Madison Family to Host Comedy Fundraiser, Sept. 26

By jaime conroy

On Saturday, September 26, the Conroy Family of Madison will present the 3rd Annual Laugh Out Loud: Comedy for a Cause fundraiser to benefit the Greater Morris Area Walk Now for Autism Speaks.

The Conroys’ son, Jackson, who is ten years old, was diagnosed with autism when he was three. Now entering fifth grade, he has grown and matured into a beloved student at school, in the community, and even on his Madison Dodgers football team.

In 2012, Jaime Conroy joined the planning committee for the inaugural Greater Morris Area Walk Now for Autism Speaks. It served as an opportunity to get to know other parents in the area who lived with autism. It also gave her family the opportunity to help others affected by autism, who may not have the resources to get their loved one the help they need, by raising money and awareness.

That first year, The J Team, named after their son, raised over $5,000 for Autism Speaks. This was mostly done through solicitation, along with a few, small fundraisers.

In 2013, they decided to set their sights higher and thought of creative ways they could fundraise. They came up with the idea of producing a comedy night. With the help and generosity of friends in the comedy business, they were able to secure a line up of extremely talented people, all willing to donate their time and talents to the cause.

That year, the event brought in 100 people and raised about $3,500. Last year, the event had to be moved to a bigger space to accommodate the buzz surrounding the event. Over 200 people were in attendance and raised over $6,500 for Autism Speaks. By the end of last year, through other fundraisers and more kindness from local friends, the Conroys raised over $12,000.

Other ways the Conroys have fundraised are by holding Stella & Dot jewelry parties where the salesperson donated half of her commission to the cause. Also, a Puzzle Piece campaign at Tons of Toys during Autism Awareness Month for the last few years when Madison participates in the Autism Speaks “Light it Up Blue” campaign. They have held bar nights, and Dine to Donate events, as well.

In the last few years, they have discovered that many of their friends, with all different talents, want to help. Kings Road Band performed last year and donated all of the cover charge from their show to The J Team. This year, JoopaShoots Photography from New York City, offered to come out and do family portrait sessions and donated the session fees and a portion of the package prices to The J Team as well.

One of the best events for The J Team was one that they didn’t even create themselves. Michael Watson, an art teacher in the Madison Public School system, offered to host a “Blue” themed art show, with art work by Madison elementary school students. Jaime and Michael worked with Whole Foods Market Madison to host the art show, and provide refreshments, while community members could browse the student art work. Once again, the kindness of the community was unbelievable.

When planning Laugh Out Loud this year, the Conroys knew that they needed a bigger venue to accommodate the many folks who have either seen the show and plan on returning, or people who have heard about the event the last two years and want to be there this year.

“The response to Laugh Out Loud last year really showed us how popular this event has become. We were maxed out space-wise, with over 200 people in attendance. Moving the evening to Grace Church Hall this year allows us the opportunity to seat over 300 people for Laugh Out Loud, along with the added benefit of having the beautiful outdoor terrace area for our cocktail hour. Our goal is to raise $10,000 on September 26 and I know we can reach it. The love, the kindness and the generosity of our community is overwhelming ”, Jaime Conroy explains.

The comedy line up is stellar once again this year. The night will begin with Madison resident, and Jackson’s dad, Jim Conroy as host. Next up will be the best opening act in Madison: Karen Krents. Karen performs all over New York City, and is co-producer of Madison Comedy Night at Rocco’s. Newcomer to the event this year is Rob Paravonian. Rob is a comedian and musician whose clever lyrics and catchy songwriting have created fans across the globe. Rob has been described as “honest and compelling” as well as “melodic, playful and with a keen ear.” He opened for George Carlin on his final tour, and his Pachelbel Rant has over 12 million views. His videos have been featured everywhere from The Onion A.V. Club to the Wall Street Journal.

Headlining this year will be Eric Kirchberger who has been seen on Comedy Central, HBO Comedy and in clubs throughout New York. He has appeared in the movie LUCKY with Jeffrey Tambor, the film WILD GIRLS GONE with Amy Poehler, and that commercial where he slaps the hurt football player on the knee. Rumor has it he’s the voice of the Orange M&M. Eric has been involved in this event every year, and has become quite the crowd favorite. When asked why he continues to be involved in this event, Eric explained, “A man came through the train today asking for money to help send his son to a specialized school for autistic kids. He shouldn’t have to do that. No family should have to do that. I have known many wonderful people who are autistic or who have autistic family members. These are beautiful and unique human beings who face extraordinary challenges, and I feel strongly that it is our duty to help them to live their lives to their fullest potential. I am honored and grateful to Jaime and Jim for the opportunity to do my small part to help.”.

Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, grandparents of a child with autism. Their longtime friend Bernie Marcus donated $25 million to help financially launch the organization. Since then, Autism Speaks has grown into the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, and treatments for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.

The Greater Morris Area Walk will occur on Saturday, October 17 at Giralda Farms. For more information about the Walk, or to register a team, visit http://www.walknowforautismspeaks.org.

Laugh Out Loud will begin at 7 pm at Grace Church Hall at 4 Madison Avenue in Madison. Tickets are $75 which includes a cocktail hour featuring delicious barbecue donated by Daddy Matty’s BBQ, a martini bar, a whiskey tasting, and a tequila tasting generously donated by Main Street Wine Cellars, and, of course, the show. There will be wine, beer and soft drinks served as well. There will be a silent auction this year for the first time with items from John Varvatos, Tory Burch and other top name brands. If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction, or to make reservations, email jbconroy@me.com. Payment of cash or check will be collected at the door, on the night of the event.