If you didn’t already purchase tickets to Joy Behar’s Friends with Benefits: a Comedy Fundraiser for The Retreat on Sunday, September 3, you’re out of luck because the show at Guild Hall in East Hampton is officially sold out. And with a lineup that includes Susie Essman, Rosie O’Donnell, Mario Cantone, Anthony Atamanuik and more, with Behar hosting, it’s not surprising that tickets to this Labor Day weekend benefit were in high demand.
“When I found out the number of children impacted by physical abuse, it got to me as a mother and grandmother and I wanted to use whatever influence I had to support The Retreat,” said Behar. “This wonderful organization provides shelter to so many families and that was enough to make me want to do something. So I called on some of my friends who happen to be very funny and talented and they generously agreed to make us laugh and entertain us for this great cause.”
Behar, who hosts ABC’S The View, has won a slew of awards, including the 2009 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host, three MAC awards, a CableAce award and a 2000 GLAAD award for her outstanding friendship to the gay community. The comedian has also hosted a number of her own shows, including The Joy Behar Show and Say Anything. Additionally, Behar has written five books and her latest book is set to be released this fall.
There will also be a musical performance by Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Darlene Love.
The Retreat has been a safe haven for families in crisis in the Hamptons and the East End of Long Island for more than 30 years. They provide domestic violence services for children and adults, support for survivors and educate the community on how to prevent domestic violence.
Guild Hall is located at 158 Main Street in East Hampton. For more information, call 631-329-4398 or visit www.theretreatinc.org.