A Night Of Laughter To Help Kids Battling Cancer

They say laughter is the best medicine, and the Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer Inc. will combine chuckles and charity at its 14th annual Night of Laughter. The popular fundraiser, which benefits children battling pediatric cancer and their families, will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m.

The Night of Laughter is the premier fundraiser for the foundation, which has benefitted families from Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Merrick, Mineola and Wantagh. The organization is named in honor of Sarah Grace Weippert, who lost her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2002 at the age of 12. Her parents, Matthew and Marissa Weippert, founded the organization the following year with a commitment to improving the quality of life of children with cancer, and to provide comfort and support to their families.

Comedian Rick Morgan, who has performed in Atlantic City and at Caroline’s New York City, returns as the host. A dedicated supporter of the foundation, Morgan discussed his motivation to put on a show that will both delight crowds and benefit children. “I am overwhelmed by the inspiration this little girl has given me,” he said of Sarah. “I feel like a soldier in her battles and victories.”

Headlining this year’s slate of comedians is Holbrook native Stevie Geebee, billed as the World’s Funniest Accountant. He is known for his Long-Island-specific comedy. Also appearing are Jack Simmons, who has appeared on Showtime, HBO and Evening at the Apollo; Steve Marshall, who has performed his standup routine at comedy clubs, resorts and colleges across the country and points out the absurdity of political correctness; and Al Martin, seen on the Joan Rivers Show and the Geraldo Show and owner of two Manhattan comedy clubs.

Although the Night of Laughter benefits children, it is for mature audiences only. The entry cost of $85 per person includes entertainment, dinner, beer, wine, soda, coffee and dessert. There will be numerous raffles, including four Walt Disney World park passes, TD Bank Visa Gift
Cards, as well as a 50/50/50 with even prizes for three winners. Raffle books, which include these grand prizes, are available at a pre-show discount of $25 per book. Tickets for the event and raffle books must be purchased in advance.

A Chinese auction will include prizes such as restaurant gift certificates, lottery scratch-off tickets, baskets of cheer, a bicycle and more.

The Sarah Grace Foundation provides financial aid for families, holiday parties and activities for children, meal and transportation allowances, toys and games, sponsored outings, and funeral expenses. In the past year, it has increased its book collection at Winthrop University Hospital, Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center and Nassau University Medical Center. The foundation also provided about 3,500 toys during the 2016 holiday season for children in more than a half-dozen area hospitals.

“We are grateful to our family, friends and community that have loved and supported our mission for the last 14 years and continue to honor Sarah’s memory,” said Matthew Weippert. “This event is critical to the advancement of our mission.”

This is traditionally a popular event, so reserve your tickets early by calling (516) 433-9745 or visiting www.TheSarahGraceFoundation.org. Also, visit the website to learn more about the foundation’s many initiatives to support children with cancer.