'12-12-12' Concert for Sandy Relief Plays Madison Square Garden

It was announced today that Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, The Madison Square Garden Company and The Weinstein Company -- the same group that produced and sponsored the historic 9/11 benefit "The Concert for New York City" -- have come together once again to present "12-12-12" (A Concert For Sandy Relief). The special one night only live music event will help provide assistance to the millions of people throughout the tri-state area who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. "12-12-12" (A Concert For Sandy Relief) will occur on December 12, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in New York. More details on the event and the artist line-up will be released in the coming days. All money raised will be administered directly to those who need it most, through the Robin Hood Relief Fund.

As the tri-state region fully realizes the true scope of Sandy's stunning and acute devastation on the coastal areas of Long Island, Queens, particularly Breezy Point and the Rockaways, Staten Island and New Jersey, the enormous task of rebuilding both the infrastructure and thousands of shattered lives becomes dauntingly clear. Robin Hood - New York City's largest poverty fighting organization - has re-established the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which it spearheaded following 9/11, to help those most affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The needs are enormous: Sandy has created a devastating short and long-term housing crisis, with tens of thousands of people, including many first-responders, in need of significant rebuilding assistance. Many victims of Sandy are undocumented, non-English speaking residents who are especially vulnerable during a crisis, particularly relating to navigating complicated insurance and legal requirements. Thousands of New York City schoolchildren have lost essential tools, such as books, computers and supplies, while also enduring displacement, with their schools either damaged or turned into emergency shelters. Food banks throughout the region are struggling to maintain their daily complement of services, as they dramatically increase their operations to feed the huge influx of people affected by the storm. Additionally, the psychological scars of Sandy will linger for years to come, with those affected in need of ongoing emotional counseling and support.

"12-12-12" will be produced by James Dolan, Executive Chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company; John Sykes, President of Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises; and Harvey Weinstein, Co-Founder and Chairman of The Weinstein Company. In a joint statement Messrs. Dolan, Sykes and Weinstein said: "The Concert for New York City was a night filled with emotion, courage and tremendous hope when we came together as a city following the 9/11 attack. Once again, our city, as well as millions of our neighbors in the tri-state area, are in desperate need of our assistance as they recover from Hurricane Sandy and rebuild their lives. We have no doubt that the event we are planning will be filled with unforgettable music, entertainment and that uniquely American spirit of community, compassion and generosity."

Tickets for the concert will be available at a variety of price levels, ranging from individual tickets to special VIP packages. Ticket information and more details regarding the concert will be released in the coming days.

All money raised from the concert will be administered through the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which was established by the Robin Hood Foundation, with funds to be distributed to hyper-local charitable organizations around the tri-state area; and other charities directly benefiting those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

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