'Comedy For a Cause' Benefit at Park East Thurs, Dec. 13.

In the wake of Sand , comedians volunteer to assist FoodBank with show at Park East

 Local comedian Kevin Israel today announced a comedy benefit at  Park East Restaurant in Hazlet on Thursday, December 13th at 7:30PM to help the Food Bank of Monmouth and Ocean County . The FoodBank has been operational since the day after Hurricane Sandy, providing over 33,000 meals in the first 4 days after the storm, when most other member pantries and agencies were unable to provide assistance due to power outages or flooding. In the first 12 days they provided over 450,000 meals, including hot meals from our kitchen, military rations (MREs), shelf stable food, disaster boxes, and fresh and frozen items for organizations cooking for victims and rescue workers.

 “I grew up in Monmouth County and I live here now, this storm really affected everyone but we all came together so quickly to help one and other,” said Israel   who has been performing stand up for over twelve years. “I’ve worked with the FoodBank in other capacities and I know how much immediate good they do, this benefit will help them continue to assist those who need it the most in the coming months.”

Israel went on to say that they have also teamed up with Operation Jersey Shore Santa to help ensure that families affected by Superstorm Sandy will have a happy holiday season. Operation Jersey Shore Santa will be collecting gifts and donations through Saturday, December 15. Deliveries will occur from December 17-23. For additional information including drop-off locations, how to apply for help or to find out how to get involved, visit www.operationjerseyshoresanta.org, the organization’s Facebook page  or call Jackie O’Leary at (732) 701-7012.

 “Everyone could use a laugh after the past few weeks and we’ve assembled an incredible group of comics. As soon as I approached Park East with the idea of a comedy benefit show, the folks there were immediately receptive,” Israel continued. “We have Robin Fox from Nick Mom’s Night Out, Chris Covert who recently performed with Artie Lange at the Count Basey Theater and Joseph Anthony, a finalist on TV’s last comic Standing. These are all Jersey comics and they’re all donating their time for this show.”

 Park East is located at 3352 State Route 35, in Hazlet, New Jersey 07730. Tickets for the benefit are $25. Call (732) 739-2002 or contact Kevin Israel at kevinisrael@gmail.com for reservations and information.