ARLINGTON — Local chaplains are planning a comedy night fundraiser in Arlington on Sept. 26.
Family-friendly comedian Ken Davis is the starring act, with live music also planned.
The event, “A Night of Comedy with Ken Davis,” is hosted by Hope Unlimited, a faith-based nonprofit in Stanwood. They’re describing it as “a night of clean comedy with a message of hope,” said Ralph Fry, who runs the nonprofit with his wife, LeAnn.
Hope Unlimited has two missions. Through Stanwood Camano Incident Support, it provides chaplain services to police and fire departments in north Snohomish County and Camano Island. It also runs programs in Stanwood for single-parent families.
One of the chaplains, the Rev. Joel Johnson, works full-time at the Oso fire station.
“We want people to know what we do and who we are,” Johnson said.
Proceeds from the event will go toward costs such as equipment, fuel, classroom materials and food for parenting groups, he said.
Hope Unlimited’s chaplains provide support to those affected by deaths, accidents and other tragic events.
“We’re there to take care of the first responders and the families, Oso being a great example, but unfortunately every day there are critical incidents that people experience and we try to help them maneuver through that,” Johnson said.
Chaplains often meet people when their lives are falling apart, Fry said. In some cases, they stay in touch for years and see the healing over time: emotional, physical and spiritual. It’s about providing a presence, he said, and the message that everyone faces storms in life, and no one has to walk alone. Their team responded to more than 200 emergencies last year, he said.
The idea for the fundraiser is to meet neighbors, showcase the resources available and garner support for their programs, Johnson said.
“We wanted a fun, family-friendly night where someone can come for an hour and half, two hours, and laugh and relax,” Johnson said.
Tickets are available at hopeunlimitedwa.org and kendavislive.com. They are $19 in advance, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more, and $25 at the door. Doors open a half-hour before the 6:30 p.m. event. at the Byrnes Performing Arts Center at Arlington High School, 18821 Crown Ridge Boulevard. A live bluegrass band will play in the foyer, and an a cappella group is the opening act.
Hope Unlimited also is looking for new chaplains and support staff.
“It’s a great way for people to get involved in their community,” Johnson said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
For information about volunteering for Hope Unlimited, which includes the Stanwood Camano Incident Support chaplains, or making a donation, email hopeunlimited@wavecable.com.
The Single Family Class in Stanwood is a free, faith-based course for single parents and their children. The class focuses on grief, communication and relationships.
Volunteers also are needed to help cook kid-friendly dinners on Tuesday nights for participants. Group size is about 30. More info: 425-387-0923.
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