It wasn’t just the temperature that was hot Tuesday night in the Santa Clarita Valley.

The comedians working the room at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center were on fire as well.

An audience of more than 500 supporters of the SCV Youth Project gave a standing ovation to comedian Jay Leno who gave up a rare day off to volunteer his time to benefit the local nonprofit.

“I do a lot of these kind of benefit shows,” said Leno. “They asked me and I’m not doing anything tonight. Also, it’s fun.”

Leno graciously worked the crowd at the VIP pre-event party which brought in more than 100 guests.

He posed for photos, shook hands and engaged in small talk with fans.

“It’s great to be at an event like this where everybody is volunteering their time,” said Leno. “You come, you tell a few jokes, raise some money, it’s pretty simple.

“In this economy everybody’s hurting.”

Also appearing at the event was emcee Mark Eddie whose dead-on musical impressions were an audience favorite.

“I am honored to be part of this show for such an awesome cause,” said Eddie. “Everyone at the Youth Project are great people so we’ve really happy to help.”

SCV Youth Project Executive Director, Kim Goldman said she was grateful to everyone who made the evening a success.

“I appreciate everyone who bought tickets, the sponsors, the comedians, everyone who came together to support the SCV Youth Project,” said Goldman.

Goldman received a standing ovation when she stepped on stage at the beginning of the program to introduce Leno.

“Thank you for making me look good in front of my dad,’ she said. Her father, Fred Goldman, also stood to applaud his daughter.

In addition to Leno and Eddie comedians Alonzo Bodden, Tammy Pescatelli and John Heffron found a warm audience reception.

“I’m here to help the SCV Youth Project,” said Bodden, a former SCV resident. “You have to help charity.”

For more information about the SCV Youth Project visit www.helpnothassle.org.