A night of incredible comedy.
A year of real impact.
On July 16, 2026, two of the country's funniest comedians, James Austin Johnson (SNL) and Maddie Wiener (The Tonight Show), headline the Pyrle Theater in downtown Greensboro. Every dollar raised goes directly to Held, providing guaranteed income to people in need across North Carolina.
Two headliners. One unforgettable night.
One of SNL's most beloved cast members, James is known nationwide for his uncanny impressions and sharp comedic instincts. He's become a weekly fixture on Weekend Update and a go-to for SNL's most talked-about cold opens.
A North Carolina native and a writer on Saturday Night Live, Maddie made her Tonight Show debut this past fall, has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival, filmed sets for Comedy Central, and opened for Dave Attell, Nikki Glaser, and Marc Maron. A rising voice in standup with one of the sharpest points of view in the game.
Cash, directly to neighbors who need it most.
Held is a Greensboro nonprofit that provides direct, guaranteed income to people in need across North Carolina. We partner with the organizations already doing the work: shelters, service agencies, and community programs whose staff know their participants by name. They refer people to Held that they believe cash would make a difference in their lives, and then we begin providing it to them. The money is theirs to use however they see fit. No applications. No hoops. No one telling families what to spend it on. And it changes lives. People find housing. Keep the lights on. Buy groceries. Catch their breath.
Since 2023, we've distributed over $600,000 this way to more than 100 households.
A private evening with James and Maddie.
Sponsors with pre-show reception passes are invited to a private pre-show event on the Pyrle's 3rd floor, not open to public ticket holders. Guests arrive to food and drinks and a photo with James and Maddie as they come in.
John Thornton (Executive Director of Held) hosts a 45-minute on-stage interview with James and Maddie about comedy, SNL, and life on the road, with a couple of quick audience questions at the end. Then it's downstairs to your reserved seats for the main show.
Five ways to put your name on a night that matters.
Every sponsorship includes reserved seats at the show, an exclusive merch package, a listing in the printed program, a photo with the comedians, and recognition across Held's channels. Most tiers also include access to the private pre-show event with James and Maddie.
- 10 reserved seats, front rows 1–2 (center)
- 10 pre-show reception passes
- Company name in the event title
- Drink package on the night
- 7 reserved seats, rows 1–3
- 7 pre-show reception passes
- Reserved front-section seating
- Drink package on the night
- 3 reserved seats
- 3 pre-show reception passes
- Drink package on the night
- Photo with the comedians
- 4 seats at a high-top table
- 4 pre-show reception passes
- Drink package on the night
- Photo with the comedians
- 2 seats at a high-top table
- 2 pre-show reception passes
- Drink package on the night
- Photo with the comedians
Full benefits comparison
| Benefit | Cornerstone$15K | Keystone$7.5K | Mantel$3.5K | Hearth$1.5K | Lantern$850 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reserved seats | 10 | 7 | 3 | 4 (table) | 2 (table) |
| Pre-show reception passes | 10 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Exclusive merch package | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Drink package on the night | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Photo with the comedians | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reserved front-section seating | ✓ | ✓ | — | — | — |
| Logo on venue digital display | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Social media feature (pre + post show) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Listed in printed program | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Name in event title | ✓ | — | — | — | — |
Let's talk. We'd love to have you on board.
Reach out to our Director of Development, Lamar Gibson, to reserve your level or ask about a custom package.