Wolfberg to Appear in Irvine : Benefit: The comedian will help raise money for the nonprofit Wellness Community of Orange County.

Dennis Wolfberg, winner of the 1990 American Comedy Award for best male stand-up comic, returns Monday to the Irvine Improv to raise money for the Wellness Community of Orange County.

Last year’s inaugural benefit, for which the bug-eyed, sputtering comedian handled emcee duties, raised $28,000 for the nonprofit group.

The Wellness Community, which offers support services for cancer patients, opened a Santa Ana facility in August that serves 650 to 700 people a month.

It was through a high-school friend who later developed cancer that Wolfberg became involved with the Wellness Community. The Santa Monica-based organization was founded in 1982 and later championed by Gilda Radner during her fatal bout with cancer.

Wolfberg’s friend, Ron Hoffman, was trying to get an Orange County chapter started, and Wolfberg offered his services for a benefit. The comic made good on his offer even after Hoffman died in 1988.

“Ronnie was just a good buddy,” Wolfberg said last year. “I can only imagine the sense of comfort that a group like (the Wellness Community) can offer.”

Tickets for the event are $100, including dinner. Tables can be reserved for $500, which includes an invitation to a post-performance party with the comics. This year’s lineup includes comics Paul Reiser and Michael Hampton Caine.

Dennis Wolfberg, Paul Reiser and Michael Hampton Caine will perform Monday at the Irvine Improv, 4255 Campus Drive. The event begins at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $100, including dinner.Information: (714) 258-1210.