'Night of Too Many Stars' autism benefit draws Jon Stewart, Sarah Silverman, other celebs and lots of laughs

"Thank you for coming out on an unbelievably s----y cold night," Jon Stewart told the crowd at the sold-out Beacon Theater. "I applaud you for coming out tonight, because I would not have."

The "Daily Show" host was emceeing the comedy benefit "Night of Too Many Stars," which has raised $18 million-plus for autism education and support programs since 2003.


On the red carpet, Sarah Silverman attempted to explain the difference between right- and left-wingers. "I think the left in general are a little more thoughtful and a little more about issues, and the right tends to be a little more bullyish and childish when they don't agree with things. They say words like 'stupid' or 'idiot' or 'slut' that aren't really about the issues at hand.

"Listen, Mr. Rogers said there isn't anyone you couldn't love once you heard their story," she added. "I have a picture of Hitler on my phone as a baby and I show it to people and I don't say who it is and they say, 'Oh my God, who is it?' and I go, 'It's Hitler!' There's a point of innocence for everyone at some point."

Comedian Jim Gaffigan discussed his obsession, " 'Fifty Shades of Gravy.' It's different gravies, like how a white gravy is more of a morning gravy and what kind of gravy do you put on a steak, and a vindaloo is kind of like a red gravy, right? And then the Italians call marinara gravy. These are all important gravy facts." He also mentioned that he's constantly compared to Jamie Dornan — "mostly our bodies," he explained.

Saturday's show featured Jon Bon Jovi doing an acoustic version of "Wanted Dead or Alive" with backing vocals from Al Roker, Gilbert Gottfried, Will Forte and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog.

Paul Rudd raised money using a Wheel of Rudd. Audience members spun it for the chance to do something to the genial actor, like slapping him or chewing a mouthful of Zabar's chicken and depositing it into his mouth, mother-bird style.

Chris Rock auctioned off an endorsement for any product the bidder suggested. Tommy Hilfiger gave $35,000 to have Rock promote his underwear line. "The reason I wear Tommy Hilfiger underwear is because it makes your d--- bigger," Rock enthused.

Celebs including Louis C.K., John Oliver, Martha Stewart, Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi partied at the Museum of Natural History after the show, which Comedy Central will air as a two-hour telethon on March 8.

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