Comedy and autism seem to have nothing in common at a first glance. But things can change if comedians dedicate their gift to raise money in order to help children suffering from autism.

This was the goal of “Night of Too Many Stars: An Overlooked Benefit for Autism Education,” which was broadcasted live on Comedy Central for two hours.

The show, hosted by The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart at the Beacon Theatre, included celebrity names like Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Sarah Silverman, Conan O’Brien, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler. Moreover, comedians unable to appear in person like Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Will Ferrell participated via satellite.

“If we can convince people we’re kidding, maybe they’ll think they’re giving us fake money,” said Stewart, reprising his role as host.

How was it possible for so many celebrities to get together on the same evening? Well, the answer is Robert Smigel, a former writer and producer for “Saturday Night Live” and Mr. O’Brien’s “Late Night,” whose son, Daniel is autistic. Smigel worked with the participants to write sketches and other material for them. He also worked for the 2006 edition of this show, which raised $2.5 million, according to Comedy Central.

“We want to be funny enough that they laugh, but no so funny that they don’t think it’s real. We try to walk that line carefully. Yes, we really want people to call in and give real money, not ironically funny money,” Smigel said before the show, as quoted by CNN International.

He made it very clear that autism education is a real issue for him: “It's bleak for a lot of parents. As hard as it was to have our son diagnosed, it's even harder to imagine the frustration of parents who just can't get what they need for their child.”

The show raised money for schools and education programs for autistic children and adults, with some of the money going to the advocacy group Autism Speaks.

Autism is a brain development disorder that appears before a child turns three years old; it has a serious impact on social interaction and communication.