Funny 4 A Reason at Ontario Improv Stirs Laughter for A Good Cause
The twelfth annual “Funny 4 A Reason” comedy benefit show featured some of today’s top comics at the famous Ontario Improv on Tuesday, April 3, 2018.
Our host, Cher, began the evening introducing some new faces including Jessica Porter and Lindsey then welcomed southern California favorite, Jason Helfgott, to the stage. “Any questions?”
Gayla Johnson followed, sharing hilarious stories about her former career being a children’s party clown. Gayla has been seen on Showtime: Fierce, Funny Women, Brothers and Sisters, Beverly Hills 90210, The Practice. She is a comedian, actress, producer and casting director: “Gay LA, that’s how you spell my name…”
Next up was Bruce Jingles, a fixture in the southern California comedy scene and seen on USO tours, ABC, VH1, NUVOTV, Showtime specials, “Driving Bill Crazy,” TMZ and has his own comedy album on iTunes, Pandora and Spotify: “Bruce Jingles: Comic” by RBC Records. Bruce brought the audience to tears of laughter with his impression of his mom getting on his case about getting his own place: “Is signing autographs supposed to impress me? How about signing a lease?”
Jonny Loquasto, seen on Comics Unleashed, Gotham Comedy and Standup & Deliver, headlined the show. He is a comedian, author, physical therapist, sportscaster and “recovering Pennsylvanian.”
“I feel like we often make the mistake of assuming that if someone has an education that means they’re intelligent, which I don’t think they necessarily go hand-in-hand. It’s true! I have a master’s degree, I’m a goddammed moron,” he joked.
The evening of love and laughter raised funds for children in foster care, residential therapeutic programs and mental health services. This support allows children affected by abuse, neglect or abandonment to heal, learn and thrive from the trauma in their lives.
Thank you to all our guests for contributing to the cause and a big thank you to our hilarious comedians who generously donated their time to entertain us! Thank you also to Ontario Improv for their hospitality in hosting our event.
Jenelle Phillips, Development Specialist
Jenelle oversees the day-to-day operations and staffing of the Foundation, which includes fundraising events, volunteer coordination, community outreach and donations. Above all, Jenelle’s focus is to identify and access resources in order to help children heal, learn and thrive. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Fullerton and has become very involved in the community. She is active in her church, owns an art gallery, organizes the local art walk and is on the executive board of the downtown district’s marketing group.
“Funny 4 A Reason” 2016 Raises Holiday Funds for Children
The Children’s Foundation of America hosted the 11th annual 
“Funny 4 A Reason” at the Ontario Improv earlier this month with headliner Debi Gutierrez.
On Tuesday, November 1, several comedians donated their time to raise funds to benefit children supported by the Children’s Foundation of America. One hundred percent of the event proceeds directly supported foster children at Trinity Youth Services. Youth have been placed in these programs as a result of trauma in their lives including abuse, neglect or abandonment. Trinity Youth Services offers a chance to create a better future for children and families.
Through fundraising events like “Funny 4 A Reason,” the Children’s Foundation of America provides an opportunity for every person to help children heal, learn and thrive. Over 225 guests were in attendance and approximately $4,510 was raised to be used for the Foundation’s holiday efforts for children in out-of-home care.
The Children’s Foundation of America provided 1,200 holiday gifts for children in foster care last year and hopes to at least match that same number again this holiday season. The “Holiday Heroes” campaign continues with gift wrapping at the Plaza West Covina mall, where nearly 160 volunteers wrap shoppers’ holiday gifts for donations to the cause.
To volunteer, contact Aaron at ahenry@trinityys.org or 909.426.0773.
Thanks for attending and making a difference!
