'Cause You Need a Laugh 2!' Comedy Night Fundraiser In Bridgeport

Information from Nourish Bridgeport:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — It’s back. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, features music, magic, comedy…and pizza. Proceeds go toward helping provide food to people in need.

“I was so happy, I cried,” explained organizer Laurie Newkirk in talking about last year's fundraising event honoring her beloved Aunt Kelly, who had recently passed away. Kelly Barrett was a long-time volunteer for Bridgeport’s food bank/kitchen. Nourish Bridgeport provides over 75,000 families each year with “groceries from their Food Pantry, hot meals from their Soup Kitchen and hope from their Hearts.”

“Not only did the event last year sell out, it was so successful and fun we were asked to do it again!” The event -- “Cause You Need a Laugh 2” -- features a stand-up comedy show (clean PG-16), music, magic, raffles…and pizza by Goodfellas Pizzeria…as well as salad grown by Nourish Bridgeport’s own hydroponic farm. All the proceeds go to benefit Nourish Bridgeport.

The event will be held on Saturday, September 21, at the Nourish Bridgeport Center, located in the auditorium of the United Congregational Church. Doors open at 6 p.m. for food and music, and the comedy show begins at 7 p.m. All-inclusive $30 tickets are available at http://NeedLaughter.eventbrite.com.

The show will be headlined by comedian Andy Pitz, who has performed on Late Night with David Letterman, Late Late Night with Craig Ferguson and is regularly on SIRIUS XM. The show also features Bill Santiago, who’s performed on Comedy Central and Conan, plus there’s Mat Orefice, a semi-finalist in Connecticut’s Funniest Comic competition, crowd favorite Magic Dwain, and Newkirk herself. “It’s an outstanding line-up of comedians! Doing a show like this to make people laugh for a great cause and to honor my Aunt fills my heart to the brim.”

Bridgeport is described as a food desert, with 1 in 4 people experiencing food insecurity. To combat this, Nourish Bridgeport not only has a food bank/kitchen but also has its own hydroponic farm that can consistently produce fresh lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and more. President, CEO and founder of Nourish Bridgeport, vivacious Reverend Sara Smith, shared, “Our farm will again provide the salad at the event. It’s gratifying to see people’s stunned faces as they taste the delicious salad. They get to experience first-hand what we can do to make a real difference and yet be sustainable.”

The non-profit hydroponic farm, the first of its kind in CT, is the brainchild of Reverend Sara, “I was tired of every day serving our neighbors in need potatoes and wilted lettuce. People need nutritious food. This was a way to provide it on an ongoing basis.” The farm is located indoors and can grow fruits and vegetables year-round. It uses only light, a minimal amount of water, and nutrients to consistently provide food in a sustainable way.

“It's heartwarming how many people are willing to help,” expressed Gina O’Connell, one of the event producers and the evening’s MC. “From Goodfellas Pizzeria to the Bridgeport Regional Business Council to those donating great raffle prizes like Nuova Pasta, we even received a brand-new Chrome Book to put in the raffle!”

A free raffle ticket will be given for each can of tuna or salmon, pasta sauce or box of non-sugar cereal brought by people attending the event.

And the word is spreading, O’Connell continued, “Agitili Health’s Hartford district heard about the event and is now focusing their company’s ‘Day of Caring’ on gathering hundreds of food items to donate to the food bank as part of the fundraiser.”

Research shows food, or a lack of food, can affect learning, the immune system, and neuroscience issues, including anxiety and depression.

“Every contribution is needed and appreciated,” shared Justine Rella, Nourish Bridgeport Board Member. “Helping a person/family reduce food insecurity makes a tremendous difference. Every donation, be it money, food items, or buying a ticket to this event, goes toward making a real impact on people’s lives.”

For more information, to buy a ticket or to donate, visit:
http://NeedLaughter.eventbrite.com

Event details: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 6:00-9:00 pm
Auditorium of the United Congregational Church, 2200 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT nourishbpt.org

$30 Tickets: http://NeedLaughter.eventbrite.com
Includes: Show, Goodfella’s pizza, salad, soda, coffee, and dessert.

— Flyer from Nourish Bridgeport