Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, a duo with over four decades of performing experience, were recently honored at WhyHunger’s Chapin Awards Gala on Wednesday, June 4. Their recognition at the event follows a career that includes multiple Grammy Awards for their music and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022.
Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo have been actively involved with WhyHunger for 30 years, their support stemming from their connection to the late musician, Harry Chapin, who co-founded the organization, At the recent 50th Anniversary Chapin Awards Gala, where they received the ASCAP Harry Chapin Humanitarian Award, they held a rocking performance after the bidding war, covering 2 of their most famous songs, ‘Love is a Battlefield’ and ‘Heartbreaker’. The audience responded in kind, with cheering throughout the Rose Hall.
Aside from Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, notable musicians came to show their support, including Willie Nile, who also performed. The evening’s lineup further boasted performances by members of The Fab Faux, including music director Will Lee, as well as other artists such as Will Calhoun, Tash Neal, Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters, all of whom contributed to the celebratory spirit of WhyHunger’s 50th-anniversary gala.
The Chapin Sisters, Abigail and Lily, are a folk-rock duo renowned for their vocal harmonies and songwriting. Beyond their musical style, they are deeply connected to the fight against hunger, carrying on the legacy of their late uncle, Harry Chapin, co-founder of WhyHunger.
Jen Chapin is also a singer-songwriter recognized for her blend of jazz-infused urban folk soul, delivered with her powerful voice. As the daughter of legendary musician and activist Harry Chapin, she carries on his humanitarian legacy, serving on the board of WhyHunger, the organization her father co-founded.
The Fab Faux is an acclaimed Beatles tribute band known for recreating The Beatles’ complex studio recordings live, especially later, intricate works. They are made of some of the top NYC musicians, they focus on note-for-note accuracy and harmonies, often without costumes, earning praise for bringing the studio magic to the stage.
Willie Nile is an acclaimed singer-songwriter from New York known for his passionate, energetic rock and roll, often infused with folk and punk influences. With a career spanning decades, he’s celebrated for his poetic lyrics, electrifying live performances, and unwavering commitment to his music, earning a loyal fanbase and critical praise from legends like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan. He’s still actively touring and releasing new music, proving that real rock and roll never truly retires
Along with Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, CNN’s Laura Coates received the Bill Ayes Social Justice Award for her service. Recognized for using her talent and influence to inspire change and for her efforts to bring communities together and fight injustice. As the host of CNN’s “Laura Coates Live,” she continues to use her voice to advocate for these causes.
After the Awards ceremony, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo held a two-song performance featuring “Love is a Battlefield’ and ‘Heartbreaker’.
The event, held at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall in New York City on June 4, 2025, showcased not only musical talent but also served as a crucial fundraiser for WhyHunger. The gala successfully raised over $600,000, which will directly support WhyHunger’s ongoing programs in the U.S. and 24 other countries. Notable items included VIP tickets to see Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, an all-inclusive 8-night trip, and plenty more.
These funds are crucial for the organization’s mission to provide food assistance and address the systemic root causes of hunger, including poverty, inequality, and a lack of access to nutritious food. This is achieved by training local farmers, connecting people to government benefits, promoting indigenous food sovereignty, and defending the rights of food workers.
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