Join Comedy Gives Back for a celebrating Richard Lewis and to support comedians who are struggling with mental illness and addiction hosted by Jeff Garlin

Richard Lewis said yes to CGB from day one. He often said, “If there was an organization like this when I was coming up, I might have gotten sober earlier.” He was on our Board from the very beginning. And we were grateful.

This special night will not only raise money for CGB’s programs and services but it will be a way to remember Richard and his legacy as this event becomes an annual fundraiser.

Sunday, Nov 15th at the Hollywood Improv

5:30 - 7:00pm Pre-show - An intimate reception with food and drinks will be held before the performance.

7:00 - 9:00pm Show

Title Sponsor - $25,000

2 tables of 10
Logo placement in all advertising, emails pre and post event
Logo on step & repeat
Ad in Digital Tribute Slideshow

HOLLYWOOD IMPROV TABLES

GOLD - $5,000
One table for 10 pp
Logo on sponsor sign
Ad in Digital Tribute Slideshow

SILVER - $2,000
One table for 4 pp
Logo on sponsor sign
Ad in Digital Tribute Slideshow

BRONZE - $1,000
One table for 2 pp
Logo on sponsor sign
Ad in Digital Tribute Slideshow

Questions? Reach out to: zoe@comedygivesback.com

How to Buy a Table:

Checks can be mailed to:

Comedy Gives Back

℅ Richard Lewis Tribute

313 Grand Ave #899

Venice, CA 90291

For other payment methods reach out to jodi@comedygivesback.com

Comedy Gives Back is the safety net for the comedy community providing grants to stand-up comedians that cover financial crises, mental health therapy and chemical dependency treatment.

Being alone on stage is the job of the stand-up comedian.

Feeling alone off-stage is unacceptable.

Co-founded by Zoe Friedman, Amber J. Lawson & Jodi Lieberman, Comedy Gives Back is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization that provides grants to stand-up comedians for financial crisis, mental health therapy, and chemical dependency treatment.

Three comedy chicks walked into the Hollywood Improv and asked, “Can we change the world through comedy?”Turns out, the answer was yes.

As veterans of the comedy industry, we saw a glaring gap. Musicians had MusiCares. Actors had the Entertainment Community Fund. But stand-up comedians? They had no safety net. No organization looking out for their mental health, their sobriety, or their ability to survive a financial crisis — even though they’re the ones helping the world laugh through its darkest moments.

In 2010, we founded Comedy Gives Back — the only nonprofit dedicated solely to the financial, emotional, and recovery needs of the stand-up comedy community.

We built Comedy Gives Back around three core pillars:

Financial Crisis Relief – grants to help comedians stay afloat during hard times
Mental Health Support – access to therapy, counseling, and tools for emotional wellness
Chemical Dependency & Recovery – treatment resources for those struggling with substance abuse

We didn’t start as a nonprofit. Our original vision was a bold blend of comedy, charity, and tech — a for-profit B corp using livestreaming to raise money for causes. In 2013, we produced a 24-hour global digital telethon with live stand-up shows from Australia, London, NYC, and LA. It had never been done before.

But over time, our mission became crystal clear: comedians needed more than just a spotlight. They needed real support. So in 2018, we pivoted into a full-fledged nonprofit — and by 2021, we became the go-to institution for helping comedians in crisis.

We’re proud to be the safety net of the comedy community.

Please check Comedy Gives Back in the Variety Comedy Impact Report 2025

Comedy Gives Back is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity based in Venice, CA. (EIN 84-1886550) Contributions are tax-deductible for income, gift, and estate taxes to the fullest extent of the law.

INAUGURAL NIGHT HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RICHARD LEWIS A EVENING OF COMEDY AND NEUROSIS

BENEFITTING COMEDY GIVES BACK