Comedy Event To Give Relief To The Homeless

"Serving more than eight hundred homeless and formerly homeless adults, children and families this year, officials at Joseph’s House and Shelter in Troy are excited about the boost that will come from the upcoming "Comedy Relief for the Homeless" benefit to be held on Sunday, June 12th at 4:00pm. Tracy Neitzel, Executive Director of the twenty four year-old agency said "It will be wonderful to see so many people come together, have a fun-filled afternoon and support those members of our community who need our help. We have been overwhelmed by the community’s show of support for the work we do–we are very grateful for the faith placed in us and will work hard to continue to earn that trust and faith by providing services that make a positive difference in homeless people’s lives." she continued.

Joseph’s House has provided shelter and support thousands of adults and children during the last 24 years. While providing a warm place to sleep and a nutritious meal continues to be the core service offered to those who come to Joseph’s House for help, the agency’s homeless services now include case management, advocacy, legal assistance, medical clinics, outreach, resettlement services, and permanent supported housing.

Their first ever comedy benefit to be held at the Schacht Fine Arts Center at Russell Sage College (home of the NYS Theater Institute) in downtown Troy, will star national headliner Kevin Meaney of motion pictures and television, along with a superb list of comedians from around the northeast. WNYT-13's anchorman Jim Kambrich will host and FLY92.3's "Potter" will be on hand to share in the fun. Music will be provided by the "Nisky Dixie Cats".

"There has already been a tremendous amount of community support for this event" said Jim Fry, Director of Development at Joseph’s House. "We are proud to have sponsor support from so many caring businesses and individuals in the Capital District. This event affirms the compassion and caring that folks living in the Capital District have for those we work with."

The "Comedy Relief" event will bring together comedians from Saturday Night Live, HBO, Comedy Central and NBC to help Joseph House and Shelter continue their high level of quality services. Tickets are now available for purchase at all KeyBank locations in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Saratoga counties. Full event information is available at our website at http://www.Josephshouseandshelter.org

For VISA/MASTERCARD ticket purchases and more information about "Comedy Relief 2005", please call (518) 272-2544 ext. 15."