'Cause You Need a Laugh!' Fundraiser To Benefit Nourish Bridgeport

Information from Nourish Bridgeport:

BRIDGEPORT, CT — When Laurie Newkirk’s beloved Aunt Kelly passed away last January, the stand-up comedian started looking for a way to honor her in a meaningful way. The event “Cause You Need a Laugh!” — to benefit Nourish Bridgeport — has become just that.

Kelly Barrett was a long-time volunteer for Bridgeport’s food bank/kitchen. Nourish Bridgeport provides over 75,000 families a year with “groceries from their Food Pantry, hot meals from their Soup Kitchen and hope from their Hearts.”

The event on Saturday, September 16, held at the Nourish Bridgeport Center located in the auditorium of the United Congregational Church, features a stand-up comedy show (clean PG-16), music, magic, raffles…and pizza by Mancuso’s Ristorante & Bar…as well as salad grown by Nourish Bridgeport’s own hydroponic farm. All the proceeds go to benefit Nourish Bridgeport. Doors open at 6 pm for food and music, comedy show at 7 pm. The all-inclusive $25 tickets are available at http://NeedALaugh.eventbrite.com.

The show will be headlined by comedian Christine O’Leary, who has opened for Wanda Sykes, and features a great line-up of comics who have performed at Caroline’s on Broadway, Comic Strip Live and the Ridgefield Playhouse…and includes Newkirk herself. “To get to make people laugh, raise money for an important cause and to honor my Aunt, it really doesn’t get much better than that.”

Bridgeport is described as a food desert with 1 in 4 people experiencing food insecurity. “I’ve learned so much about the lack of food. It’s distressing but when you see what is being done to help it’s incredible and heart-warming. I didn’t know Nourish Bridgeport has their own hydroponic farm so they can consistently provide fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, spinach and more,” explained Gina O’Connell one of the event producers and the evening’s MC. “It’s incredible. In fact, that’s where we’re getting the delicious salad we are serving at the event.”

The non-profit farm, the first of its kind in CT, is located indoors and can grow fruits and vegetables year-round. It uses only light, a minimal about of water and nutrients to provide food in a sustainable way. The vibrant Reverend Sara Smith, president, CEO and founder of Nourish Bridgeport explained “this is the future of food in the urban setting. And a key to providing nutritious food to our neighbors in need. Commenting on the upcoming event, “We can’t wait to share some much-needed laughter and educate people about what we do to help people in Bridgeport.”

The outpouring of help has been impressive. “Once people know about the cause they immediately want to help,” expressed Mat Orefice, a fellow stand-up comedian and additional event producer. “From Mancuso’s donating the pizza, to the Bridgeport Regional Business Council to all the individuals who’ve donated prizes for the raffle, that even includes a brand-new Chrome Book, it’s been incredibly uplifting.”

A free raffle ticket will be given for each can of tuna, jar of jelly or box of cereal people bring. “Those are items we always need. Other items that would be particularly helpful are 4+ diapers,” shared Ricky Rivera, COO of Nourish Bridgeport. “It takes a village. Food insecurity is not something we can really take on individually but as a community we can move the needle and
make a big difference in people’s lives.”

http://NeedALaugh.eventbrite.com

Nourish Bridgeport, Auditorium of the United Congregational Church, 2200 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT nourishbpt.org

Event details:
Saturday, September 16, 2023, 6:00-9:00 pm
$25 Tickets: http://NeedALaugh.eventbrite.com
Includes: Show, Mancuso’s pizza, salad, soda, coffee, dessert
Held in the auditorium of the United Congregational Church, 2200 North Ave, Bridgeport, CT