Jack Williams Comic Relief Essay

Similarly, Williams used comedy and laughter to change the lives of many strangers. Williams teamed with two close friends and fellow comedians, Whoopi Goldberg and Billy Crystal, and cable network giant HBO to promote Comic Relief. Comic Relief was a charitable organization established in 1986 for the purposes of raising money and awareness for America’s homeless crisis. This was an organization that was near and dear to Williams's heart. This national platform provided Williams, together with other high profile entertainers, an outlet through which to express his concerns about societal stigmas and the realities of those suffering from the results. Williams had an uncanny ability to use his extraordinary skills of comedy to make others laugh
Robin was a resilient performer and was always determined to accomplish the impossible (O’Connor). Williams felt fortunate about his affluent upbringing and believed it was his obligation to give back to others who were not as blessed. To a large extent due to Williams's involvement, Comic Relief raised over 80 million dollars that was donated to several charitable foundations supporting the fight against homelessness in America. However, his tireless work for Comic Relief was not enough for Williams. He knew that drastic measures were needed in order to make the future less fraught with the threats of homelessness in America. In an effort to put an end to homelessness by providing affordable housing for the homeless, Williams proceeded to testify before Congress about the crisis. As Williams stated, “The important debate isn’t about how many people are homeless, but rather, how to help those who are. We must provide comprehensive social services in order to help homeless people live dignified, productive lives” (qtd. in Goldberg). His goal was not limited to raising money for the homeless, but also boosting awareness for the public. Despite the ongoing epidemic in the United States, Robin was successful in his