Seinfeld Carnegie Haul: $1.8 Million

By Stephen M. Silverman

10/10/2001 at 02:28 PM EDT

Jerry Seinfeld managed quite a financial haul at Carnegie Hall Monday night: $1,859,400, reports the New York Post. The money is to go to Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's Twin Towers Fund, to benefit families of firefighters, police and other rescue workers who died or were seriously injured in the World Trade Center disaster. "I'm overwhelmed by the amount of support," said Seinfeld, who headlined and organized the "Stand-Up for New York" comedy gala. The evening also starred Bill Cosby, Chris Rock, Alan King, Colin Quinn, Will Ferrell and George Wallace. Seinfeld's wife, Jessica, is planning to work with the mayor's committee in dispensing the monies, said a spokesperson for the comic. (So far, the Twin Towers Fund has accumulated $78 million.) Giuliani even participated in the show. In fact, he opened it. "I'm here to give you permission to laugh," he told the nearly sold-out crowd. Adding a very much-needed Giuliani touch, the politician said, "And if you don't, I'll have you arrested." (He was joking, of course.) The three-hour concert provided some varied takes on what's humorous right now. King and Cosby, avuncular as ever, were very old school in their comic content, while Rock cut right to the chase. He disparaged rebuilding the World Trade Center. "I'm not working there," he declared. "They better build it down this time." He suggested "the World Trade Tunnel." Seinfeld came out last, and dwelt upon absurd domestic issues. His only reference to the unpleasantness of late had to do with his wrath at the terrorists.