Donate to autism, darn it!
Tonight's Comedy Central pre-taped autism benefit featuring Jon Stewart and "Too Many Stars" has already raised $3 million for the education and support of autistic kids and adults. Celebrities like Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrell, Robin Williams, Chris Rock and Tina Fey performed live before a Los Angeles audience a few weeks ago and recorded the event, which airs tonight 9 pm EST on Comedy Central. The comedians engaged in various creative fundraising efforts -- from Fey's Photoshopped Fey Swimsuit Calendar (still on sale) to Chris Rock's $20,000 cell phone cuss-out of one audience member's ex-boyfriend.
There are all kinds of comments on the news stories about this event -- from those strongly in favor of live cuss-outs of anyone at any price to those who reject the whole event because, as one commenter put it, "Jon Stewart is a Connie." I think he meant "commie," but the idea that the Daily Show host's real name is "Connie" is much more intriguing.
I'm amazed that NO ONE commented: "SOMEBODY SPENT TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS TO CUSS OUT THEIR EX?????"
There weren't many comments from parents of autistic kids or autistic adults themselves. At least, not that I read. As the mom of an autistic child, my only question is "How do I get some of that twenty grand for Billy's therapy?" I'll cuss out anybody you like for $20,000.
But Dave's much better at it. I always sound kind of lame when I try to use profanity. No matter how mad I am, I tend to choke at the last minute and go with an emphatic "darn" or "friggin'." But being English, Dave's got a whole cadre of curses that are little-known in this country and therefore, twice as effective. It even sounds kinda classy in his accent. Enough rich idiots combined with Dave's natural skill and affinity for cursing could actually get us out of debt to hospitals and therapy clinics.
Anyway, there are still plenty of ways to donate to this worthy cause, which builds schools for autistic kids, supports education programs and helps autistic adults get the support they need to maintain their independence. You can get more info, make a donation and/or watch some clips on the Comedy Central "Night of Too Many Stars" website.
Next year, maybe each of us parents of autistic kids could go together and get Chris Rock to cuss out our insurance provider. I found ten bucks in Dave's jeans this morning. Who's in?
Monday October 25 2010 02:00:25 pm
Ashley
I watched it! Thought it was pretty funny. Definitely a more fun approach to telethons. I posted a link on my facebook page earlier in the day to recommend it. I probably should have thought that one through a little more because I about had a stroke imagining the grandparents watching Steve Carrells contribution... Oops.
J Mac
Friday October 22 2010 08:39:55 am
Amanda Broadfoot
@JDinTLH: You've nailed it! We need to pool our resources to get Chris Rock to cuss out Jenny McCarthy.
@Cheryl: Because I know JD, I can assure you that she's being sarcastic about wishing J Mcarthy was included in the line-up. JD also has a little boy with autism and we're of one mind on the damage the Playboy bunny has done to non-histrionic, fair-minded discourse about autism therapy.
I think the organizer with the autistic child is Robert Smigel. I may be wrong.
Maybe we should all plan to meet at next year's event and see who we can convince Chris Rock to smite. I'll have Blue Cross/Blue Shield -- and a few congresspeople -- on speed dial.
I Would Have Loved to Have Gone!
Friday October 22 2010 12:08:10 am
Cheryl D.
Darn! I didn't realize they had taped this in L.A.! I would have LOVED to have gone. I didn't hear about the taping event, just when the show was going to be on tv. I can't wait to watch it!
Regarding the previous comment...Jenny McCarthy isn't known as being a comedian per se. Plus, she's a very polarizing presence in the autism community. I think this event was more about community and comedy. I know one of the organizers of this event has a child with severe autism.
I'm still trying to get over my shock...
Thursday October 21 2010 11:06:34 am
JDinTLH
that Jenny McCarthy was not included. What, isn't her schtick funny?? I just don't understand why she is not on the roster. Maybe she was afraid Chris would cuss her out for free.
Jon Stewart has been doing this for twice a year for three years now? He is a freaking god. Why does my sister's wedding have to be scheduled right in the middle of his rally in DC??
Total 4 comments