In March 2005, JWA held its first New York gala—So Laugh a Little: An Evening of Jewish Women's Comedy Honoring Barbara Dobkin. The Founding Chair of the Jewish Women’s Archive, Barbara Dobkin has broken new ground in both Jewish and secular philanthropy. She is known for her cheeky sense of humor, so it made sense to honor her, and her contributions to JWA, with a night of comedy.

So Laugh a Little was held at the Copacabana in New York City. Each guest received a Barbara Dobkin mask and a pink feather boa. The event laid the foundation for JWA’s acclaimed documentary film about Jewish women in comedy, Making Trouble.