Jokes with a social conscience--at least that's the aim of Comedy Night, when several performers will take the stage at Sanders Theater tonight to raise money for Harvard social service groups.

On Thin Ice, a Harvard improvisational comedy troupe, and Boston comedian Don Gavin will appear tonight in a charity benefit show for Phillips Brooks House (PBH) and the Freshmen Urban Program (FUP).

The show, sponsored by The Lampoon, is expected to draw more than 1000 people, said John H. Lawrence '90, the show's organizer. He said Comedy Night will include two shows, one at 8 p.m. and another at 10 p.m.

Comedy Night has been held twice before, once last spring and once last fall, each time netting $5,000 dollars for PBH, Lawrence said.

"We see ourselves as doers of good deeds and this was a good deed to do," said Lampoon President Jonathan D. Fernandez '89, of the oft-unpublished humor magazine's involvement with the project.

For the first time, the proceeds from tonight's show will be divided evenly between FUP and PBH. In the past, PBH was the recipient of all the Comedy Night earnings, but Lawrence said that he decided FUP should also receive financial support.

"The Freshman Urban Program really needs the money and they really deserve it," Lawrence said. He added that the money will probably be used to buy supplies for the program, in which freshmen arrive at Harvard a week early to work without pay on different renovation sites around Boston.

Adam R. Barr '88, a member of On Thin Ice, said that it was important for Harvard groups to get involved in charity functions. "I think it's imperative," he said.

"I think it's a great thing for Harvard to reach beyond its borders and help the community in the way CityStep goes into the school system," said Daniel L. Hurwitz '88, another member of On Thin Ice.

"It's a sin if a program is in need of funds and can't get them," Lawrence said. "The show will make a few thousand dollars and it helps their budget."