Event at Stand Up NY Supports Disability Art on September 20
New York, N.Y. – On Saturday, September 20, 2025, Stand Up NY at Bond 45 will host a vibrant evening of laughter and inspiration, benefiting the Bold Beauty Project, a nonprofit dedicated to celebrating women with disabilities through powerful photography exhibitions.
This first-of-its-kind comedy benefit, starting at 9:00 p.m., promises an unforgettable night of humor while advancing the mission of transforming perceptions of disability into beauty, art, and social change. With tickets starting at US$25, the event at 221 West 46th Street, New York City, aims to draw a diverse crowd to support this meaningful cause.
Night of Laughter for Transformative Cause
The Bold Beauty Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been redefining societal perceptions since its inception, using art as a catalyst for change.
Founded to highlight the strength and beauty of women with disabilities, the organization curates large-scale photography exhibitions paired with personal narratives that resonate globally.
The September 20 comedy benefit at Stand Up NY marks a new chapter in their fundraising efforts, blending entertainment with advocacy to amplify their mission.
“Art has the power to shift perspectives, and comedy can open hearts,” said Jim Luce, a key supporter through the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation.
“This event is a celebration of resilience and creativity, showcasing how disability becomes beauty, becomes art, becomes change.”
The J. Luce Foundation has long championed initiatives that promote inclusion, making this benefit a natural fit for their mission.
The event, hosted at Bond 45, a renowned venue in the heart of New York’s Theater District, will feature a lineup of talented comedians, though specific performers have yet to be announced.
The intimate setting, with a capacity of approximately 200 seats, ensures an engaging experience for attendees, combining the energy of live comedy with the warmth of a community-driven cause.
The Bold Beauty Project’s Vision
Since its founding, the Bold Beauty Project has created exhibitions across the U.S., including notable shows in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington, D.C. Their work emphasizes the intersection of disability and beauty, challenging stereotypes through striking visual storytelling. By pairing award-winning photography with personal stories, the project creates vivid portraits that celebrate the diversity and strength of women with disabilities.
The organization’s reach extends beyond exhibitions. Since 2020, their Bold Beauty in Action program has worked to reduce social isolation by fostering virtual connections among women with disabilities nationwide. Monthly meetings, held on the second Tuesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., feature guest speakers, discussions, and support group-style sessions. These initiatives align with the organization’s broader goal of building community and empowering participants.
The comedy benefit will directly support these programs, funding future exhibitions and community-building efforts. According to Shelly Baer, the project’s founder, every dollar raised helps expand their reach, bringing their message to new audiences and creating opportunities for women to share their stories.
A Community Effort
The event is organized by a dedicated committee, including Eva Ritvo, Patrice Samara, Nicholas Bielamowicz, Emily Goodson, Jim Luce, Kelly Mahoney, Lisa Nalven, Perri Neri, Gigi Nestor, Joy Pearl Peloso, Susi Raphael, Juliet Romeo, and Andrea Wenrich. Their collective efforts reflect a shared commitment to advancing the Bold Beauty Project’s mission.
“Bringing together comedy and philanthropy is a unique way to engage the community,” said Dr. Eva Ritvo, a committee member and prominent advocate for social causes. “This event not only raises funds but also sparks conversations about inclusion and representation.” The committee’s diverse backgrounds, spanning art, philanthropy, and advocacy, ensure a well-rounded approach to promoting the event and its goals.
The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, a key supporter, has a history of backing initiatives that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on reducing inequalities. Their involvement underscores the event’s significance as a platform for social change, with proceeds directly benefiting the Bold Beauty Project’s ongoing work.
Why Comedy Matters
Comedy as a medium has a unique ability to break down barriers and foster connection. By hosting the benefit at Stand Up NY, a staple of New York’s comedy scene since 1986, the Bold Beauty Project taps into the city’s vibrant entertainment culture. The venue, located at Bond 45, is just steps from Times Square, making it an accessible and iconic spot for both locals and tourists.
The choice of comedy aligns with the project’s ethos of challenging norms with creativity. “Laughter disarms us, makes us think, and brings us together,” said Patrice Samara, a senior committee member. “It’s the perfect way to draw attention to the Bold Beauty Project and its mission.” The event’s 9:00 p.m. start time ensures a lively, late-night atmosphere, with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. to accommodate guests.
Tickets, starting at US$25 (approximately €22.50), are designed to be accessible, encouraging a broad audience to participate. The event’s pricing reflects a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that supporters of all backgrounds can contribute to the cause. Organizers expect a full house, with ticket sales already gaining momentum through the Bold Beauty Project’s website and social media channels.
Looking Ahead
The September 20 benefit is just one part of the Bold Beauty Project’s ambitious plans for 2025. Upcoming initiatives include new exhibitions, expanded virtual programming, and partnerships with organizations like the Rotary Club Coconut Grove, which will host a fundraiser later in the year. The project’s past collaborations, including events at Yale University, UCLA, and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities, highlight its growing influence in academic and advocacy circles.
For attendees, the comedy benefit offers more than just entertainment—it’s a chance to be part of a movement. “This is about more than a single night,” said Jim Luce. “It’s about building a world where everyone’s story is seen and valued.” By blending humor with purpose, the Bold Beauty Project and Stand Up NY are creating a powerful platform for change.
As the event approaches, the committee encourages early ticket purchases through www.boldbeautyproject.com. With limited seating at Bond 45, demand is expected to be high. For those unable to attend, donations to the Bold Beauty Project can be made directly through their website, ensuring that the mission continues to thrive.
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Tags: Bold Beauty Project, Stand Up NY, comedy benefit, disability art, New York City
Summary
On September 20, 2025, Stand Up NY hosts a comedy benefit at Bond 45 for the Bold Beauty Project, celebrating women with disabilities through art. Starting at 9:00 p.m., tickets begin at US$25. The event, backed by the James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation, features top comedians and supports a mission to foster inclusion and challenge societal norms through stunning photography exhibitions.
