Alan Mednick had the idea that stand-up comedy could work as a successful fundraising event for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
“Laughter is sometimes the best medicine, and it feels good knowing we were able to do that and give hope to so many people who needed it, like my family did,” said Mednick, a longtime Wellington resident, speaking of his inspiration for “Stand Up for Hope.”
Mednick lost both his teenage daughter as well as his niece to suicide, and he became an active board member for the Southeast Florida chapter of AFSP.
On Thursday, May 19, Mednick co-hosted “Stand Up for Hope” at the West Palm Beach Improv with popular stand-up comic Sarge as the headliner on a lineup that also included Rick Corso and Josh Rosen. Mednick’s co-host for the event was Miranda Khan of Boynton Beach, who is also his co-host on their Real America’s Voice network TV show, Real Convo.
“We’re making a difference and saving lives, while giving people a much-needed dose of laughter after what has been a very stressful past two years,” Khan said.
She is also a board member for the Southeast Florida chapter of AFSP, as well as a survivor of suicide loss following the death of her sister. The former WPTV channel 5 anchor became open about the topic after completing her sister’s book, Blossoms of Floraland.
The event drew close to 200 people and was a smashing success, even exceeding Mednick’s stated goal of $30,000 in funds raised, thanks largely to about 20 named sponsors, including Joseph Perez, Good Greek Insurance, Umttr and Forever Frosty, among many others. In addition to the stand-up acts, Janice Hamilton served as auctioneer for items that ranged from vacations to exotic locations like Bali to a ride in the Goodyear blimp.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Learn more at www.afsp.org.
Donations can still be made on the Stand Up for Hope event page at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/afspstandupforhope.
