Genre Telethon Original language(s) English Running time Various | Country of origin United States Camera setup Multiple Original network NBC | |
Headquarters New York City, New York, United States CEO Janet Scardino (Mar 2016–) Nominations Shorty Social Good Award for Best in Live Events Similar Children's Health Fund, Charity: Water, Gavi - The Vaccine Alliance, Feeding America, National Council of La Raza | ||
Comic Relief, Inc., previously known as America Gives Back Inc., is an operating 501(c)(3) American charity. It is an independent sister organization to the UK charity Comic Relief and is not connected to the former American charity Comic Relief USA. Comic Relief, Inc. is notable for the 2015 US launch of Red Nose Day, a telethon hosted by NBC based closely on the UK example of the same name, Red Nose Day.
History of Comic Relief and Red Nose Day
In 1985, as a response to famine in Ethiopia and other poverty stricken areas of the world, British comedy scriptwriter, Richard Curtis and British comedian, Lenny Henry co-founded and co-created the British charity, Comic Relief. On February 8, 1988, Lenny Henry went to Ethiopia and celebrated the very first Red Nose Day Telethon. Over 150 celebrities and comedians participated. The event raised £15 million and attracted 30 million viewers on BBC television. The highlight of Comic Relief is Red Nose Day which raises funds for children in need, poverty alleviation and worldwide charities.