2022 Backyard Event Raises $5.5MM

2022’s Backyard Concert in the Pacific Palisades, CA on October 29th was an unprecedented success. Thanks to our incredible donors, guests, sponsors, Board Members, and volunteers, we raised over $5.5 million. This will be split between Teen Cancer America and our hospital partner, UCLA Health. 

Thank you to our tireless Board members who have built this event, with special thanks to Becky Mancuso-Winding, Chairperson Rebecca Rothstein, and event host Jordan Kaplan. We’d also like to thank our Board member Rick French, the Buddy Holly Foundation, and our Advisory Council member Peter Bradley Jr. for their contributions to the event auctions, which were a huge success. 

The event featured performers The Who with a special appearance by Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, Green Day, Billy Idol & Steve Stevens, John Fogerty, and comedian Nate Bargatze.  It was emceed by our loyal donors, Howie Mandel and Judd Apatow, with special guests Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy, Sugar Ray Leonard, and John Paul DeJoria. 

With star after star hitting the stage the performances were mindblowing, but the night wouldn’t have been complete without a special word from our co-founder, Pete Townshend, saying, “Roger came up with this idea [TCA] and we’ve been behind it ever since. We’re so glad that you guys are behind it too. It’s wonderful.” 

Roger Daltrey then handed the mic to TCA advocate Allie Newman to share her story with the crowd. Another young survivor, Letty Vasquez, presented TCA Ambassador Eddie Vedder with a TCA 10th Anniversary Award for his unfailing support for our cause. It was a special moment for Letty, who is a Play It Back Songs Artist.

Eddie is Letty’s idol and she was excited and nervous to meet him. Eddie immediately put Letty at ease and sat next to her. They talked for at least 10 minutes. Eddie wanted to know all about her cancer experience and how she has coped. Then they talked about her love of music and how much she has benefited from Play It Back. Letty has recorded a song that is inspired by Eddie and she wanted him to know that. He asked her to send it to him and said that they could spend some time connecting over this and her music. It was a magical moment that fulfilled a dream and will lead to a lasting relationship. Eddie is a wonderful human being and we are incredible fortunate to have him as our ambassador. 

He joined our founders for an amazing rendition of “The Seeker,” which you can see them rehearsing backstage here.