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Comics Come Home event celebrates 20th anniversary.

Colette Greenstein
Colette Greenstein has been a contributing arts & entertainment writer for the Banner since 2009. VIEW BIO
Comics Come Home event celebrates 20th anniversary.
Jimmy Fallon performing at a previous Comics Comic Home

Cam Neely and comedian Lenny Clarke

Billed as “the longest running comedy benefit in America,” Comics Come Home has been raising money through laughter for The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care for 20 years. Denis Leary, who has hosted the annual fundraiser since its inception in 1994, returns as host on Saturday at the TD Garden, with an all-star comedy line-up featuring Jimmy Fallon, Bill Burr, Lenny Clarke, Jim Gaffigan, Craig Ferguson, Robert Kelly, Marc Maron, Tony V. and Joe Yannetty.

The annual fundraiser will benefit The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care, with a portion of this year’s proceeds going towards the $1.5 million renovation of The Marlene Neely Endoscopy Suite at Tufts Medical Center. Since its first year, Comics Come Home has grossed approximately $6 million to help cancer patients and their families during treatments.

Cam Neely, a former player with the Boston Bruins and the current president of the team, founded The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care in 1995 in memory of his parents Marlene and Michael Neely, who passed away from cancer. The Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care was created to provide temporary shelter, along with comfort and support, to help cancer patients and their families during treatments. The Foundation has raised more than $27 million to sustain The Neely House since its inception.

In a recent e-mail interview with the Banner, Neely touched upon the goals of the Foundation, what he hopes to pass on to his children, and Comics Come Home.

In 1995, you began the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer in memory of your parents. What did you hope to accomplish when you established the Foundation?

Cam Neely: I was looking to provide comfort, support and hope to cancer patients and their families in the way of a “house” while their loved one was undergoing treatment and needed a place to stay in Boston. Then the foundation grew from there.

How have your goals for the Foundation evolved over the years?

CN: The goals of the Foundation have not really changed over the years. We are about helping cancer patients and their families today, meaning all the spaces or programs we have completed are for the benefit of what help they can use today to either improve their day to day lives or help with treatment.

You recently created the Marlene Neely Endoscopy Suite at Tufts Medical Center. How did that come about and what is next for the Foundation?

CN: As the foundation continued to raise money I wanted to do something that could help people with the types of cancer my parents had. The first project was The Michael Neely Center for Brain Tumor Care and Research. Once we were able to raise the funds for this space the next logical project was the Marlene Neely Endoscopy Suite at Tufts Medical Center.

What do you hope to pass on to your children about this work that you’re committed to?

CN: I hope to pass on to them the values of giving back. It is important to both me and my wife, Paulina that we give back. As they say, “the best gift is giving.” I have always said whether it is a dime or your time giving helps those in need.

When you began Comics Come Home did you envision that you would make it to year 20?

CN: No chance could I say 20 years later we would be still doing the show. It says a great deal about Denis’ commitment to doing the show as well as how good the show has been for people to continue to come and watch and support my foundation.

How did Denis Leary become involved and why do you think comics like Jimmy Fallon, Bill Burr, Jim Gaffigan, keep returning year after year?

CN: I have always been a big fan of comedy and in my early years in Boston went to a lot of comedy shows. I saw Lenny Clarke a ton and was introduced to Denis and eventually asked if he would do a comedy show to benefit my foundation, and he turned it into Comics Come Home. We are very fortunate to have had all these great comedians over the years and, like you said, most have been returning year after year. I can’t speak for them, but I think most people have been touched by cancer in one way, shape or form, and they appreciate what we are doing to help cancer patients and families as well as being able to do their stand up in front of great crowds that appreciate live comedy. We started out at The Orpheum, demand led us to The Agganis, now we are at TD Garden. So my guess is they love doing their craft in front of large audiences.

Any surprises for this year’s Comics Come Home?

CN: There always is.

Comics Come Home XX takes place at 8 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 8 at TD Garden. Tickets: $35.25, $65.95, $96.60, and $168.20; www.ticketmaster.com.