New York (October 20, 2021) – WhyHunger’s Come Together event took place at the City Winery in New York City last night, honoring Tony-winning producer and Davis Polk partner Brian Resnick with the Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award. Emceed by Pete Dominick, the event gathered over 350 guests including Liberty DeVitto, Dom Famularo (co-creator of Drum Together), Tom Chapin, Jen Chapin, and featured a special performance by The Weeklings, in celebration of Brian and his efforts for WhyHunger’s Drum Together. The campaign raised $585,994 to support WhyHunger’s work globally to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food.
A Julliard-trained musician and long-time WhyHunger supporter, Brian conceived and co-created Drum Together —a revolutionary campaign that harnessed the power of music to build a just, hunger-free world. Drum Together was released on October 4, and united over 100 of the world’s greatest drummers and percussionists—including Ringo Starr, Brian Frasier-Moore, Cindy Blackman Santana, Jim Keltner, Jonathan Moffett, Matt Cameron, Max Weinberg, Steve Gadd, and 11-year-old drumming sensation Nandi Bushell—for a never-before-heard, drum-focused version of The Beatles’ iconic song.
“Harry Chapin dedicated his life and music to ending world hunger. His vision lives on through WhyHunger’s mission and in people like Brian, who he so deeply inspired,” said Noreen Springstead, executive director, WhyHunger. “We are honored to recognize Brian for his steadfast commitment to ending hunger with such energy, creativity, passion, and joy and for his remarkable gift in creating such a compelling campaign in Drum Together.”
“Bringing together so many amazing musicians for WhyHunger’s Drum Together was an absolutely incredible and inspirational experience,” added Resnick. “I’ve always been moved by Harry Chapin’s altruism. He walked the walk and paved a path for so many artists to do the same. I’m humbled to earn this award in his memory and legacy and look forward to continuing my support of WhyHunger’s work.”
With 90 cents of every dollar raised going directly to programmatic work, funds raised from the Drum Together campaign and Come Together event will fuel transformative community-led solutions across the U.S. and around the globe that advance the human right to nutritious food for all.
Special thanks to event sponsors Ani and Brian Resnick, Cindy and Tom Secunda, Davis Polk, and PJT Partners. To learn more about the event, Drum Together and WhyHunger’s work, visit www.whyhunger.org.
Editor’s Note: Additional images from the Come Together event are available upon request.
About WhyHunger
Founded in 1975 by the late Harry Chapin and radio DJ Bill Ayres, WhyHunger believes a world without hunger is possible. We provide critical resources to support grassroots movements and fuel community solutions rooted in social, environmental, racial and economic justice. A four-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, with the highest ratings for excellence in fiscal management accountability and transparency, WhyHunger is working to end hunger and advance the human right to nutritious food in the U.S. and around the world. 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to programmatic work. Learn more at whyhunger.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
