WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Friday, January 18, at 8 p.m., “The Stand Up To Depression” charity comedy show will take place at West Hollywood’s The Comedy Store in honor and support of the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation.

The Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to combating teen suicide and promoting a candid dialogue about mental health.

Comic Raj Sharma, a Dallas-Texas native, who is an original member of The Gurus of Comedy, Pundits with Punchlines, and The United Colors of Comedy, is set to host the comedy show.

Canyon News reached out to Claire Armstrong from Jane Owen’s Public Relations, a company that works with the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation, to gain more insight about the charity event.

Armstrong stated that “Truth Be Told’s” Tone Bell and “MadTV’s” Johnny Sanchez will perform with “Undateable’s” Brent Morin tentatively scheduled.

Comedian Greg Berehdnt, who co-wrote the self help book “He’s Just Not That Into You,” as well as several episodes of “Sex and the City” will not only perform, but will also be honored on the night of the event. Openly voicing his own battle with depression, Greg will be presented with a “Matt’s Hero” award.

Armstrong also mentioned via e-mail that “special guests will be subject to availability, but we are looking at Hunter Perot, Chris D’Elia, PJ Walsh, Dustin Ybarra and Bryan Callen.”

The event will feature a VIP reception that will start at 7 p.m. with a red carpet entrance. In addition to the over 90 minute show, a pledge drive will take place before the final comic, and items will also be available for a silent auction throughout the event.

Armstrong informed Canyon News that the response to the event has been overwhelming with a 300 person capacity and hopes to turn it into “at least an annual event -bigger and better each year.”

“The comics have all donated their time and talent, so we have arranged for really awesome gift baskets to be presented to them,” said Armstrong.

General admission tickets are available for $30.00 and VIP tickets for $100.00. All proceeds raised will directly benefit the Matthew Silverman Memorial Foundation. To purchase tickets go to: http://www.mattsfoundation.org/stand-up-depression/