The fundraising telethon for autism, Night of Too Many Stars, has been around since 2003, and occurs every few years. The event marks its return on March 31 in New York City at the Beacon Theater where comedian Jon Stewart is confirmed to be a host again.
The event is not only a live auction fundraiser, but it is also a comedy concert that is looking to raise money for NEXT for Autism, a non-profit organization.
Funds raised from the event will support the organization’s, “national grants program, focused on initiatives that support autistic adults in the areas of work, home, and social well-being. “
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this year’s event features a roster of comedians that will include, “Ronny Chieng, Alex Edelman, Susie Essman, Jim Gaffigan, Jeff Garlin, James Austin Johnson, Sam Morril, Please Don’t Destroy, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Sarah Sherman, [and] Max Weinberg‘s Jukebox,” among others that have yet to be announced.
NEXT for Autism has been around for over 20 years as a result of families and parents who have autistic individuals in their lives and struggled to find proper support. This is when Night of Too Many Stars came into play.
Robert Smigel, known for his comedic work as a writer and producer for shows such as Saturday Night Live and Conan O’Brien’s late night shows, helped create the Night of Too Many Stars with his wife, Michelle Smigel, a board co-chair for NEXT for autism.
The Smigels had, “struggled to find effective education for their autistic son, Daniel.”
What better way to bring awareness for such a positive cause than to have a night full of laughs with a telethon and comedy concert to raise funds and awareness for the organization. The main focus of the funds will be on, “initiatives that target work, home and social well-being programs for autistic adults.”
The Smigels know how important an event like this is, especially when they can relate to the struggles that many families face when looking for support for autistic individuals in their families.
In a statement, they shared that, “We created Night of Too Many Stars with our friends in the comedy world at a time when most organizations focused only on research for a cure. Seeing so many parents struggle to find appropriate services and schools for their children inspired us to create an event to support the vital programs and services that individuals with autism need right now.”
Jon Stewart has hosted the event previously, and also serves as a NEXT board member. Other event committee members along with Stewart (with his wife Tracey), and the Smigels include, "Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, Laura and Harry Slatkin, Mitch and Bellanca Smigel Rutter, Lucia Smigel, and Jackie and Adam Sandler."
This is the first time the event has returned since 2017 so it looks to have another night full of top comedians, actors, singers, and other celebrities looking to entertain audiences all while raising funds and awareness towards a positive cause.