Unplugged & Uncorked Raises $1.3 Million for Musicians On Call
The fifth annual New York gala set a new fundraising record for the nonprofit that brings music to patients, families, and caregivers.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Philanthropy
The sold-out fifth annual Unplugged & Uncorked gala, held October 29 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City, raised more than $1.3 million for Musicians On Call. The event drew more than 500 guests and marked a new fundraising record for the event.
Why it matters
The gala's record total adds to funding for Musicians On Call, which brings the healing power of music to patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments. For New York City readers, the event highlights local philanthropic support for music-based care programs.
The gala raised more than $1.3 million, up from more than $1 million at the 2025 event. Musicians On Call has reached more than 1.25 million people across all 50 states, though the breakdown of how the new funds will be deployed was not detailed.
The players
Musicians On Call
A nonprofit organization that delivers the healing power of music to patients, families, and caregivers in healthcare environments, having reached more than 1.25 million people across all 50 states.
Unplugged & Uncorked
A fundraising gala founded in 2021 by Rich Schaefer, Michael Dorf, and Glenn Nordlinger to benefit Musicians On Call.
Christopher Hanke
A performer who served as emcee and auctioneer at the Unplugged & Uncorked gala.
The details
Silent and live auctions offered packages spanning wine, sports, travel, and entertainment, including wine experiences in Napa Valley and Bordeaux and a getaway package to London. Raynie Clark shared a firsthand account of music's role in her health battle, and ROSIE led a singalong of 'Sweet Caroline.' Christopher Hanke served as emcee and auctioneer, and silent auction packages were available for online bidding.
Timeline
2021: Unplugged & Uncorked was founded by Rich Schaefer, Michael Dorf, and Glenn Nordlinger.
2025: The prior event raised more than $1 million for Musicians On Call.
October 29, 2026: The fifth annual gala was held at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City.
Philanthropy Trajectory
The gala extends the bedside performance model that Musicians On Call began at Memorial Sloan Kettering, now applied across healthcare settings nationwide. The record total marks a step beyond the more than $1 million raised at the 2025 event.
Funds from the gala will support Musicians On Call's ongoing efforts to expand access to music in healthcare settings. Readers interested in supporting the work can explore donation and auction opportunities tied to the organization's programs.
The takeaway
Philanthropic events that pair entertainment with fundraising can produce record results when they connect donors to a concrete healthcare mission. The rising total from $1 million to $1.3 million shows sustained donor interest in music-based patient care.
Further reading
Explore more New York City Philanthropy coverage to see how local giving supports health and community causes.
