Red Nose Day 2013: What Is It? Watch School Do The Harlem Shake For Charity [VIDEO]

"Do something funny for money." That's the motto of the British charity Comic Relief that celebrated their main event, Red Nose Day, Friday.

Launched in 1988, Red Nose Day is the biggest fundraising initiative in the United Kingdom. The day is treated as a semi-holiday, and many schools spend the day hosting festivals or participating in other acts to raise money for several social initiatives -- like the school in Chesterfield, who raised 500 pounds, or $750 -- by doing the world-famous Harlem Shake. Students are encouraged to change their uniforms for something red. Businesses and official institutions often join the cause, asking their employees to purchase a red nose and wear it throughout the day.

Many celebrities take part in it, donning a clown red nose and visiting hospitals, orphanages and soup kitchens all over the country -- past participants include Rowan Atkinson, Bono and the Spice Girls. The day culminates with a TV marathon on BBC One, which features music shows and stand-up comedy among other money-raising events. The money is sent to NGOs in more than 27 countries, including South Africa, Pakistan and Brazil.

BBC's show for 2013, which marks the 25th anniversary of Red Nose Day, will be hosted by Katy Perry's former flame Russell Brand. It will include, among others, a comedy skit by Rowan Atkinson -- the man behind "Mr. Bean" -- and performances by One Direction and Birdy. BBC Radio Scotland got an early start, by sending a Red Nose to space on Friday morning.

So how can non-UK residents get involved? Red Nose Day is celebrated all over the globe, including the U.S.

Red Nose Day is irregularly held in America, but it has managed to raise around $50 million towards providing health care services to the homeless. In 2006, the event was dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Katrina. HBO usually broadcasts it, and in the past it has been host by Robin Williams, Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg.

Want to get involved? Check out U.S. Comic Relief to find out what is going on near you.