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Good, Clean Fun at ‘Laughs for Literacy’
By Peggy Werner t’s been said laughter is the best medicine and in a world full of ills, it’s time to take a big dose of an evening filled with clean humor, good food, and music – all for a good cause. Laughs for Literacy is the major fundraiser for The Literacy Council and will take place this year at 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, 1601 Parkview Ave. Highlights will include the return of favorite comedian Gerry Grossman, hors d’ oeuvres and desserts provided by Mary’s Market, an open bar of beer and wine, a 50/50 raffle and a new “Barrels of Laughs” drawing for prizes. Those in attendance can buy unlimited $5 tickets, which can be placed in barrels next to about 20 items, with one lucky winner’s name being drawn for each prize that evening. Among prize items are sports
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memorabilia, gift cards, art work, event tickets and outings for families. Morning radio personality Steve Summers of 95.3 The Bull will be master of ceremonies. Comic Gerry Grossman is nicknamed “the Human Jukebox” for his performances that include classic rock n’ roll music and humor. He has appeared with Who’s Who, John Denver, The Byrds, The Turtles, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Johnny Rivers, Tammy Wynette, Three Dog Night, The Temptations and many other famous names. Grossman says “magic” happens when you tap into people’s good memories and touch their hearts with song and that’s why requests are a big part of the evening. “People communicate through music. Laughter breaks through all the barriers of brokenness we each have, and in
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that moment, we are united,” he says. Literacy Council Executive Director Sheryl Thogerson says people loved Grossman when he performed for the event three years ago. “No one wanted to leave because they were having so much fun,” she says. “He sings, tells jokes, gets the audience involved and it’s all good, clean humor. He’s a real crowd pleaser and perfect for our event. Everyone wanted him back.” The Literacy Council’s mission is to “empower individuals to achieve” and it relies on volunteers to help learners achieve their goals. Currently, about 100 volunteers are paired with one or more learners, but about 30 people who want to learn are on a waiting list, she says. “Our mission is to empower people of all ages by helping them improve their reading and writing skills so they
