Whitening Lightning presents the 2nd Annual “Comics For The Cause” to benefit The Youth Project (www.helpnothassle.org). For one night only, Mike and Molly star Billy Gardell will be joined on stage by popular comedy all stars Ralph Harris from Last Comic Standing and from TBS’s hit comedy show Sullivan and Son, Roy Wood, Jr., as well as meet fans at a pre-show VIP event at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons on August 6, 2013. Jeff Sutphen from Nickelodeon’s “Brain Surge” and ABC’s “101 Ways to Leave a Game Show,” will be the master of ceremonies.

Billy Gardell, stars in the CBS Hit television series, MIKE AND MOLLY as Officer Mike Biggs. “Mike and Molly” garners approximately 13 million viewers every week. Before Mike and Molly, Gardell costarred in the critically acclaimed television series “Lucky.” His other television credits include “Yes Dear” and “Judging Amy,” on the Network, “My Name is Earl,” “The Practice,” “Monk” and “Gary the Rat.” As a standup comic, his comedy specials, “Billy Gardell: Halftime,” premiered on Comedy Central and “Billy Gardell Presents Road Dogs” premiered on Showtime. In addition he makes regular appearances on “NFL Today” on CBS Sports.

Roy Wood, Jr. Entertainment Weekly described the thought-provoking comedy of Roy Wood Jr. as ‘Charismatic Crankiness.’ His comedy has entertained millions across stage, television and radio. Wood now enters his second season on TBS’ Sullivan & Son, playing the loving drinking buddy of star Steve Byrne, who has returned to Pittsburgh to run the family bar.

Wood, a native of Birmingham, Ala., began his comedy career in 1999 at the age of 19 while attending Florida A&M University. In October 2006, Wood made his network television debut on Late Night with David Letterman. In 2008, Wood appeared on HBO’s historic Def Comedy Jam. In 2010, he was selected by America as one of the top three finalists on Last Comic Standing on NBC. Wood has made appearances on The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and TBS’ CONAN, numerous comedy festivals all across the country and The Bob and Tom Radio Show: The Comedy Tour, a one-hour special which aired on Comedy Central.

Ralph Harris, one of today’s hottest comedic and acting talents, is currently the host of the brand new Culinary Competition My Momma Throws Down on the TVOne network. He made his feature film debut in “Dreamgirls” and appeared in “Evan Almighty.” Ralph’s jump to the big screen comes after years of successful television work, including appearances on Seinfeld, The Parent ‘Hood, Nick Freno, Living Single and In Living Color. No stranger to late night, Ralph has been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. However Ralph is probably best known for his starring role in the ABC-TV sitcom “On Our Own” which aired during the immensely popular TGIF block on Friday nights, and which currently airs in syndication on TVOne. You can also catch Ralph on TV in airings of his two previously recorded Cable TV specials – Comedy Central Presents and the HBO Half-Hour Comedy Special. When he’s not filming, Ralph continues to tour the country and perform to sold-out audiences as a stand-up comedian, his first career and love.

And special guest host, Jeff Sutphen will keep the show rolling. Jeff has a great talent for creating shows that engage kids and teens, whether he is behind the camera or in front of an audience. As host of “Figure It Out”, Sutphen brings high-energy and laughs to the game show which challenges celebrities to guess kid contestants’ unique talents and skills. Prior to “Figure It Out” Sutphen hosted all 3 seasons (120 episodes) on Nickelodeon’s hit Daytime Emmy nominated game show “BrainSurge” (“Family BrainSurge”), for which he was also a producer. He most recently hosted the ABC summer game show “101 Ways to Leave a Game Show” from the producers of “Wipeout.”

For one night, these incredibly talented comedians descend on Santa Clarita to raise awareness, raise money and make people laugh, all to benefit the SCV Youth Project. “Whatever I can do to help.” Comedian Billy Gardell said. “Last year’s event was such a success, that we decided to do it again. The response has been overwhelming” Executive Director, Kim Goldman stated when asked about how this event came about. “In tough economic times, we need all the help we can get in order to continue to provide free services to teens; this event is going to be amazing for so many reasons.” Goldman said. Kim Goldman, the sister of murder victim Ron Goldman from the infamous OJ Simpson trial, is a nationally recognized victim advocate and has been running the Youth Project since 2005.

The Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project is celebrating 13years of successfully providing free services to teens in the Santa Clarita Valley. Since their doors opened in 2000, the Youth Project has assisted more than 34,000 local families, including 29,000 youth and 5,500 adults. In 2012/2013, with services on six high schools and seven junior high campuses, the SCV Youth Project provided more than 8000 hours of service to the young adults in the Santa Clarita Valley with serious life challenges, including depression, suicide, grief/loss, peer pressure, bullying and drug/alcohol abuse, said Kim Goldman, executive director.

“The generosity of the comics is amazing. Someone once said, “At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities”; we hope people learn about our program and want to get involved.” Board President, Jerry Citarella said.

ABOUT THE SCV YOUTH PROJECT

The SCV Youth Project helps kids facing such serious issues as drug/alcohol abuse, anger, family issues, peer pressure, grief/loss, suicide, depression, bullying, teen pregnancy, etc. The Youth Project offers free, bilingual, one-to-one or group counseling, education and outreach and crisis intervention. For more information, about the SCV Youth Project, visit www.HelpNotHassle.org.