Night of Too Many Stars – A Live Comedy Event Benefiting NEXT for AUTISM at New York City’s Beacon Theatre on December 11th
The sold-out crowd of nearly 3,000 enjoyed a night of too many laughs as they were entertained by host Jon Stewart who opened the show following a performance from Darlene Love and the Max Weinberg house band. The evening featured stand-up from Jim Gaffigan, Sam Morril, Sarah Sherman and John Oliver as well as musical performances by Jewels Harrison and Rachel Bloom. Throughout the show Jon Stewart and auctioneer Guy Bennett introduced auction items that you can only get at Night of Too Many Stars including, Chris Rock recording a personalized message for an audience member, a once in a lifetime holiday card photo with Harvey Keitel, Steve Buscemi and Paul Rudd that was such a hit it was sold to two lucky winners and a live speed dating round with Paul Rudd, Chris Rock and John Oliver. They also announced three additional auction items on Charitybuzz for people who were not able to attend in person but want to get in on the fun and support the cause. More info on those can be found at charitybuzz.com/nextforautism. The night ended with Adam Sandler taking the stage and entertaining the crowd before being joined by his longtime friend Rob Schneider to close the night with a song.
Night of Too Many Stars was created by longtime SNL and Conan O’Brien writer/producer Robert Smigel and his wife Michelle Smigel, who struggled to find effective education for their own autistic son, Daniel. The Smigels’ extended comedy family has been supporting this event over the past 20 years and has raised over 30 million dollars to support programs that enhance the lives of autistic individuals, specifically in the areas of education, home, work, social, health and well-being.
Thanks to the generosity of Night of Too Many Stars sponsors and participants, NEXT has funded more than 350 grant projects at 145 organizations across the U.S., impacting more than 100,000 autistic individuals.
Also joining the event was NEXT partner the Eagles Autism Foundation and Popcorn for the People, an organization created to provide career opportunities for autistic adults.
The night paid a special tribute to Donald Triplett (1933 – 2023), who is recognized as the first person to be diagnosed with autism.
WHO: Steve Buscemi, Guy Bennett, Rachel Bloom, Jim Gaffigan, Jewels Harrison, James Austin Johnson, Harvey Keitel, Darlene Love, John Oliver, Chris Rock, Paul Rudd, Adam Sandler, Robert & Michelle Smigel, Rob Schneider, Sarah Sherman, Jon Stewart, Kylie Kelce, CJ Wallace, Laura & Harry Slatkin, Ali Slatkin, Dee and Tommy Hilfiger and more…
WHEN: Monday, December 11, 2023
WHERE: Beacon Theatre, NYC
Credit: Getty Images for Night Of Too Many Stars
Caption: 2023 Night of Too Many Stars benefitting NEXT for AUTISM in NYC
About NEXT:
NEXT for AUTISM is the leading nonprofit dedicated to transforming the national landscape of services for people with autism by strategically designing, launching, and supporting innovative initiatives. In 2023, the organization’s 20th anniversary, NEXT remains steadfast in its quest to change the paradigm for how individuals with autism thrive throughout their adult lives. This is done by leveraging a broad range of autistic and neurotypical stakeholders and partnering with national organizations, regional agencies, and local entities to enhance services and maximize resources. NEXT's mission is to build national programs that enhance the lives of autistic adults, including NEXT for DSP (Direct Support Professional) professional development training, NEXT for AUTISM FELLOWS scholarship initiative, and NEXT CONNECTS a co-mentorship program aimed at fostering inclusion in the workplace. Someone you know loves someone with autism. Learn more at: NEXTforAUTISM.org
Contact: Jami Kandel [email protected] 212-631-5027
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