They say laughter is the best medicine, but as the organization Comic Relief has proven, laughter can also raise money for countless people in need of help.

Founded in 1986 by actor, producer and comedy writer Bob Zmuda, Comic Relief began as a small organization that brought laughter and fun to patients in various hospitals by bringing in clowns to entertain them. He based this idea on the UK’s own Comic Relief organization which was established a year earlier. The idea grew into something bigger when Zmuda decided to use comedy as a means of raising funds for other charitable projects. Then HBO Senior Vice President Chris Albrecht embraced this concept and vision and partnered up with Zmuda. Since HBO is a cable channel, it was able to provide a conveniently uncensored comedic venue for this grand pursuit. Zmuda was also able to tap comedy greats with big hearts Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Robin Williams, all three of which have a track record in helping others through philanthropic activities and supporting charitable institutions. The trio would host the fund raising telethons from its first telecast in 1986 to its last in 1998.

Although the series of telethons ended in 1988, Comic Relief still continues to support various causes and occasionally comes up with different fundraisers that are dedicated to a specific cause. In 2006, Comic Relief celebrated its 20th anniversary by staging Comic Relief 2006, again on HBO, as a way to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Katrina. They have also released DVDs and benefit albums for sale to fund their charitable activities.

Comic Relief supports many causes, but its primary beneficiary is Health Care for the Homeless (HCH). HCH addresses the plight of homeless people in 85 major cities across America. HCH helps homeless people get the help they need while trying to find a solution to end homelessness.