Lots of laughs will contribute to a good cause at the Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual Comedy Benefit Show this Valentine’s Day. Comedians Mike Armstrong and Dan Swartwout, regular guests on the Bob & Tom Show, will provide “adult comedic humor” at the event.
The ninth-annual show featuring national comedy acts will provide a boost in funding for mentorship programs in the area. Jim Nicholson, Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central Ohio, said the event has drawn up to 500 people in the past.
“They’ve been so successful; in Mansfield comedy is a big hit here,” he said. “It’s a nice infusion of money for the programs that we didn’t use to get.”
The comedy benefit will be held at the Liederkranz on Saturday, Feb. 14. The evening begins at 7 p.m. and will end around 10 p.m. with music and drinks to follow. Nicholson said the comedians donate a percentage of their ticket sales to Big Brothers Big Sisters to offset the costs of the mentoring programs.
“A lot of the comedians who come are doing it for a very low rate,” said Nicholson. “It’s a nice donation they give us, a nice break in the price.”
Nicholson explained that Big Brothers Big Sisters runs two different mentoring programs: a community-based program and an after-school program. The most well known program is the community mentorship program, where anyone over the age of 18 can be matched to a child in the community identified as struggling academically or socially.
“Volunteers spend time with them doing fun activities, either miniature golfing or pizza or running errands, things they’re going to do anyway,” said Nicholson. “The time you spend with these kids has the most impact, to have them see a different way of life than what they’re normally used to seeing.”
The after-school mentorship program pairs high school students with elementary school students for tutoring and mentorship. Currently Big Brothers Big Sisters has after-school programs at the Friendly House in Mansfield, Galion Schools and Lucas Schools.
“Little kids get a boost in self esteem, help with homework and a cool older kid to call a friend,” Nicholson explained. “High school kids have someone depending on them, the value of volunteering and the feeling of attachment to someone they might not otherwise have met.”
To purchase tickets for the Comedy Benefit, contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters office at 419-525-4618. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door, until sold out. Event doors open at 6 p.m. and seating is open.
For those unable to contribute financially to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nicholson noted the organization’s biggest need is volunteers – particularly Big Brothers.
“We have over 100 kids currently waiting to be matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer, and 80 percent of those waiting are boys,” he said. “Time spent together can make all the difference in the life of that child.”
“We have over 100 kids currently waiting to be matched to a Big Brother or Big Sister volunteer, and 80 percent of those waiting are boys,” said Jim Nicholson. “Time spent together can make all the difference in the life of that child.”
