Comic Relief 2006's Mission | Hosts | Talent | CR in New Orleans

Comic Relief Celebrates its 20th Anniversary by Raising Funds to Assist Families in the Rebirth of New Orleans.

After an eight-year hiatus, Comic Relief is back to help those who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina. In true Comic Relief style, it was aired on its original network, HBO—and for those of us who can't afford such luxuries, HBO's sister station, the "very funny" TBS, simulcast the special event.

"I'm proud to welcome Comic Relief and its tradition of helping people who are often forgotten back to HBO," said Carolyn Strauss, President of HBO Entertainment. "I'm thrilled that we are able to team up with TBS to present this important event to a broad audience. Katrina hit the Gulf a year ago, and we want to remind viewers that there are still many people who need help."

The three-hour concert was held at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas as part of The Comedy Festival. The event was hosted by its original trio of talent: Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Robin Williams—and was filled with performances by today's hottest comedians, live segments from New Orleans, and a special showcase featuring the work of famed Crescent City filmmaker, Kenny Morrison.

For 20 years, Comic Relief has been at the forefront of activism for those that have fallen on hard times. In 1992, $2 million was raised in a single night for Hurricane Andrew victims. Today, Comic Relief's mission is to raise even more for those who were greatly affected by Hurricane Katrina. Comic Relief President & Founder Bob Zmuda explains, "Disasters like Katrina devastate the environment and cause suffering for all forms of life, both human and animal. Comic Relief is determined to address these tragedies by benefiting everyone from the elderly to children, and pets."