Night of laughter to benefit student
Published on April 5th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - For the man who dressed up as jolly old Saint Nick for the town’s senior holiday party, nothing beats a little lighthearted fun and laughter.
So when Stoneham resident Stephen DeCrescenzo learned that an adult night of laughs could accomplish so much for a most serious cause, he couldn’t pass up the offer.
Credited by Middle School Principal Christine McMenimen for his dedication to the cause of eighth grader David Geer, who is waging a battle against Brain Cancer, DeCrescenzo successfully organized this Friday’s first annual Community Comedy Classic at the Montvale Plaza.
“I think it’s a great boost to the community. He really took the ball and ran with this,” said McMenimen, referring to the lifelong Stoneham resident and businessman.
“This is really for the cause of Dave. He’s a very well-liked student, just a great kid,” the Middle School Principal added. “His family really needs support financially and emotionally.”
According to Decrescenzo, he had initially hoped to launch the fundraiser, which he hopes to hold annually, to raise funds for the financially ailing school system.
But soon after he contacted local administrators and parents about his proposal, he learned about the young adolescent.
“I just wanted to start an annual fundraiser for some kind of cause in the town, and I first thought we’d do something for the school system,” the Exit Personal Choice Realty owner recalled.
“But when I dropped my bug in the school department, they told me about David. And I couldn’t think of any better cause than that,” Decrescenzo added.
Featuring a solid lineup of performing comedians, the new town charity will hold its first event at the Montvale Plaza on Friday night from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Not only will the comedy night feature a night of belly-aching entertainment, audience members will also get their shot at several desirable raffle items, including a trip for two to Switzerland, Fidelity Clubhouse seats for a New England Patriots’ game, and an autographed photo of Red Sox slugger David Ortiz.
But those wishing to attend the night of fun will have to hold-out until next year, as the $30 tickets to the event sold-out in a remarkably short period of time.
“It’s been an overwhelming response. We originally thought it would be for 350 to 400 people. And now it’s at 460. We’re sold out,” explained Decrescenzo.
“We received a huge response from businesses and the community. When I went out fundraising, I didn’t try to go after local businesses, people who get hit everyday,” the Central Street realtor added, saying he instead solicited funds from larger real-estate firms and mortgage brokers.
According to McMenimen, the comedy night is just one of the many fundraisers the middle school community hopes to sponsor for the eighth grader, especially since many of his peers haven’t had the opportunity to help out the popular teen.
In fact, students have already constructed a miniature golf course in the educational facility’s art room in the anticipation of holding another event.
“Kids have been coming up to me and asking, ‘Can we have a hat day or can we have a pajama day? And they’ve just built a little miniature golf course in the arts room. So they’re definitely coming up with their own ideas,” McMenimen said.
While tickets for the First Annual Community Comedy Classic are sold-out, local citizens and businesses can still chip in by donating directly to the charity. According to DeCrescenzo, interested residents can write a check to CCC and drop it off at Exit Personal Choice Realty at One Central Street in Stoneham Square. Potential donations for the event’s raffle can also be accepted until 10 a.m. on this Friday. All of the proceeds will go directly to the charity.
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