Springsteen and Stewart Return for Veterans Fundraiser's Two-Decade Milestone
The Bob Woodruff Foundation's annual benefit for injured veterans and their families will mark its 20th edition on November 9 at David Geffen Hall in New York City. Bruce Springsteen, who skipped last year's event, will headline alongside comedians Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson, and Hasan Minhaj, with musical acts the Resilient and Alex Warren also on the bill. Organizers say the event has raised $117 million since its founding in 2007.
The event traces its origins to Bob Woodruff's traumatic injury while covering the Iraq war in 2006, which inspired the ABC correspondent to create a benefit initially conceived as a single concert. The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the New York Comedy Festival have co-organized the gathering since its 2007 debut.
Springsteen's return follows his absence from the 2025 edition, marking a notable reunion with the event's signature blend of music and comedy. The lineup also features comedians Jon Stewart, Josh Johnson, and Hasan Minhaj, alongside musical performers the Resilient and Alex Warren, with proceeds supporting veterans, military families, and caregivers.
The event's two-decade run suggests sustained public interest in supporting veterans through entertainment-based fundraising. With $117 million raised since 2007, the benefit may continue serving as a significant funding source for veteran services, potentially influencing how other charitable organizations approach celebrity-driven philanthropy. Attendees and performers alike could find the anniversary edition reinforces community bonds around military support, though its broader