The Jersey 4 Jersey broadcast fundraising event had more than 2.5 million local broadcast viewers and has already raised $5.9 million, with additional donations coming in, bringing the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund’s first-month total raised to $26.6 million.
A star-packed lineup performed from their homes and shared inspirational messages to viewers across multiple platforms and networks. The money raised by the broadcast will support NJPRF efforts on behalf of New Jersey’s most vulnerable during the pandemic.
“We pulled together an amazing Jersey event in a very short time,” said Tammy Murphy, First Lady of New Jersey and founder of NJPRF. “The talent we assembled was world class and completely committed to helping the people of New Jersey. With this in mind, the real thanks goes to our essential workers and, in turn, to the massive audience who watched and generously donated to help those impacted by this pandemic.”
Interspersed throughout the event were testimonials highlighting some of New Jersey’s frontline workers, ranging from nurses and doctors to policemen, firemen, restaurateurs, educators and others. Tony Bennett, Jon Bon Jovi (click to watch), Halsey, Charlie Puth, Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa, SZA, and Fountains of Wayne provided musical performance from their homes. Saquon Barkley, Stephen Colbert, Danny DeVito, Whoopi Goldberg, Chelsea Handler, Kelly Ripa, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart shared messages of support.
“New Jersey has a rich history of producing incredible talent and we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of interest from the entertainment community,” said Murphy. “I only wish we could have included them all. We wanted to give a virtual hug to a very weary audience while raising money for such an important cause. The night really embodied Jersey pride and ‘Jersey strong’.”
NJPRF was established to meet four critical challenges that New Jersey faces during the COVID-19 crisis — stop the spread, support the healthcare community, provide help for the vulnerable, and rebuild. The April 22 broadcast recognized and celebrated the heroes on New Jersey’s front lines, including healthcare workers, first responders, and small business owners. Throughout the broadcast, #Jersey4Jersey was the top trending hashtag nationally.
During the peak hour of fundraising, from 8pm – 9pm, more than 17,000 donors contributed a total of $1.7 million dollars. In the 24-hour period following the broadcast, more than 42,000 people donated to the cause, according to Murphy. “We received donations from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., as well as eleven countries. This wasn’t just a local response, it was truly worldwide.”