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RECAP: Comedy Night 2017
On Saturday, September 30th, we held our annual “Comedy Night” fundraiser at Iberia Restaurant’s Crystal Room.
This year’s event featured the acts of our Emcee, Tommy Gooch, along with Melvin George and headliner, Mike Marino. To say the least, the night was a huge success! Over 270 guests ate, drank and laughed all night while raising money for the organization.
Every year, as most of you know, we donate $500 checks to two separate charities. This year, the recipients were “Operation Warm“, a.k.a., Newark Coats for Kids and “K9s for Warriors“. We were fortunate to have in attendance Army Sergeant David Castro, an Iraqi vet, as a guest and the actual recipient of the donation.
Operation Warm is an organization which provides brand new, custom tailored, American made winter coats for Newark children who may have gone this winter without. The children receive their new coats on Monday, November 20 at Louise Spencer School.
K9s for Warriors is an organization that provides service dogs to returning war veterans with PTSD. Sgt.Castro was able to tell his story and explain how this organization has changed his post-war life. We, as members of the United Civil Servants Association, couldn’t be more proud and honored to be a part of K9s for Warriors and will continue to raise funds and awareness every year.
In order for this night to be successful, a lot of work is necessary from UCSA Blaze on the Beach/Comedy Night committee. The venue and comedians must be booked nearly a year in advance and numerous small details must be ironed out to ensure the night runs smoothly and everyone has a great time.
There are too many people to thank individually, but there are those who do so much for us who need to be mentioned. U.C.S.A. truly sends our heartfelt thanks to Gabriel and the staff at Iberia’s for continually rolling out the red carpet for us every year and making our guests comfortable and ensuring they are well fed!
We also rely on several NFD groups for support and we’re never disappointed. Thank you to Newark Fire Officers Union, Newark Firefighters Union, Hispanic Firefighters Association, Michael Delane Fund, Newark Fire Pipe and Drum Band, Newark Firemen Federal Credit Union, Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield-Jenkins, and former Newark mayor Sharpe James.
Each and every year, their support is appreciated!!
We’re presently working on next year’s Comedy Night and expect to top 2017!
Danny J. Farrell, President, U.C.S.A.
Al Carlucci, 1st Vice President, U.C.S.A.