This past Saturday evening I attended an event called the Night Of Too Many Stars, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Comedy Central network to raise money for autism. Proceeds from the event benefit New York Collaborates for Autism, a non-profit organization dedicated to children on the spectrum, and involved with creating model programs for children with autism and fostering collaboration among individuals in the autism community: http://nyc4a.org/. The event, emceed by John Stewart, took place at the Beacon Theatre and included celebrity appearances by Ben Stiller, Kevin Bacon, Bill O'Reilly, Chris Matthews, Louis CK, Seth Rogen, and others, stand-up comedy by Hannibal Buress and Bill Burr, and musical performances including Sting. Auction items included a trip for two to New Mexico to visit the set of the hit television show Breaking Bad, and a night out with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The evening was peppered with short videos recounting stories from parents of children with autism who have struggled to secure for their children the programs and services that their children need. One of the highlights of the evening was a live piano performance by a young girl with autism to a Katy Perry song with Katy Perry performing the vocals, which received the sole standing ovation of the evening.
I have attended this event twice and both times left feeling inspired. The event serves as an effective fundraising vehicle and a forum for continuing to spread autism awareness.
The taped event is scheduled to air on Comedy Central on Sunday, October 21 at 8pm for anyone who would like to tune in.