It’s been two months since COVID shut our region down. In those two months, we changed how we live. We socially distanced from friends and loved ones, cut back on trips to the grocery store, took a break from baseball fields and barbeques, learned how to educate our kids virtually and found new ways to entertain them. And we rallied for our community, standing shoulder to shoulder for our neighbors most hard hit by the virus.
As the pandemic wears on, we continue to see our neighbors facing very real, very urgent challenges, placing ongoing strain on the limited resources that are available to help. The nonprofits at the frontline of the crisis are still struggling to meet increased demand for services. To help bridge that gap. we’re excited to announce PHLove, a variety show presented by the Middleton Family, to raise awareness and support for the PHL COVID-19 Fund.
Headlined by Daryl Hall, Questlove and Patti LaBelle, the show will air Thursday, May 21 at 7 p.m. and can be watched live on 6ABC, CBS3, NBC10. It will also be broadcast live on 96.5 TDY, 98.1 WOGL, B101.1 and KYW Newsradio, and streamed nationally online at Inquirer.com and Radio.com.
The variety show will celebrate the talent and resilience of the Greater Philadelphia region. In addition to the headliners, the lineup also includes DJ Jazzy Jeff; Amos Lee; DJ Diamond Kuts & Friends; WALLO267; Jeffrey Gaines; Jay Buchanan of Rival Sons; The Geator Jerry Blavat and Friends; and Pastor Alyn Waller and The Enon Tabernacle Fresh Anointing, as well as special guest appearances from other friends of the Philly region. Special thanks to ESM Productions, a ROC Nation Company, along with support from Live Nation Philadelphia and Live Nation Urban for bringing PHLove to life.
Since March 19, the PHL COVID-19 Fund, powered by us and our friends at the Philadelphia Foundation, has been rapidly deploying critical funds to nonprofits serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. In just eight weeks, the Fund has raised $16 million dollars and aided nearly 400 nonprofits. However, for us to continue to meet the critical needs of the community, more funding is vital. The funds raised from this event will not only make sure their doors remain open for those hardest hit in our community, but ensure we stand ready to address emerging needs as well.