An Unforgettable Evening with Sir Rod Stewart Raises $1.7 Million for TeachRock

The evening began with a sponsored cocktail reception featuring Moët & Chandon Champagne and Château d'Esclans' celebrated Whispering Angel Rosé, alongside two signature cocktails: the Sir Rod Appletini and Little Steven's Margarita, featuring Stevie Van Zandt's Malvado Maple Mezcal. Guests then sat down to an elegant multi-course dinner by Cuisine Boulud, accompanied by a selection of wines and Champagne generously provided by Château d'Esclans and Moët Hennessy, before taking their seats in the pavilion for the night's private concert beneath the stars.

One of the evening's most unforgettable moments came when Stevie Van Zandt joined Stewart onstage for spirited performances of "We're Having a Party" and "Stay With Me." For Van Zandt, who has long cited Stewart as one of his greatest musical influences, sharing the stage with him in support of TeachRock made the night especially meaningful.

"When I started TeachRock, I hoped we'd build a community of artists who believe music belongs in every classroom," said Van Zandt. "To see someone I've admired for so long lend his talent to this mission and to watch people come together to support teachers, students, and the next generation through music is incredibly moving. Rod didn't just give us an unforgettable performance this evening, he gave our mission a tremendous boost. Every dollar raised helps us put free arts education into more classrooms, and that's something worth celebrating."

Stewart reflected on the evening, saying:

"Music gave me my direction when I was a young lad, and I've never forgotten it. What Stevie's built with TeachRock is the real deal—getting music back into classrooms and giving kids that same spark. Sharing a stage with him in Southampton for a cause like this? That's what it's all about."

The evening also featured an exciting live auction with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including dinner with Stevie Van Zandt and members of The Sopranos in New York City's Little Italy, an intimate dinner with Sir Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster, and dinner at Andrea Bocelli's private villa in Tuscany followed by a private concert.

TeachRock is deeply grateful to Sir Rod Stewart, Penny Lancaster, Lauren Day Roberts and Bob Roberts, Mark Aldridge, Nick King and the BlueDog Group team, Cuisine Boulud, our generous special experience donors, and every guest whose support made this remarkable evening possible.

Every dollar raised will help bring TeachRock's free, arts-integrated curriculum to more teachers and students, ensuring that music continues to inspire learning in classrooms nationwide.