Lewis Alumni Comedy Showcase At BAC Creates Mental Health Awareness

CHICAGO — Laugh your ass off while supporting a great cause. Lewis University alumni from Oak Lawn are planning a comedy benefit to raise awareness of mental health issues Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago. "Laugh To Create Awareness" starts at 7 p.m. and features a stellar lineup of Chicago comedians.

“The purpose of the show is to raise awareness for depression and mental health, that it’s okay to talk about it,” said Ken Houbolt, one of the benefit’s organizers. “When you think about mental health, it affects friends, family, the workplace, the economy. Everyone should be talking about this.”

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among college students. In 2022, 1,100 college students tragically took their own lives on campuses throughout the country. That's higher than reports from 2007-2021, according to Best Colleges. Transgender and nonbinary students report far higher rates of suicide-related thoughts and behaviors than cisgender students. Pacific Islander, Native American, and Black college students report higher suicide attempt rates than students of other races.

So why do a comedy show to raise awareness for depression and mental health?

“It's the opposite of depression,” Houbolt said. “Laughter is outward, depression is inward.”
Proceeds from the show will be used to create a scholarship for a Lewis graduate focusing on clinical counseling who has been directly impacted by depression, and to aid the Lewis University Center for Health and Counseling Services.

The Lewis alumni will be raffling off two gift baskets each containing $500 Southwest Airlines tickets and tons of gift cards to local establishments.

Tickets to the show are $50, $20 for Lewis University students, and can be purchased online, along with raffle tickets. Sponsorships are also available. For more information contact Krysten McGee at kmcgee2@lewisu.edu or 815-836-5966.

“Laugh To Create Awareness” features three nationally known and rising comedians with roots in Chicago’s vibrant comedy scene, including:

Mr. Derick, aka Derick Lengwenus, is known for his comedy with a right hook. He is an international headliner known for his bold and daring style. Tackling subjects ranging from gender identity to abortion, audiences will be treated to comedy not typically seen on prime time television. If you are easily triggered you might want to sit next to the exit sign, otherwise, get ready for a rollercoaster ride through society's most taboo subjects. Derick has appeared at the prestigious Just For Laughs Festival five times and been nominated for several Canadian Comedy Awards. Derick now makes his home in Chicago and became a U.S. citizen in 2017.

Maggie Hughes DePalo co-produces the hilarious South Side comedy showcase “All That Good Stuff.” A graduate of Mother McAuley High School. Hughes DePalo riffs on motherhood, crap gifts, big hair, ham earrings, the Dumbo ride at Disney World and much, much more. You never know what’s going to come out of this funny lady’s mouth. We bet the Mercy Sisters at McAuley were happy to see Hughes DePalo graduate.

Joe Kilgallon was born and raised in Chicago, but currently lives in Los Angeles. He is described by the Chicago Tribune as having "a straight shooting, pull-no-punches style,” according to his bio. Kilgallon has performed at clubs and colleges all over the country, He’s also been a personal opener for such stars as Hannibal Buress, Roy Wood Jr. and Steve Byrne. With material ranging from alcohol to sex, Kilgallon is sure to rant about something the whole family can enjoy (at least the older family members). His debut album, Pay Attention, opened as No. 1 on the iTunes Comedy Charts and Top 10 on the Billboard Comedy Charts. He also produces a local comedy showcase in L.A., and hosts a podcast.