Photo courtesy of Workshops, Inc.
Josh Blue will be the headliner of Comedy for a Cause this month.
On Thursday, Feb. 22, Comedy for a Cause is ushering in another year of comedians, hors d’oeuvres and a night out at Iron City Birmingham.
Comedian and “Last Comic Standing” winner Josh Blue will be the headliner for the annual Workshops, Inc., Comedy for a Cause benefit, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the show starting at 7 p.m.
The show will have a local opener, comedian and public speaker Justin Fisher, who also teaches economics at Jeff State Community College.
“This is the fourth year we have done [Comedy for a Cause], and we think it has gotten better every year,” Mary Hendley, director of development and marketing of Workshops, Inc., said. “It’s going to be a fun evening of entertainment and letting people know a little bit more about Workshops, Inc.”
Hendley said Workshops, Inc., helps people with disabilities in Birmingham and the central Alabama area get jobs. Their ultimate mission is to provide people with vocational training, job appointment opportunities and other support services.
“Josh Blue also just happens to have cerebral palsy. We like to show that even with people with disabilities, it doesn't mean that they're not funny, or they can’t be a comedian or they can’t do anything,” Hendley said, “but because he's performing for Workshops, Inc., we like to add that he does have a disability.”
Hendley added that the opener, Fisher, also has cerebral palsy and performs in a wheelchair.
Even though Workshops, Inc., is a United Way agency, Hendley said they have to do benefits and work with local businesses to be able to keep serving people in the area. The benefits, she said, also let people know that Workshops, Inc., is out there and able to help community members.
Last year, Hendley said they helped serve more than 500 people with disabilities.
“The bottom line is we want everyone to reach their highest level of employment possible who comes to our doors,” Hendley said.
Tickets are $50 for individuals and tables for eight people are discounted for $350. To purchase tickets, go to workshopsinc.org/comedy/comedy-for-a-cause.html.
Workshops, Inc., is located in Avondale, and Hendley said people are encouraged to stop by anytime.