful performances of their hits during the virtual telethon, raising money to provide relief to New Yorkers struggling with poverty at the most dangerous possible time.
Hosted by Tina Fey, the event kicked off with Robert De Niro leading the 7 p.m. cheer for the city's frontline healthcare workers who are risking everything to fight the pandemic each day.
At the start of the hourlong broadcast, New Yorkers had already donated $1.5 million. By minute 17, factoring team and corporate contributions, that number had ballooned to $27 million.
By 8 p.m. more than 100,000 people had donated over $115,000,000 to the pandemic relief efforts. More is still needed to feed New Yorkers and to preserve as many jobs as possible for when it is safe to enjoy our favorite restaurants, sporting events or live music venues again.
As so many of us struggle with isolation, loss of work or loss of peace, we're reminded that thousands of New Yorkers were already living in devastating poverty before the novel coronavirus crisis reached our city. They are our most vulnerable neighbors.
Sting sent out an S.O.S. to the world before performing a solo version of the Police classic "Message in a Bottle."
"Even if you are in self-isolation, you are not alone. We are all in this together," he said. "We'll make it through together. If you have anything to spare: time, compassion, energy, please help your neighbors, your fellow New Yorkers and answer the call.
Bon Jovi, who's been working hard feeding people each week in New Jersey, welcomed the full band to the broadcast to perform "It's My Life."
"We could feed millions of hungry New Yorkers if we step up right now," Bon Jovi said.
No city in the world has been hit as hard by the pandemic as New York, which by Monday morning had reported more than 178,000 cases and nearly 20,000 deaths.
Joel was introduced by the Godfather to his children, Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The Piano Man closed the telethon with a stirring rendition of "Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out of Broadway)" that also included the Empire State Building and the video sign boards in Times Square.
Joel signed off with some distinctly New York advice: "Stay strong New York. Please, wear a mask, and that way you won't catch any s--t from anybody."
Donate or request assistance for your family at RobinHood.org.
To help our neighbors in New Jersey, go to NJPRF.org.
To help our neighbors in Connecticut, go to 4-CT.org.
Photos: Getty Images