BBC News Online: Entertainment: Music

New York charity gig raises $30m

Meg Ryan introduced the families of victims

Performers such as Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger and Destiny's Child united for the Madison Square Garden gig on 20 October.

Ticket sales, corporate sponsorship and television rights as well as public donations have all contributed to the massive amount raised.

The concert was about remembering those that had died on 11 September, especially the rescue workers killed while trying to save others.

To further boost the charity pot, Columbia Records is releasing a double CD of music from the six-hour show.

The recording goes on release from 27 November and is expected to feature such artists as David Bowie, Billy Joel and The Who.

As with the concert, all proceeds are going to the Robin Hood Relief Fund, set up by the Robin Hood Foundation.

Auction

The foundation, which was established to help fight poverty in New York, has so far given out $10.3m (£7m) to groups that are helping victims of the World Trade Center and Washington attacks.

Internet site eBay is also auctioning off items from the event until Saturday.

Thousands of firefighters, police officers, rescue workers and their families were invited to attend the Concert for New York, and some were welcomed on stage to help introduce acts.

As well famous musicians performing, celebrities at the show included Hollywood stars Harrison Ford, Jim Carrey, Meg Ryan, Richard Gere, John Cusack, Mike Myers and Gwyneth Paltrow.

The all-star benefit is the highest-grossing event so far at Madison Square Garden, according to VH1, Cablevision, Miramax Films and America Online, the groups that organised the concert.