Hurricane Ian Benefit Concert Raises More than $1.5 Million for Victims

NAPLES (FLV) – The Hertz Arena Hurricane Ian Benefit Concert, which occurred Thursday, Dec. 1, raised more than $1.5 million in relief funds for impacted Floridians.

The event was headlined by Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Lynyrd Skynyrd. Organizers said the event was sold out.

The night featured performances by Ira Dean, Brian Kelley (of Florida Georgia Line), Tracy Lawrence and Ted Nugent. The evening was hosted by comedian Jim Breuer.

The event is produced by Live Nation and Ira Dean for Boots on the Sand, Inc., which is a Florida Not for Profit group dedicated to the recovery of Southwest Florida in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. The hurricane was one of the top five most devastating storms in U.S. history. 

“We couldn’t sit by and not try to help people in a time of need. Hopefully, we can raise a bunch of money for the victims of the storm, get some musician friends to come down and join us, and bring some smiles to the faces of those people that have lost so much. We can’t wait to see everyone on December 1 at the Hertz Arena!” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Johnny Van Zant said.

Boots on the Sand, Inc. is raising funds to address the specific needs of individuals impacted across the state by Hurricane Ian.  Proceeds from the concert will be directed to disaster relief efforts through Volunteer Florida and the Community Foundations of Southwest Florida.

It was previously announced that 500 tickets were donated to those heavily impacted by the storm.

“Naples residents, The Hallberg Family, graciously purchased the 500 tickets to be distributed to help victims have a night out after months of heartache,” the group said in a press release.

“Concert organizers worked with local non-profit groups, churches, local law enforcement agencies and first responders to identify ticket recipients.”

To donate to the cause, click here.