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Robin Hood's Annual Benefit Raises $126 Million for Fight Against Poverty in New York CityThe event featured performances by John Legend, Charlie Puth, and John Mulaney, and a live auction for a trip to space with Blue Origin Robin Hood, Alexis Ohanian, & Mayor Eric Adams Announce Joint $100 Million Initiative for Child Care NEW YORK, May 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, Robin Hood's annual benefit raised $126 million, including a $50 million commitment from New York City toward a $100 million joint child care initiative. The event brought together the biggest names in entertainment, business, and philanthropy, and featured live performances from Charlie Puth, John Legend, and John Mulaney. New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor of Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, and Robin Hood CEO Richard R. Buery, Jr. announced the formation of a Child Care Quality & Innovation Initiative to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care programs across the five boroughs. Alexis Ohanian, the founder of Seven Seven Six and co-founder and former executive chairman of Reddit, joined the stage to announce a $25 million gift from his 776 Foundation towards Robin Hood's $50 million commitment. A $10 million commitment by Bezos Family Foundation was also announced. "Last night was a testament to the generosity of the Robin Hood community who came together once again to raise a remarkable sum of $126 million – including a $50 million commitment from New York City," said Robin Hood's Chief Executive Officer, Richard R. Buery, Jr. "Robin Hood envisions a New York City where your starting point in life does not define where you end up in life, and we are so grateful toour donors and the amazing talent who joined us last night for helping us to continue that mission on behalf of the 1.4 million New Yorkers living in poverty." Additionally, Blue Origin donated a once-in-a-lifetime experience for one lucky auction winner to travel to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. This "buy one give one" item enables a New York City public school teacher to also travel to space. The live auction raised $8 million for Robin Hood, thanks to a winning bid from Citadel Founder and CEO Ken Griffin. At Ken's request, Robin Hood will provide both seats to New York City public school teachers, in recognition of their commitment to advancing public education. Highlights of the evening included:
The 2022 Benefit builds on the success of last year's star-studded event, which featured Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Alicia Keys, The Jonas Brothers, Cecily Strong, Bowen Yang, and more, successfully raising $77.5 million in support of Robin Hood's effort to get families back on their feet, kids back on track, and New Yorkers back to work. As always, Robin Hood's board covers all administrative costs, so 100% of the funds raised will be invested in poverty-fighting programs citywide. About Robin Hood:
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