Laughter just makes things better.
Hope Unlimited addresses serious issues like domestic and sexual violence. On Friday, theyll use laughter to help support their efforts.
Comedian Spencer James, grandson of Moran resident Grayce Spencer, will perform a standup routine at 8 p.m. Friday at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill. Proceeds will help Hope Unlimited with general expenses, and could be used for shelter improvements.
We do this work every day and its very serious, Hope Unlimited Executive Director Dorothy Sparks said. Sometimes its just nice for folks to escape for an hour or two.
Its the third time James has performed as a benefit for the organization. Previous times, though, were in the summer. His busy schedule, performing in Las Vegas and across the country as well as traveling with cruise ships, offered limited opportunities to schedule the show.
James is quite familiar with Iola. As a child, he traveled around the globe while his father was in the Army. He spent summers at his grandparents house in Moran and at the Iola pool, he told The Register in 2017.
After high school, James attended Allen Community College where he worked with drama instructor Tony Piazza. After college, he left to pursue a career as a performer. He started doing stand-up comedy and moved to Los Angeles, then Denver, and finally Las Vegas.
He was crowned the winner of the 2014 World Series of Comedy in Las Vegas. He created a one-man show called How to Hide a Fat Kid. His schedule includes performances at Brad Garretts Comedy Club and the Laugh Factory, both in Las Vegas, and at places across the country.
Sparks knew James from living near his grandmother, and conversations led to the annual comedy benefit show.
He visits his grandma every year, and hes fitting us in while hes in town for the holidays, Sparks said. Its very nice for us because hes willing to do that. Weve talked to him about the work we do at the child advocacy and child visitation center, and I think he has a soft spot for kids.
This is the first year the event will be at Rookies. Sparks said she hopes the venue change will introduce Hope Unlimited to a wider audience.
James was scheduled for a cruise until today, and was unavailable for comment.
Tickets for Fridays show are $15 and include appetizers. A cash bar will be open.
