No Joke: ‘Overbooked’ to Aid Autism

By Jon Lafayette

Comedy Central is planning the show that keeps on giving.

After “Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education” appears on the network April 13 at 8 p.m., it will be available for purchase on iTunes and XBox Live Marketplace for $1.99 for 30 days. Proceeds will go to autism education.

Comedy Central also plans to stream the special, hosted by Jon Stewart, in its entirety on its Web site. Viewers will be able to contribute to the charity online.

The network also is selling tickets to the event through Ticketmaster, as well as admission to an after-party featuring the performers. Last year’s benefit raised more than $2.5 million.

Among those who have agreed to participate are Will Arnett, Matthew Broderick, Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, Susie Essman, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill, Kevin James, Rosie O’Donnell, Amy Poehler, Conan O’Brien, Adam Sandler, Sarah Silverman and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Comedy Central also has signed up Toyota, Old Spice and SoBe Life Water as sponsors.

The network says “Night of Too Many Stars” will benefit a variety of autism education programs around the country. The funds raised will support educational facilities that have recently opened or are about to open their doors, along with those well-established model schools that are developing innovative programs to provide vocational and life skills for adults with autism. Proceeds also will support outreach programs that provide in-home training and consultation to families of very young children.

A portion of the proceeds also will benefit Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy group.