The Hollywood Reporter: Met Council for Jewish Poverty's 'Purim: Funny Story' Table Read Raises More Than $500,000 for COVID-19 Relief

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By: Chris Gardner

Bob Saget, Howie Mandel, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Jeff Ross, Judy Gold, and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog were among the participants at Monday night's event.

The amount of money raised by the Met Council on Jewish Poverty's Monday night table reading of Purim: Funny Story is nothing to joke about. A total of $500,000 was raised from more than 2,000 donors, funds that will be used for COVID-19 emergency relief.

The virtual event featured a lineup that included Bob Saget, Howie Mandel, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, Jeff Ross, Judy Gold, Elon Gold, Russell Peters, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Eli Leonard, Montana Tucker, columnist Bari Weiss, and social media stars Violet Benson and Claudia Oshry. Per event organizers, more than 25,000 people tuned in.

Met Council is one of the largest Jewish charity organizations dedicated to serving those in need. It operates or supplies goods to dozens of food pantries across New York's five boroughs. During the pandemic, the org's emergency fund has helped feed more than 300,000 New Yorkers.

“The story of Purim is a story of perseverance and hope, just what we need during these dark COVID times," said Met Council CEO David Greenfield. "These are all great talents lending their time to a great cause and we hope New Yorkers that can will sign up and donate to enjoy a hilarious retelling of the Purim story that’s been told for centuries."

Added Charity Bids founder Israel Schachter: "This is the first year that people don't have the opportunity to celebrate Purim as they otherwise do. We’re thrilled to have been able to bring together some of the greatest names in comedy and spread the joy and story of the holiday, while fulfilling the Mitzvah of Purim: Feeding the hungry and serving the poor."