14th Annual Comedy Cabaret

Brings laughs and donations for Friends of Foster Children of SWFL

Comedians Nigel Lawrence and Jake Johannsen
strike a pose with emcee Krista Fogelsong

Laughs were abundant as nationally known comedians, Jake Johannsen and Nigel Lawrence, entertained guests at the 14th Annual Comedy Cabaret to benefit the Friends of Foster Children of Southwest Florida (FFC). The fundraiser was held at The Naples Beach Hotel and  included cocktails, silent auction, dinner and world-class entertainment.

Guests were encouraged to browse a wall of bright yellow “Smiley” faces as they arrived. Each face had a child’s holiday wish written on it and the amount needed to purchase the gift. Some guests picked one smile to adopt, while others gathered a handful.

For the 14th year in a row, the Hollywood-style comedy cabaret brought awareness of the need to help fund FFC’s mission. Les Schultzel, M.D., FFC founding member, spoke about the history of the event and how it came about in 2001 with the support of his daughter who is a Los Angeles talent agent.

Through their combined efforts, top comedians from the best comedy clubs perform completely gratis each year, donating their time and talents.

Over $40,000 was raised from this event and will go towards supporting the mission of the Friends of Foster Children and its many programs.

Jon Sonne and Rebecca Lambert

Making the event possible were sponsors: Arthrex, Naples Auto Donation Center (NADC), Nest International, BMO Private Bank, Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, Naples Daily News, William C. Huff Companies, Family Preservation Services, Germain Lexus of Naples, Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), and The Woodruff Institute. Krista Fogelsong of NBC-2 News emceed and acted as auctioneer for a surprise live auction item donated by Chef Brian Roland of Crave Culinaire.

The mission of Friends of Foster Children is to focus on the children they serve by providing targeted educational and enrichment opportunities that allow each child to fulfill their potential. FFC, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, works to fulfill the unmet needs of every child who enters, or is at risk of entering the foster care system in Southwest Florida. FFC will follow the child wherever they are placed.

For more information about Friends of Foster Children of Southwest Florida (FFC), visit www.friendsoffosterchildren.net or call  239.262.1808