Comedian Jess Miller, founder of FunnyRaising Comedy Shows, says that her brand of entertainment is meeting a vital need in the community.
“It’s just what we need right now,” she said. “The world (is messed up) and everyone needs to laugh.”
The public gets another crack at some laugh therapy on Friday, Nov. 10, when FunnyRaising puts on a comedy show to benefit Harmony House of Western Massachusetts.
“I know the people who work there and I love them and they’re fantastic,” Miller said. “What they do is really cool. If I were to imagine myself alone at the end of life to have an option to have someone to take care of me and help me through it, that is pretty impactful. My whole purpose in doing this is helping out a cool organization raise cash and build some awareness around what they do.”
The hilarity begins at 8 p.m. at the Moose Lodge, 244 Fuller Road, Chicopee.
Comedian Jess Miller is the driving force behind a comedy “funnyraiser” to benefit Harmony House of Western Massachusetts. (Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen / The Republican)
The show will feature comedians Paris Nichols, Krystal Dyer, and Angel Rentas.
“Paris does impressions,” Miller said. “Krystal covers topic such as dating, marriage and relationships – and Angel likes to talk about himself.”
This will be the first comedy fundraiser for Harmony House whose mission is to be a home and provide shelter and compassionate care for terminally ill individuals.
“Karen Ware, a dedicated member of our board of directors, attended a comedy show and was impressed by Jess Miller’s vibrant personality and unwavering commitment to giving back to the community,” Jennifer Alves Faustino, another Harmony House board member, said. “Struck by Jess’s ability to entertain and inspire positive change, Karen knew that a collaboration between Harmony House FunnyRaising Comedy Shows was in order.”
Tickets for the show are $25 and Harmony House will be raffling off a number of prizes and will also hold a 50/50 raffle.
“Ticket sales are going great,” Alves Faustino said. “The funds raised from our events are crucial for our operations. We rely solely on private donations and grants, as we do not receive any federal funding. These funds are essential for the day-to-day functioning of our home.”
Raffle prizes will include a lottery “picture” (instead of Lottery Tree) with $500 worth of lottery tickets. There also will be a Christmas basket, a fall basket, and a taco basket, to name a few.
There will be a cash bar and the event is BYOS – Bring Your Own Snacks.
As for what else guests can expect, Miller said it’s pretty simple.
“They should expect to laugh a lot, that’s the point of a comedy show. My job as a comedian is to make light of things and make people laugh.”
