Stars like Tom Hanks, Betty White, David Spade, Maya Rudolph, Cedric the Entertainer, George Clooney, Jason Alexander, Zack Galifianakis, Drew Carey and the Geico gecko (to name just a few) crowded onto a single set to answer phones for Comedy Central’s Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education -- and they were just the in-between act. The cable network outdid itself on Thursday night, interspersing live phone segments with the pre-recorded, gala event held weeks ago in New York City.

Highlights from the pre-recorded theater event include the tuneful moment that reunited event host Jon Stewart with former Daily Show contributors Stephen Colbert and Steven Carrell. The latter two delivered a rousing song written for 2008 about Captain Sullenberger. The “Chocolate Rain” YouTube sensation made an appearance, and the song was so good even Jon Stewart was compelled to join in mid-chorus.

Later in the event, Chris Rock delighted the crowd by auctioning off the opportunity for him to call and curse out an ex-lover. Desiree became the lucky $20,000 winner. The audience went wild as Rock gave her ex, Jeff,  a very raunchy dressing-down.

David Letterman starred in a fantastic bit where he shoved four more Emmys at Stewart, counting them off to give the host an even dozen, crying “there! Now, get out of the business.” The Daily Show has won a total of 20 Emmy awards -- 8 consecutively in the Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series category.

Jason Alexander presented some signed items from stars of the event, including a canned ham signed by David Letterman, a Sarah Silverman Legends of Autism award signed by the comedienne and a copy of Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue” signed “I didn’t write this. [Heart] Tina Fey.” Stephen Colbert contributed a signed Declaration of Independence. Jimmy Kimmel offered a bobblehead doll signed by a whole host of celebrities who recently visited his late-night show. All items are currently available on eBay, with proceeds going to charity.

Fashion design Tommy Hilfiger and Microsoft’s Bing were big contributors, each offering up a check for $100,000. Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan helped wind the event down with Simon and Garfunkel’s “Are You Going to Scarborough Fair.” To the delight of the crowd, Paul Simon himself appeared on stage. Together, the trio eventually broke out into Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice.”

Every bit of the event was funny, every celebrity was charming and everything combined to give us two hours of really great TV. So far, the event has raised more than $3 million to aid autism research and education. Comedy Central is still accepting donations.