An upcoming comedy show will benefit Catholic Community Services’ Joyce Hanson Hall Food Bank, the largest food pantry in northern Utah. The event, titled Will Laugh for Food, is scheduled for Nov. 19 at Wiseguys Comedy Café in Ogden.
The lineup for the Nov. 19 event features local comedians Craig Bielik, Spence Roper, and Kiley Cook. Bielik, who works for the Ogden Weber Chamber of Commerce, co-created the event three years ago with former Weber State student Jake Bush to combine stand-up comedy with charitable fundraising.
Spence Roper, a Logan native and resident, will perform alongside the group. Kiley Cook, known as the voice of the Weber County Fair, is also featured in the lineup. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Wiseguys Comedy Café, located at 269 25th St. in Ogden. Tickets are priced at $20 and can be found at wiseguyscomedy.com/utah/ogden.
The benefit relies on community partnerships, including Wiseguys, which is donating its venue space and server hours, plus several hundred dollars to increase the night's total earnings. The comedians are not being paid for the performance. Additionally, the event will include an opportunity drawing with prizes donated by local 25th Street businesses, such as The Queen Bee bookshop.
The Joyce Hanson Hall Food Bank serves between 1,700 and 1,800 households monthly, which accounts for approximately 12,000 individuals. CCS basic needs director Randy Chappell stated that the need is growing due to rising gas prices and the cost of living, forcing families to choose between fuel and groceries.
Bielik noted that scheduling the event in late fall is intentional to provide food to the food bank right before the holiday season when the need increases. CCS development director Maresha Bosgieter said the event is a great way to raise funds and awareness for the program, which faces a constant struggle to meet the needs in Ogden.
The Will Laugh for Food benefit is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at Wiseguys Comedy Café, 269 25th St., Ogden.
