The Children’s Foundation of America raised nearly $4,000 for children affected by abuse, neglect and abandonment at this year’s “Funny 4 A Reason” comedy fundraiser at the world-famous Ontario Improv on April 2.

Thank you to the Ontario Improv for once again hosting the event and to the comics for donating their time and talents to this important cause! Approximately 200 people came together to support and raise awareness for Child Abuse Prevention Month, which takes place nationally each April.

Comics and guests wore blue and were provided with Child Abuse Prevention Month clappers and stickers to participate in the movement. For the first time at our show, the audience was also given the opportunity to engage in a raffle! The Ontario Improv provided the opportunity to win tickets to the upcoming Arsenio Hall show. There was also an opportunity to win a Starbucks gift card, a Buca di Beppo gift basket and more. Additionally, Rainforest Café provided coupons for all our guests!

“It’s for the Children!”

This year’s event headlined Michael “Batman” Rhodes (Last Comic Standing) and also featured Vince Royale (Attack of the Killer Donuts), Ro DelleGrazie (Tru TV), Laniea Dominguez (Comedy For Causes), and Anthony Stone (I’m In Love With The Tacos viral video).

Our Donor Relations & Community Outreach Coordinator, Amber Thorneycroft, has been a stand-up comic for several years and made her debut as this year’s host to rave reviews! One attendee said they “enjoyed the comedians and Amber as the host.” Another said they enjoyed “the variety of comics” that our host brought to the show.

CFA Executive Director, Cher Ofstedahl, who has previously hosted the show, got the opportunity to present a whole stand-up set at this year’s event and was an audience favorite! In addition to her role at the Children’s Foundation, Cher is the Chief Operating Officer for Trinity Youth Services foster agency and has also worked in the music industry and as a professional actress.

Everyone on our team got the opportunity to shine. Development Specialist, Jenelle Phillips, sold raffle tickets during the show and Communications & Volunteer Specialist, Marie Maghuyop, “felt like a bridesmaid” supporting Amber on stage with awarding raffle prizes.

Supporting Victims of Child Abuse

Nearly 700,000 children are the victims of abuse annually in the United States. The purpose of CFA’s “Funny 4 A Reason” is to bring hope and support to trauma-affected children. Proceeds from ticket purchases, raffle tickets and other donations directly benefit foster youth in San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties.

“What we’re trying to do is give these children something to smile about, and you can do your part by buying those tickets,” said headliner Michael Rhodes.

Laniea Dominguez, who was our show opener said, “We’re here to help foster youth. They always end up getting the short end of the stick, so we’re here to make that stick longer. We’re just going to do great things for this cause.”

Be the Difference

The Children’s Foundation of America has already provided over $4,000 in support to children in need this year, with opportunities like sports uniforms/equipment, prom tickets, grad night tickets, yearbooks, GED fees, music lessons, books, birthday gifts and more.

There’s still so much more to do! Get involved and support a child in foster care by donating. Consider becoming a sustaining, monthly donor to provide funds to help a youth participate in the same activities as their non-fostered peers. Just $10 a month provides a child with a birthday gift and the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity. Please donate today.

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Photos by Jenelle Phillips and Jose Rojas