“A Night of Laughs and Smiles”

A COMEDY SHOW BENEFITING SMILE TRAIN

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Last November, I produced my own comedy charity show at my home away from home,

The World Famous Comedy Store in Hollywood.

After months of planning, setting the date, coming up with set times, recruiting my comic friends, and promoting the show, one of my proudest achievements to date became a reality.

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I couldn’t have done any of this without the support and generosity of everyone who helped with this event.

AN ENORMOUS THANK YOU TO:

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The Comedy Store for donating the Main Room to me that night and for your support from beginning to end on this endeavor.
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Ikiah McGowan for helping me run the event.

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My fellow board members who volunteered that night.

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Mark Hubis for photographing the event, donating his time and photos.

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Spago Beverly Hills for donating a dinner for two as a prize for that night’s raffle. A friend (who wishes to remain anonymous) for donating Laker Tickets as a prize as well.

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My comic friends who donated their time and comedy:

Deric Poston, Jesus Trejo, Eleanor Kerrigan, Marc Maron, Kyle Dunnigan, & Bryan Callen.

I’m grateful for all of your help and support. I can’t say it enough, thank you.

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Last but not least, Judd Apatow. Scroll down to the bottom of this blog to know about Judd’s part in helping me with Smile Train.

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Now, let’s see all the behind the scenes pictures of this night!

Ikiah McGowan and I arrive with cupcakes for the staff that night.

We began setting up shortly after.

A quick picture with fellow board members and Ikiah before doors open.

The show has begun!

Deric Poston greeting the crowd before introducing Ikiah and I onstage to talk about Smile Train.

Ikiah and I informing the crowd the purpose for this show and Smile Train’s mission.

First act to kick off the show is the hilarious Deric Poston

– The King and the Sting podcast / Twitter: @dericposton

Next is the funny and talented, Jesus Trejo – Mr. Iglesias, Alone Together/ IG: @jesustrejo1

One of the funniest women on this planet, Eleanor Kerrigan.

– Entourage, HBO, Dice Undisputed/ IG: @ejkerrigan

Next to take the stage is the incredibly humorous, Marc Maron.

– GLOW, WTF with Marc Maron podcast/ IG: @marcmaron

Continuing the show is the hilarious, Kyle Dunnigan.

– Reno 911, Inside Amy Schumer/ IG: @kyledunnigan1

Closing out the night, is the multi-talented and hysterical, Bryan Callen!

Fun fact: I was in need of one more performer that night, and a half hour into the show, Bryan called me and asked if I still needed a spot filled, if so, he’d rush over.

He made it with 2 minutes to spare, before he went onstage, surprising the crowd, whom were ecstatic to see him.

The Raffle

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As the show came to an end, it was time to raffle off a couple of prizes.

A dinner for 2 at Spago Beverly Hills and Laker Tickets!

Adding humor to the competition, Kyle Dunnigan joined us onstage to read off the raffle tickets.

A Night of Laughs and Smiles

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Concluding the night, a few of my friends were able to stay and take pictures to commemorate this special event!

One Last Shout Out…

A special thank you to Judd Apatow for creating a part 2 of “A Night of Laughs and Smiles”.

Months prior, Judd and I spoke about him performing on my show, but due to scheduling conflicts, he wasn’t able to.

A week after my event, we talked about doing another benefit for Smile Train, this time at The Largo Theatre in Los Angeles.

In the weeks that followed, Judd produced a comedy show titled “A Night of Crashing”, at The Largo Theatre.

“A Night of Crashing” raised $7,000 and all proceeds benefited Smile Train.

I’m so grateful for the generosity of each and every comic who performed at both events.

All of you made it possible for children with cleft lip/palate to receive the life changing surgery they need.

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Interested in donating? Finding more information on Smile Train?

Click below for my fundraiser page!

>>> Smiles For Everyone <<<

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Any comments or questions? I’d love to hear them!

xoxo,

Brenda Saraí