Comedians Devito and Garan
Education is serious business, but to be a parent you need to have a sense of humor. But that’s only a small factor in why the Manito PTO Comedy Jam fundraiser was a huge success. The event, which was held one night last year, sold out both Friday and Saturday nights. Omnipop Talent Group provided the talent for the evening with comedians Joe Devito who has appeared on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and is a recurring guest on Fox News Channel’s Red Eye, and Billy Garan, who opens for such stand-up acts as Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Klein and Jay Leno. In Oakland, however, the warm up for the headliners was Principal Adam Silverstein.
The fundraiser, held at the Knights of Columbus’ in their recently renovated facility, was catered by The Venetian and once again Margaret Kourgelis assured the food was delicious and the serving of dinner seamless. The reputation of the Venetian was captured when one guest learned who did the catering exclaimed, “No wonder it’s so delicious”. Another important contributor was Tim Sorbanelli who donated the stage equipment to assure the professional comedians had a professional sound system.
Of course all of this couldn’t have been possible without the hard work and effort put forth by the members of the Manito PTO, especially Margaret Kourgelis, Christine Halloran, and Margaret Michaud. Other Manito parents contributed to the efforts with Caron Cicero McCormick designing the evenings journal, Nancy Meyer networking with the local advertisers, and Dan Logatto, of Orion Printing and Graphics, delivering the finished product of 300 polished copies. ( See a list of advertisers below)
Every official fundraiser has a trick tray, and the Comedy Night event was no exception. Individuals and businesses offered a variety baskets filled with fun, practical, and collectible items. Among the gift baskets were a signed football from New York Giant Chris Snee, a day of beauty from V. Capelli, and mix of items and services from Active Fitness Solutions. Both those advertising in the evening’s journal and those contributing gift baskets all added to the efforts of a very worthy cause.
The proceeds work directly in improving the quality of education for Manito students, and the PTO works with the school administrators to help identify the best use of the funds. In the past, the money has been used to purchase Smart Boards, DVD/VCR equipment, playground and physical education equipment, the Character Education Program and Cultural Arts Assemblies.
The Venetian and the Kourgelis Family
Diet Center
In the Spotlight
Living Art Landscapes Inc.
V. Capelli
Franks Pizza
Steve’s Market
The Law Firm of Scarinci Hollenbeck and the Giacobbe Family
Napolitano Contracting, LLC
FXSolutions
Crystal Lakes Landscaping
Bella Nails
Lenape Grille
Manito Teachers
Orion Printing and Graphics
Cicero Designs, LLC
Gary Hart, Attorney at Law
Patricia McNerney, Occupational Therapist
Victor Tafro, State Farm
Playworld
Smile Center of Rockland, James McNerney, DDS
Tim Sorbanelli, DJ and Musician