A few weeks ago, on Saturday, May 17th, Ray Romano headlined the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation’s “A Night of Comedy VI” at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills. The event featured a big-name lineup that included Ray Romano, Sarah Silverman, Fred Willard, Bryan Callen, and Bobby Collins. Drew Carey was originally scheduled to perform, but canceled for unknown reasons. The event raised over $200,000 to go towards supporting young people affected by HIV/AIDS.

The lineup was less impressive this year compared to previous years, which previously brought together huge names like Chris Rock, David Spade, Kevin James, Gay Shandling, among others. Nevertheless, the night was definitely worthwhile for first-timers; but, I on the other hand, attended this event last year…..

…..and what do you think I witnessed this time around? Return performers re-hashing some of their old jokes! Ya, it was a bit disappointing.

Hate to list the guilty parties here, but come on Ray, Sarah, Bryan… I understand comedians repeat material all the time, but the same bits at the same event on back-to-back years? With an audience that is most likely made up of foundation supporters who have been attending “A Night of Comedy” for years, I’d say that was a bad call. I heard more than a few whispers of disappointment. But, then we remember, it’s for the kids. I mean, the money raised is for the kids, not the jokes (this was a 21 and over event).

Sarah Silverman, who confessed Matt Damon is a better lover than her boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel, didn’t disappoint with her signature perverted humor. I recommend anyone with a phobia of the ‘p’ word (rhymes with “fussy”), watch one of her shows. Nothing like repeated exposure to knock the discomfort right out of you.

Romano, like last year, joked about his life as a husband and father of daughters. Callen was very animated, imitating animal behaviors with exaggerated movements that might remind you of Jim Carrey. I’m not going to lie, I was pretty excited to see his ostrich bit again.

Fred Willard’s set, where he focused on his “has been” celeb status and old-age absentmindedness, was kind of depressing. I mean, it’s not too far from the truth, right? In Hollywood years, he’s ancient, and any one of us would skip the Fred Willard interview page to see little Suri Cruise drinking out of a sippy cup.

It was Bobby Collins who unexpectedly stole the show with the best performance of the night. I’m actually kind of glad Drew Carey was unable to make it because I would have never discovered this overly tan Italian New Yorker.

The night was hosted by one of the foundation’s Executive Board members, Doris Roberts (Everybody Loves Raymond), and although there were disappointing comedic moments, overall it was still a good night. And, yay! for the money raised for children affected by AIDS.