Paul and Julie Halloran at the reception table for the 8th Annual Comedy Night.
Lynn residents Paul and Julie Halloran helped coordinate the 8th annual Comedy Night to Benefit Autism Speaks and Nashoba Learning Group Oct. 8 at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham.
Legendary comedian Don Gavin of Nahant hosted and headlined the fundraiser. Comedians Frank Santorelli, Steve Sweeney, Kelly MacFarland, Craig Murphy, Tony V., Artie Januario, and Jimmy Dunn joined Gavin for performances at the event that all featured a buffet dinner and auction.
In its eight-year history the event has raised more than $60,000 for NLG and Autism Speaks.
“We are very grateful for our loyal friends who continue to this event year after year,” said Paul Halloran. “There are many people who have been to all eight comedy nights.”
Halloran credit Gavin for his assistance in the planning of the event.
“The event is a success because of Don Gavin organizing it and putting together the list of performers, and the generosity of the comedians who donate their time,” said Halloran. “We encourage people to support local comedy, which in this area is the best in the world.”
Nashoba Learning Group is a school in Bedford that provides state-of-the-art education and intervention services to children with autism and related developmental disabilities. Autism Speaks is a national organization that provides funding for research projects that aim to uncover the cause, prevention, treatments and cure for autism.