On September 10, 2024, Rhonda’s Kiss, a nonprofit supporting cancer patients, hosted its third annual fundraising event, Kiss for Comedy. The event took place at the Civilian Hotel in New York during New York Fashion Week. Celebrities, comedians, and philanthropists gathered at the stylish Rosevale Cocktail Room for the occasion.
Laughter and heart filled the night as headliner Mike Young curated a lineup of stellar comedy acts. His selection added to the vibrant atmosphere, making the evening even more memorable.
Comedian and actor Michael Rapaport made a surprise appearance, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Following that, American Idol finalist Sam Woolf wowed the audience with a standout musical performance. The laughter continued with Jamie Wolf’s comedy set, hosted by the dynamic Chanel Omari, comedian and I Heart Radio host of Chanel in the City.
Mike Young with American Idol finalist Sam Woolf
Chanel Omari, the dynamic comedian and I Heart Radio host of Chanel in the City
Jamie Wolf
Danny A. Abeckaser, a renowned director, actor, and producer, presented Kiss for Comedy in collaboration with Rhonda’s Kiss Executive Director Kyle Stefanski, Executive Chairman Marc Stefanski, and Rabbi Heshy Augenbaum. The event provided entertainment while raising awareness and funds for the Maimonides Cancer Center Patient Care Program in Brooklyn. This crucial initiative helps cancer patients cover non-medical expenses that insurance often overlooks.
Danny A. Abeckaser
Guests at the event included notable figures from the entertainment industry and beyond. Comedian Sienna Hubert-Ross, Darren Weiss, and actors Lorenzo Antonucci and Eyal Baumel were present. Additionally, models Maryam Zolghadr, Berit Adelaide, and Maya Litovsky added to the evening’s stylish atmosphere.
Mike Young with DJ Stevie Guttman
Group Shot Kiss for Comedy- Ali, Danny, Michael, Mike, Chanel, Sienna, and Kyle
Kyle Stefanski with Lorenzo Antonucci
Maryam Zohl
Darren Weiss
Sergio Farias, Ali Lasky, and Chanel Omari
Special honoree Brianna Calin, a cancer survivor, and honored chair Eli Weiss received recognition for their resilience and dedication. Their contributions were celebrated throughout the event.
Eustace Montgomery Hicks,Brianna Calin, Rabi Heshy Augenbaum, and Kyle Stefanski
Eli Weiss and Wife
A highlight of the evening was the live and silent auction, featuring exclusive experiences and unique items. These included a Napa Valley Winery getaway, dinner reservations at top spots like TAO and Ambra, and a custom painting by actor Emile Hirsch, a longtime supporter of Rhonda’s Kiss. The auction successfully raised substantial funds, directly benefiting patients at Maimonides Cancer Center.
Rhonda’s Kiss was founded in memory of Rhonda Stefanski, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2014. Since then, the organization has donated over $2 million to cancer patients across the country. It helps cover essential non-medical needs like rent, utilities, and transportation, reducing financial stress so patients can focus on their recovery. In addition, Rhonda’s Kiss partners with Maimonides Cancer Center, Brooklyn’s first accredited cancer center. Together, they provide outreach, navigation, and patient services to further assist those in need.
Michael Rapaport, Mike Young,and Kyle Stefanski
Kyle Stefanski, Rhonda’s son and the charity’s Executive Director, highlighted their mission: “At Rhonda’s Kiss my father, brothers and sisters and I, along with our board and partners are reminded every day that people struggling with cancer need support to maintain their dignity and fight. We are blessed to have the assistance of our national partners such as Maimonides and supporters to continue to build a legacy of helping others fight this terrible disease through the memory of my mother.”
Kyle Stefanski-Rhonda’s Kiss Executive Director
