The Empire State Building in partnership with iHeartMedia today announced that its world-famous tower lights will shine in celebration of the Robin Hood Foundation – New York City’s largest poverty-fighting organization – and its 2019 Benefit on Monday, May 13th, with a music-to-light show set to two-time Grammy Award-nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes' latest hit song “If I Can’t Have You.”
The tower light show, designed by world-renowned lighting designer Marc Brickman, will be timed to Mendes’ live performance at the Robin Hood Foundation Benefit Concert, taking place at the Javits Center in New York City, and simulcast on iHeartMedia’s Z100 (New York City) at 10:30 p.m. ET.
“Since 2008, the Empire State Building has been a beacon of support for Robin Hood and its daily efforts to combat poverty in our city,” said Anthony E. Malkin, Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust. “This year, in partnership with iHeartMedia and Shawn Mendes, we will amplify Robin Hood’s impact visually and across the airwaves as we shine a light on its mission in New York City and around the world.”
GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes premiered his latest single “If I Can’t Have You” on Z100 earlier this month. Worldwide, he has sold over 15 million albums and 100 million singles and has amassed over 20 billion song streams and 5 billion YouTube views. Shawn has completed two sold-out world tours with over one million tickets sold, selling out legendary venues across the globe in minutes. His Shawn Mendes: The Tour, which began in March 2019, has over 100 dates currently announced across the UK, Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Australia/New Zealand. He topped Billboard’s “21 Under 21” in 2017 and has been featured on Forbes “30 Under 30,” Spotify’s “25 Under 25,” and Time Magazine’s “Most Influential Teens” for four consecutive years.
“On Monday evening Shawn Mendes will become an honorary New Yorker, and iHeartMedia is proud to join the Empire State Building in spotlighting Shawn’s generous support to help Robin Hood fight poverty in our city,” said John Sykes, President, Entertainment Enterprises at iHeartMedia.
Robin Hood is the largest anti-poverty organization in New York City. Robin Hood works with over 200 of the most impactful non-profits to move families from poverty, and its annual benefit, the largest nonprofit fundraiser in the U.S., brings together nearly 4,000 leaders from across the country to fuel and support Robin Hood’s work.
“Our annual benefit is a powerful way we bring the city together, in support of our impact and our mission of helping individuals and families move sustainably out of poverty,” said Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore. “We are humbled and excited to be able to celebrate with the entire city and to have such an incredible group of partners and supporters stand with us in the critical work of helping New Yorkers achieve economic stability.”
