Seattle's biggest stars aligned to raise money for coronavirus relief and racial justice in Washington state through "All in WA: A Concert for COVID-19 Relief by Presenting Sponsor Amazon."
Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews, Brandi Carlile, and Macklemore are among the big names headlining the concert, which initially aired exclusively on KING 5 and KONG on June 26. To continue to raise awareness of the needs of causes and communities across the state, KING 5 will re-air the concert on July 18 at 8:30 p.m. on KONG 6/16.
The benefit concert was also streamed live on allinwa.org and is available on Amazon Prime.
More than $55 million has already been pledged towards the goal of $65 million.
The benefit concert was initially set to help causes and funds impacted by COVID-19, but has now been expanded to support Black communities.
The star-studded benefit is organized by All In WA, the nonprofit spearheading the event. The coalition includes civic leaders and individuals dedicated to raising funds for the community and jumpstarting Washington's economy.
The concert lineup includes:
- Allen Stone
- Ben Gibbard
- Brandi Carlile
- Ciara
- Dave Matthews
- Joel McHale
- Mary Lambert
- Macklemore
- Pearl Jam
- Pete Carroll
- Russell Wilson
- Sir Mix-A-Lot
- The Black Tones
Amazon is the presenting sponsor of the concert and funding production for the event. CEO Jeff Bezos has pledged to match individual donations under $1 million, up to a total of $25 million.
All In WA will distribute funds to dozens of funds and causes statewide through an advisory board. Donations can be made at allinwa.org/donate.
"We recognize the pain and injustice the Black and African American community is facing, once again, and the need to honor the ongoing marches, protests, and organizing," All In WA said in a statement. "We also want to give space for our community to focus on what matters most at the moment; acknowledging and addressing systemic racism and violence that dehumanizes Black people and families, and taking steps to build to a new reality."
The concert will help support Black communities with a first-of-its-kind Black Future Co-op Fund.
The Black Future Co-op Fund aims “to respond to the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 due to overwhelming system failure and structural racism.” An alliance of Black woman leaders launched the fund on June 16 with $2.5 million in committed donations.
The fund, which is housed at Seattle Foundation, will invest in housing, education, health, and more across the Black community in Washington state.
All In WA was formed with the backing of Gov. Jay Inslee and First Lady Trudi Inslee to encourage others to give back and address the social and economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Individuals, families, and communities across Washington state are struggling as a result of COVID-19, and I commend Governor Inslee and the First Lady for inspiring thinking big, so that All In WA can help those who so desperately need it,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder and CEO. “It’s been inspiring to watch the people of this state band together and push through this crisis, and I’m excited to see that continue as we raise money for this important cause.”
The group raised an initial $20 million in commitments, and approximately $8 million are eligible for matching funds. Launch commitments include contributions from the Ballmer Group, Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft Corporation, Howard & Sheri Schultz, Perigee Fund, Nick & Leslie Hanauer, and Jim and Jan Sinegal.
“For Microsoft and all of us that live and work in Washington state, All in WA provides an inspiration and opportunity to come together to strengthen our community safety net and help those most in need,” said Brad Smith, president of Microsoft. “We are proud to partner with so many on this important initiative.".
Kris Hermanns, chief impact officer for the Seattle Foundation, said the initiative was celebrated at six sites across the state Wednesday with the All in WA flag raised high. On the organization's website, they are rallying around this effort to work together and deliver some much needed help
"I think we wake up every day and get a different glimpse about the depth and the impact of the crisis,” said Hermanns.
One in five workers across the state have filed for unemployment, and there are growing concerns about food insecurity and paying bills.
“Washington state was at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, and our state will be at the forefront of a safe recovery," Gov. Inslee said. "All In WA is helping to fill the gaps in funding across the state to provide relief to those who are suffering and to lay the groundwork to restart our economy in a safe, supported and sensible way. I’d like to thank Jeff Bezos for his pledge to match donations, and all the other generous donors and businesses who are making this possible.”
Donations can be made at allinwa.org/donate.
