The third annual Brew Ha-Ha Comedy Night, in support of Greenwich United Way's efforts to identify and meet local human service needs, is set for Friday, October 13, at the Arch Street Teen Center (100 Arch Street, Greenwich). Returning to the stage is celebrated comedian and Greenwich native, Jane Condon, along with event newcomers Andy Pitz and Michele Balan.
Patron tickets and underwriting opportunities are now available through the Greenwich United Way website (www.greenwichunitedway.org). This year's early sponsors include, Greenwich Hospital, Fieldpoint Private, Greenwich Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 1042, Deutsch Family Wines and Spirits featuring Redemption, Newmark Knight Frank, Greenwich Magazine - Moffly Media and New England Selfie.
Local celebrity comedian, Jane Condon, is excited to be a part of the event for the second year in a row as the evening’s special guest and emcee, saying, "Fasten your seat belts, Greenwich! It's going to be a very funny ride for a great cause!” Condon’s comedic style draws from her experience as a wife and mother and often includes politics and other hot topics. Her talent was recognized by many national media outlets earning her spots on shows including, NBC's Last Comic Standing, and NBC’s The Today Show, ABC-TV's The View, LIFETIME TV's Girls' Night Out and FOX-TV's series finale of 24, and many more.
Andy Pitz and Michele Balan are both seasoned comedians who are based out of New York City and are sure to entertain the crowd with their nationally-recognized comedic styles. Balan has appeared on Last Comic Standing, where she was a finalist and also was The Last Woman Comic Standing on Season 4. Pitz has been doing standup more than 20 years and has appeared on TV a number of times, highlighted by appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson.
The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with beats by local DJ, April Larken, and bites from some of the area's most popular food trucks including Big Green Truck Pizza, Knot Norms Catering Co., Valencia Luncheria, and Cowabunga Food Truck. The Brew Ha-Ha program will begin at 8:00 p.m. and includes a live auction to benefit Greenwich United Way. Beer will be sponsored in part by Schofferhofer Grapefruit and Radeberger Pilsner. The event will also include a New England Selfie photo booth, wine pull with new customized shot glasses, and a silent auction. Snacks at the end of the night will be provided by OnTheMarc catered events.
This year's event Co-Chairs; Kristen Forlini, Nicole Kwasniewski and Clarena McBeth, are working to make this year's event stand apart from the rest. "My husband and I have supported Brew Ha-Ha since its inception three years ago and I'm thrilled to be playing a more formal role this year as chair," said Forlini. She continued, "the Greenwich United Way has given me and my fellow chairs every opportunity to work within the community to put together a really spectacular event - from the silent auction donations, including a trip to beautiful Stowe, Vermont, and of course the comedic performances. This is truly an event like no other in Greenwich!"
The Live Auction will be presented by local auctioneer, Jonathan Cuticelli, and will include many exciting donations including: an “Experience Stowe, Vermont Luxury Travel Package” complete with two round trip tickets direct from Westchester Airport to Stowe courtesy of Tradewind Aviation, a $200 spa credit at Stowe Mountain Lodge, two one-day lift tickets, and three-days and two-nights at a luxurious two bedroom at Stowe Mountain Lodge courtesy of Spruce Peak at Stowe, and a gift certificate to dine at local favorite, Junior’s at Stowe restaurant. Another item titled, "Golf Flight", will include a round of golf at some of the area’s most prestigious golf courses as well as golf personal training sessions from in forma Fitness of Greenwich, CT. And, similar to last year's auction, a “New York Yankee package” will be auctioned off again with tickets to a Yankee game, visit with Michael Kay in the broadcast booth and Yankee Swag. Silent auction items include: a one-of-a-kind painting from local artist, Rebecca Stern, one year of concierge pediatrics from Next Generation Pediatrics, and four tickets on the 50 yard line to the New York Giants vs. Washington Redskins game on December 31st with private entrance, club room and parking pass.
"The 3rd Annual GUW Brew-Ha-Ha gives all who attends a fun and entertaining evening. Funds raised go directly to help the most vulnerable of our community as identified by the Needs Assessment." said Greenwich United Way CEO, David Rabin. He continued, "More than 20 percent of Greenwich residents are a missed paycheck away from financial catastrophe." This past year, some of what the Greenwich United Way was able to fund included; 150,000 meals to be distributed to those who otherwise might have gone hungry, 1,000 victims of domestic violence the aid and comfort they needed and 350 children access to after-school care.
For additional event information please email Greenwich United Way Director of Development, Jeremy Nappi, (info@greenwichunitedway.org) or call (203) 869-2221.
Visit Greenwich United Way online to make a donation (www.greenwichunitedway.org).