The Find Your Light Foundation will recognize U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy with the Arts for Healing Award, and Soprano Renée Fleming with the Find Your Light Award at its Annual Benefit Concert for Arts Education. The event will take place on October 29, 2024, at Lincoln Center in New York.
Hosted by actor and philanthropist Josh Groban and Friends, this special evening will celebrate the significant role that an education in arts plays in supporting the health and well-being of young people across the nation, according to a statement from the Foundation.
In the statement, Dr. Murthy noted, “In an increasingly lonely world, the arts can be a vital source of social connection for us and our children. I admire Josh and the Find Your Light Foundation for their essential work providing children the opportunity to express themselves creatively and form strong relationships with one another,” going on to say that it was an honor to be recognized alongside his friend Renée Fleming, who he described as an inspiring leader and “advocate for the healing power of art.”
Groban said, “The Find Your Light Benefit is my favorite event of the year, and we’re always looking for ways to make it more special. So instead of a Gala, we’re turning this year’s event into a Benefit Concert for the first time ever.”
He further noted, “It always warms my heart to be surrounded by family, friends, and esteemed colleagues who are all passionate about making sure that young students get the gift of the life-changing benefits of an arts education,” while congratulating the honorees.
Groban said, “It’s going to be an unforgettable night.”
Fleming reciprocated by saying, “I am delighted to be honored,” in the company of Dr. Murthy, by the Foundation, highlighting its “mission to provide arts education to all young people is inspiring, as we learn more every day about the tremendous power of the arts to contribute to lifelong achievement, health, and well-being.”
Fleming also shared her thoughts on Groban, saying, “Onstage and off, Josh Groban is always a force for good.” Regarding the concert, she added, “This promises to be an incredible evening.”
The event will include performances and appearances by Groban, Fleming, and Dr. Murthy, as well as Sara Bareilles, Tituss Burgess, Misty Copeland, Matthew Whitaker, Angel Blue, Lorna Courtney, India Carney, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Natalie Tennenbaum, and Chasten Buttigieg, among others.
“The Find Your Light Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to experience a quality arts education. It does this through direct support of exceptional arts programs combined with education, advocacy, and outreach. The Foundation focuses support where the need is greatest to inform and inspire others in recognizing arts education as a critical component of a young person’s development,” noted its website.
