JACKSON – A comedy show at a funeral home? The comics were killing it and people were just dying to get in.
While those jokes were – thankfully – not used, the comics filled the hall with much better material. Oliverie Funeral Home’s Wisteria Room banquet area served as a perfect location for a night of comedy.
The event was a fundraiser for another place that is known for being quiet – the library. Friends of the Jackson Library member Linda Lafer said that the show was “a lot of fun and raised a large amount for the library.”
“What could be more memorable than a fun-filled fundraiser at a funeral home?” Lafer asked. She shared that that the Jackson Friends of the Library Comedy Night was sold-out.
“Funny 4 Friends, an organization that arranges comedy night fundraisers, provided the hilarious entertainment for this event,” Lafer said.
Lafer noted that Bill Simas, owner of Funny 4 Friends, was the headliner and emcee. The other two comics were Blanca Vales and Steve Donovan. “Following the comedy acts, the over 100 attendees had the opportunity to choose from any of the 15 fantastic raffles as well as participate in four silent auctions, two live auctions, and a 50/50.”
Lafer said the live auction items consisted of a child’s ride-on Mercedes donated by Ray Catena Mercedes of Freehold and a prep room kit, as a spoof, provided by Oliverie Funeral Home. “Some of the silent auction items were a golf foursome at Westlake, a golf foursome at the Pine Barrens Golf Club, and three 1-hour tennis lessons at the Atlantic Club in Wall. Each table displayed a delicious variety of snacks and drinks supplied by the guests.”
“The reviews for the night were overwhelmingly positive. The comic performances evoked tremendous laughter from the crowd. More importantly, the entire event raised $5,396. This amount was augmented by someone from the audience generously donating $100 from her $500 50/50 winnings plus an extra $4 added in anonymously to realize an amazing net total of $5,500,” Lafer remarked.
She added that all proceeds will go to benefit programs, capital improvements, and other needs at the Jackson Library.
“Many thanks go out to the hard-working and efficient committee for making this a most successful as well as enjoyable evening. The members include Carol Andrew, Ann Beckenstein, Rochelle Blum, Joyette DellaValle, Kathy Fisler, Mae Giaimo, Sue Milo, and Carol Whelan. The Friends are also grateful to our many sponsors – Ray Catena Mercedes of Freehold, Pine Barrens Golf Club, Westlake Golf and Country Club, The Tennis Center at the Atlantic Club, Adventure Crossing, Oliverie Funeral Home, Bella Terra Senior Living, Clark Fitness, Link Financial Services/Jackson Hewitt Tax Service, The Ryan Group – Morgan Stanley, Wealth Management, Premier Management Associates, and the Friends ‘Attic Crew,’” Lafer added.
The group’s next event is coming up soon. The Friends are preparing for their upcoming book sale. The dates for the sale are as follows: General Public Admission – Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, June 29, 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.; Monday, June 30 – Wednesday, July 2, 9:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.”
