Fritz Coleman Does Stand Up for CV's Red Cross Chapter

Fritz Coleman, L.A.’s popular KNBC weatherman and stand-up comic, kept a packed house in stitches at Pasadena’s Ice House Comedy Club over the weekend. He volunteered his time at the "FUN-Raiser" for the Glendale-Crescenta Valley (G-CV) Chapter of the American Red Cross on Aug. 20.

The legendary club, tucked away in an alley, thundered with applause as Coleman sprinted onstage, saluted the crowd, and called out, “How are you?”

Coleman kept the “slice of life” comedy coming at a fast clip. He traversed a wide humorous terrain, stretching from L.A. all the way to Florida. From the irony of being a weather-caster in a city with “no weather” to hilarious vignettes on aging and the “Metamucil migration” to the sunshine state of Florida. Gusts of laughter prevailed all along the way from the delighted audience.

Norm Gingrich, who came with his wife said, “Fritz definitely made us laugh. I thought he was very spontaneous, and I could identify with his subject matter, especially the age jokes."

Brandon Bell, an Ice House manager, agreed: “Fritz is one of the best. He’s one of the humblest guys I’ve worked with in the comedy industry.  He’s very funny and it’s a good thing he does to take time out of his schedule to raise money for good causes.”

Coleman’s relationship with the G-CV Red Cross began years ago after the “college fire” destroyed so many homes close to Coleman’s former home in Royal Canyon. “My family and I were so appreciative of the job the firefighters did that I wanted to see if there was something I could do to repay them in the form of a comedy benefit night,” Coleman said.

Former mayor Larry Zarian encouraged Coleman to help the local Red Cross, since they provide support to firefighters. Coleman emceed his first “Fritz Coleman Comedy Night” at the Glendale Centre Theatre in 1991. It was a night of 1,000 laughs.

Ron Farina, executive officer of the G-CV Red Cross, said “We’re very fortunate to have Fritz Coleman as a friend and supporter. November 6, 2011 will mark the 20th anniversary of the Fritz Coleman Comedy Night benefitting our chapter. The community has grown to love this event over the years. Everyone looks forward to the show and the talented comics that Fritz lines up are fabulous.”

Funds raised by Coleman are used by the Red Cross to help communities prepare for and respond to disasters. Farina says, “We have positioned additional shelter supplies, like cots and blankets, in the Montrose area and Montrose’s Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and La Crescenta’s First Baptist Church have agreed to be evacuation sites, if needed. Our first aid and CPR classes are offered regularly at Montrose’s .”

Coleman loves all the little shops on Honolulu Avenue in Montrose. His two older sons started their lives in Glendale and he has great memories of Calvary Christian School and Little League at Scholl Canyon.

Coleman says, “The Ice House FUN-Raisers are the idea of owner Bob Fisher. He understands the importance of community outreach. Fisher gives a portion of the proceeds from the Saturday 6 p.m. show to a different non-profit every week.” Coleman donates all his performances at the FUN-Raisers.

Coleman devotes much of his free time to entertaining at charitable activities for many local service and civic organizations; . His goodwill and humble, down-to-earth manner make others want to help out, as well.  Coleman makes it easy for people to open both their hearts and wallets to help out a good cause, all while enjoying a good long laugh.