Comedians and Organizers Celebrate 20 Years of Stand Up for Heroes

Lincoln Center hosts 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes benefit

“It is an opportunity to do something for people who have done something for me that I can’t possibly, like, contextualize,” comedian Josh Johnson said Monday night.

His words captured the sentiment of a room filled with performers and supporters at the Lincoln Center for the 20th annual Stand Up for Heroes event.

The benefit, which is held as part of the New York Comedy Festival, brought together music, comedy, and personal stories to raise funds for injured veterans and their families, ABC11 reported.

Organizers noted that since its inception, the event has raised a total of $117 million to support those who have served.

Stand Up for Heroes benefit to mark 20 honoring injured veterans https://t.co/iZAssBNUXZ

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Celebrities gather for veteran support

The evening featured a lineup of high-profile comedians, including Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson, and Hasan Minhaj. According to reports from ABC7NY, the primary focus of the night remained on the stories of survival and perseverance shared by veterans.

Hasan Minhaj spoke about the personal significance of the fundraiser, noting his family’s long-standing ties to veteran healthcare. “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, explaining that she has spent two decades helping service members both during and after their time in uniform.

Wabc stand up for heroes stage — Photo: abc7ny.com

Minhaj also remarked on the atmosphere of the event, stating that he loved seeing the audience’s appreciation for the veterans in attendance.

Josh Johnson described the act of giving back as the most effective way to honor the sacrifices made by service members. He told the audience that because the depth of their service is something a civilian cannot fully feel or know, direct support is the best way to show gratitude.

Stand Up for Heroes benefit to mark 20 honoring injured veterans https://t.co/Ju6o9actcP pic.twitter.com/u5ZMeB0h4t

— Post by @ABC7NY on X

Motivation for the Bob Woodruff Foundation

Bob Woodruff, the co-founder of Stand Up for Heroes and the Bob Woodruff Foundation, reflected on the personal drive behind the annual gathering. Woodruff, who has experienced combat and injury himself, suggested that the ability to organize such an event provides a sense of purpose.

“If there’s anything that’s acceptable and okay, having fought in the war, covered the war, got injured in the war. If you’re able to pull off something like this to give you some motivation,” Woodruff said.

The organizers characterized the night as a blend of hope, healing, and laughter, designed to provide both financial support and community for veteran families.