Tina Fey breaks down in tears announcing $115M raised for NYC

The whole world has been ravaged by the effects of COVID-19, but in the U.S., New York State has been hit especially hard. In response to the devastation that has been inflicted on millions of New Yorkers, some of the states’ most famous residents came together on Monday night for the Rise Up New York fundraiser hosted by Tina Fey.The one-hour special, was packed with performances and appearances from a star-studded line up of New Yorkers like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jennifer Lopez, Idina Menzel, Barbra Streisand, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick and Alicia Keys. With a cast like that, it's no wonder the evening raised some much-needed relief funds, but Tina Fey was totally overwhelmed by the generosity."I am told that the number of donors is well over 100,000 people from kids with piggy banks to million-dollar gifts," said Fey. Seconds after the final number of $115 million appeared on screen, a clearly emotional Fey looked off camera, confirming that the figure was accurate. “We did this. You did this. We are difference makers," said the SNL star. According to Fey, 100 per cent of the money raised on Monday night and going forward on the charity site RobinHood.org will go directly to initiatives helping those impacted by COVID-19.

Tina Fey’s emotion during the @RobinHoodNYC benefit this evening was so moving. And more moving? The $115 million that was raised for pandemic relief. #robinhood pic.twitter.com/jnAHEr5ZR2

— SandyLeeTV (@SandyLeeTV) May 12, 2020

Before the final number was announced, the night was filled with musical performances as well as heartfelt messages of thanks and support from various stars. As home to Broadway and the biggest theatre community in the world, it was only fitting theatre legends Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Platt, Idina Menzel, Cynthia Erivo, Andrew Rannells, Chris Jackson and Karen Olivo offered up a Tony-worthy rendition of “New York, New York.”Barbra Streisand, Audra McDonald, Patti LuPone, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick also appeared to talk about the importance of theatre to the state of New York. "Live performances will most likely be the last industry to come back after this nightmare, but we will come back," said LuPone. "The lights of Broadway, now dimmed, will shine again on those beautiful houses because the show must and will go on."New York native and "Empire State of Mind" singer Alicia Keys appeared to lend her support too. Keys performed her inspiring song, “Good Job,” while images of essential workers and first responders played, creating a standout emotional moment in the impressive event.

Alicia Keys has the cure! ? #RobinHoodNYC #RiseUpNewYork

pic.twitter.com/zMSlfAo7r7— ? (@DiaryOfKeysus) May 11, 2020

Mariah Carey and her team of backup singers also appeared, delivering a stunning mash up of her singles “Through The Rain” and “Make It Happen.” Jennifer Lopez virtually returned to the block to encourage people to donate to her home state, delivering the sobering statistic that COVID-19 has left 400,000 school aged children without educational resources and in many cases, without access to the two meals they rely on everyday at school.Awkwafina, surviving Beastie Boys Ad-Rock and Mike D, RZA, Salt-N-Pepa, Rosie Perez and Chris Rock all appeared to talk about New York’s impact on the music world, specifically the city's hip-hop legacy. New York-based late night hosts Trevor Noah and Jimmy Fallon both showed up to encourage viewers to donate, with Fallon even dedicating some of his classic "Thank You Notes" to the cause.[video_embed id='1942610']RELATED: These stars put on an unforgettable performance during ‘One World: Together at Home’[/video_embed]The emotional show was closed out by New Yorker Billy Joel, whose performance of “Miami 2017” appeared on billboards throughout Times Square and included a coordinated light show on the Empire State building. Ending the event in the most New York way possible, Joel said "Stay strong, New York. Please wear a mask, and that way, you won't catch any s**t from anybody."You can watch the full show here.[video_embed id='1947065']BEFORE YOU GO: Bieber, Bublé, Lavigne and more put on memorable performance of 'Lean On Me' [/video_embed]