How Many Stars are Too Many?

When stars of the entertainment field come together to raise funds for programs benefiting people with autism, the answer is "never too many".

As many of my readers know, I have a brother in law, in his 50's, who has a developmental disability called autism.  

When I write about him, I call him "B".

Autism is what is called a "spectrum" disorder.  Some people with autism are high functioning and can function well independently.  Some never talk or even achieve bladder control.  It's hard to say where my brother in law would have been on that spectrum because there was so little help for him available as he was growing up, but he is going to need help and support for the rest of his life.

And funds, a lot of funds, will be needed for programs for my brother in law, "B", and others like him.

Back in 2003, a comedy writer named Robert Smigel (who has a son - now 17 - with autism) put together a charity dinner to raise funds for autism.  He knew firsthand how parents had to struggle (and still have to struggle) to afford therapy and supports for their children with autism. Some even lose their houses.  Yes, today.  In 2015.

This charity dinner has now grown into an annual comedy event called the Night of Too Many Stars on a United States cable network devoted to comedy.

On Sunday night, the fifth Night of Too Many Stars was aired.  (I do need to warn my readers that some of the skits on the Night of website can be "edgy", although the video below is quite family friendly.  However, if you like good, sometimes edgy, comedy, search for the Night of Too Many Stars and be entertained.

I can hope that, one day, one of the programs this fundraiser raises funds for will, in turn, benefit my brother in law.

I think many of you will be inspired by this family friendly musical performance by "Weird Al" Yankovic, performing "Yoda" with Jodi DiPiazza a 13 year old girl with autism.  This is her second time performing - she also performed two years ago with Katy Perry.  Towards the end, Weird Al and Jodi are joined by other young people with autism.

Enjoy!