OCEAN TOWNSHIP – The Greater Ocean Township Chamber of Commerce (GOTCC) will hold at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, its 27th annual scholarship fundraiser, Comedy Night and Gift Auction.
This year, the event is being held at Buona Sera Palazzo, the banquet facility inside the new St. George Greek Orthodox Church at 1033 West Park Ave. Buona Sera Palazzo is the sister to the popular Red Bank eatery and bar.
Once again, Lou Russo, host of 94.3 FM The Point’s “Lou & Liz in the Morning” show, will emcee the evening that will include music, comedy, drinks, food and the optional gift auction.
“We are delighted to be able to keep the ticket cost status quo for the hundreds of fans of the event, while offering the high quality Italian fare that Buona Sera is known for, and, new this year, unlimited beer, wine and soda,” said Nicholas Blanda of Annie-Mac Home Mortgage, who has been a 27-year event chairman and GOTCC trustee. “We are also thrilled to have Bobby Collins, one of the nation’s top touring comedians headline this year.”
Collins is currently on his national tour “Hotter than Ever.” He has opened for such showbiz stars as Frank Sinatra, Cher, Julio Iglesias, Tony Bennett, Dolly Parton and was Rosie O’Donnell‘s predecessor in hosting “VH-1’s Standup Spotlight.” He also has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, and is regularly featured on XM Satellite Radio.
In addition to Collins, comedian Kevin Israel will perform. Israel is a non-practicing attorney and member of the Comedians-at-Law Comedy Troupe.
Starting the evening off will be the music of Seth Tieger of the Seth Tieger Band. “We are delighted that this year will be Seth’s third year performing at our scholarship event. He is a huge crowd favorite,” GOTCC Executive Director Kim Horn Blanda said.
The event supports the chamber’s scholarship program. Scholarships are given every year to five to seven community-minded high school seniors who either reside in the Township of Ocean, regardless what high school they attend, or are the children of GOTCC members.
Tickets cost $60 and include music, comedy, unlimited beer, wine and soda, hors d’oeuvres, buffet dinner, dessert and coffee/tea. The gift auction is optional.
Tickets can be purchased online at gotcc.org/ecommerce/2014-comedy-night.html or at GOTCC.org and clicking on the event ad. They also can be purchased using cash, check or credit cards at the GOTCC office at 163 Monmouth Road in Oakhurst.
Additional information is available by calling 732-660-1888 or emailing to gotcc@gotcc.org.
