The sold-out Hurricane Ian Benefit Concert at Hertz Arena (The Hoffmann Family of Companies) generated over 1.5 million dollars for Hurricane Ian relief.
The December 1st concert was headlined by Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame group Lynyrd Skynyrd and featured showstopping and heartfelt performances by Ira Dean, Gavin DeGraw, Brian Kelley (of Florida Georgia Line), Tracy Lawrence, Ted Nugent, RaeLynn and John Rich.
Naples, FL, resident comedian Jim Breuer emceed the evening. A highlight included Breuer, Dean and DeGraw joining Lynyrd Skynyrd for “Sweet Home Alabama” while the sold-out crowd sang along to every word.
Says Lynyrd Skynyrd: "Skynyrd Nation showed up!! $1.5 million raised for charity! Thanks to all that came out and helped support the people of Southwest Florida that were impacted by Hurricane Ian."
Additionally, 500 tickets to the show were donated to those heavily impacted by the record-breaking storm. Naples residents, The Hallberg Family, graciously purchased the 500 tickets to help victims have a night out after months of heartache. Concert organizers worked with local non-profit groups, churches, local law enforcement agencies and first responders to identify the ticket recipients.
A silent auction also helped raise funds and included one-of-a-kind memorabilia such as signed wrapped guitars from all the artists and more.
The event was produced by Live Nation and Ira Dean for Boots on the Sand, Inc. Proceeds from the concert will be directed to the Florida Disaster Fund through Volunteer Florida, and Collier Community Foundation, Collaboratory and Charlotte Community Foundation.
Boots on the Sand, Inc., is dedicated to the recovery of Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, one of the top five most devastating storms in US history. If you would like to donate to the cause, please click here.
(Photos - Joel Shover Photography)
