NYC Comedy Night Supports Children With Disabilities

NEW YORK, NY— A standup comedy show in Union Square on Thursday will donate proceeds to help provide speech therapy and developmental resources for children with disabilities in underserved communities.

The Smiles for Speech Comedy Benefit, now in its fourth year, will feature comedians Mike Recine, Tim Dillon, Monroe Martin and Dr. Anthony Drew, with more

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Smiles for Speech provides developmental services and caregiver education for children with disabilities through partnerships in the United States and East Africa.

The nonprofit's founder Sandy Dorsey said the fundraiser helps bridge the greatest she sees with families needing care: affordability.

"When families can't access affordable services, they're often left searching for hope wherever they can find it," Dorsey said. "Unfortunately, that can lead them to treatments or 'cures' that are ineffective or even harmful."

The comedy benefit brings together performers whose credits span late-night television and some of the country's best-known comedy festivals.

Tim Dillon has become one of stand-up's biggest draws through his Netflix special "A Real Hero" and "the Tim Dillon Show," a podcast that reaches about 1 million viewers each week.

Mike Recine, a New Jersey native, has built a national following with appearances on "Conan," Comedy Central, HBO's "Pause With Sam Jay" and Showtime's "Flatbush Misdemeanors."

He also wrote for the MTV Video Music Awards and was named a New Face at the Just for Laughs comedy festival in Montreal.

Monroe Martin, a former finalist on NBC's "Last Comic Standing," has also appeared on Comedy Central and "the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," drawing on stories from his own life in his stand-up performances.

Dr. Anthony Drew is a New York City-based comedian, physician and television personality known for blending medicine and comedy. He performs regularly at comedy clubs across the country and has been featured on television and at major comedy festivals.

Proceeds from Thursday's comedy benefit will support the Smiles for Speech Early Learning and Care Center in Tamale, Ghana, which provides speech and occupational therapy services to children who previously had little or no access to specialized care.

Beyond the high costs of therapy and medical care, Dorsey said the benefit also helps raise awareness about developmental disabilities and reduce the stigma that can leave families feeling isolated.

She said many parents grapple with not knowing if a child's behavior signals a need for evaluation, or a mere learning curve of development.

Families often come to the organization because their child has a speech delay, but then discover the child also has hearing loss, physical disabilities or other developmental needs, she said.

"That's why a multidisciplinary approach is necessary," she said. "They need someone to walk alongside them, answer their questions, and help them navigate what can often feel like an overwhelming journey."

Looking ahead, Smiles for Speech plans to return to Kenya next year while expanding programs across East Africa and continuing its work in Ghana. Dorsey also hopes to increase advocacy for broader government investment in rehabilitation services.

"When families begin to see their child's potential, and communities begin to expect inclusion rather than exception, lives begin to change," Dorsey said.

The event begins with doors opening at 7 p.m. at 116 E. 16th St. General admission is $61.50. To learn more about Smiles for Speech, or purchase tickets, visit here.