Community Corner

All-Star Comedy Line Up Standing Up Against Hunger in MetroWest

The inaugural Comics Unite, to benefit the United Way of Tri-County in Framingham, takes place at the TCAN Theater in Natick on July 17.

For the first time ever a seasoned group of comics including Lenny Clarke, Tom Cotter, Jackie Flynn and Tony V, will share the same stage for an evening to raise awareness and funds for the United Way of Tri-County’s Food Security Initiative. As native New Englanders, they are committed to helping the areas where they started their careers.  

“We are grateful to have these elite comics host an event that will impact the lives of so many people in the community. Suburban poverty is on the rise and the number of people without food in our area is staggering. Through this show we hope to shine a spotlight on the problem and generate funds to support our programs that work to end hunger in the MetroWest/495 Corridor,” said Paul Mina, President, United Way of Tri-County.

“We are happy to share the stage and create more visibility for an issue that clearly exists in our own backyard,” said Lenny Clarke.  Tom Cotter agrees, “This is a problem that no longer exists in some far away place, these are local people that need our bold help. 

According to a 2013 report from the Brookings Institution, the poor population in American’s suburbs is growing faster than anywhere else in the country, surging 64% in the past decade and growing twice the rate of the urban poor population.

“It is hard to believe so many people are living without enough food for themselves and their families. I am happy to come home and perform in front of some familiar faces, especially knowing I may be helping out some of my old neighbors. 

Comic Tony V is an avid supporter of charities battling the issue of hunger. 

“I live in Charlestown and I see people in my own neighborhood struggling to feed their children. This is a cause close to my heart,” said Tony V. 

The proceeds from the event will benefit the United Way of Tri-County’s three direct food service programs including The Pearl Street Cupboard in Framingham, The Marlborough Cupboard and Clinton Community Cupboard & Café.

The inaugural Comics Unite will take place at the TCAN Theater in Natick on July 17 with tickets available at www.uwotc.org . Limited seats are available, General admission tickets are $35 for the 6:45pm show.  

VIP tickets are available at $75 which includes a pre-reception with the comics at the Dolphin Seafood Restaurant in Natick from 5:30-6:30pm. 


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