Orpheum To Host ‘Comedy For A Cause’ For United Way Of Cape Cod

CHATHAM – Hunger on Cape Cod is no laughing matter, particularly when many programs are being threatened with loss of federal funding. But the United Way of Cape Cod is hoping that Comedy for a Cause, their upcoming May 1 fundraiser to support Cape Cod's hunger relief efforts, will get you laughing and help raise money needed to keep these vital programs running.

 "Right now many of the food security programs our community relies on are facing the threat of defunding," Mark Skala, President and Chief Executive Officer of the United Way of the Cape and the Islands said. 

 The United Way is a conduit to the community for funding from the Federal Emergency Food Agency (FEFA) Emergency Food and Shelter Program. The scheduled March allocation of $100,000 for local hunger programs was frozen – and that's just one month, he added. 

 "Laughter has the power to bring people together," Skala said, "and with Comedy for a Cause, it's also helping put food on the table for our neighbors in need." Organizations that will benefit from this fundraiser include The Family Pantry of Cape Cod in Harwich, Cape Kid Meals, Food4Kids and Sustainable CAPE, to name a few. 

 Three well known Boston-area comedians will be on stage at the Chatham Orpheum on May 1 at 6 p.m. hoping to turn laughter into support of local food pantries and school programming. Comedians Paul Nandizzi, Dave Rattigan and Jim Ruberti will headline the show. Nardizzi is one of the country's top comedians, with multiple standup appearances on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Comedy Central and Fox Sports' Best Damn Sports Show Period, as well as regional appearances on the New England Sports Network.

 Known for his deadpan delivery and quick, dry wit, Rattigan is one of the busiest comics in Boston and has opened for the Beach Boys, Jeff Dunham and Nick DiPaolo. 

 Ruberti, who will also emcee the night, is a Boston comedian and actor featured by the biggest comics in New England, including Lenny Clarke and Steve Sweeney. 

 Wondering whether the show will be good for your kids? Well, that depends, according to Ruberti. "I'd call it PG-13," he said. "It's a little adult but not a nightclub show or raunchy in any way. We talk about our families, raising children, being a single parent,' he said. "And it's not politics!" 

 Skala is grateful to the Orpheum for hosting the event. "I love the Orpheum and what it stands for," he said. "They are really invested in helping non-profits." 

 Skala is also thankful for the sponsorship support provided by Cape Associates, the Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod, First Citizen's Federal Credit Union and the Cape Cod Chronicle. "We have already covered all our costs," he said, "whatever we make will support Cape Cod's hunger relief efforts." The group hopes to make $10,000 to $15,000 to support food programs.

 Tickets are $50 per person and include food from Pizza Shark. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7. A cash bar will also be available. To learn more and to purchase tickets go to www.CapeAndIslandsUW.org.