We had a hilariously good time at David Studebaker Live – Comedy Show Benefiting Youth from Foster Care on May 1 at the Sacramento Punch Line. The #laughsforyouth fundraiser supported Ticket to Dream Foundation’s new Dress 2 Success Program, Koinonia Homes for Teens and Aging UP.
The event was presented by Dress 2 Success, a program that began four years ago by Justin Studebaker, who volunteered his time to teach youth in Koinonia about style. It has since grown to include many volunteers and recently became a program within Ticket to Dream Foundation. As Justin’s brother is a comedian, he began envisioning a collaborative event that could expand his program’s style workshops and shopping sprees while also supporting other nonprofits serving youth in foster care. Aging UP was honored to be welcomed as a benefiting partner.
It was amazing to see all the work and planning seamlessly come together on May 1. Though focused on offering guests funny entertainment, there was a message throughout the evening. It began with Miles Cooley, an entertainment lawyer from Los Angeles, who entered the Sacramento foster care system at the age of five, when he found his mother after she overdosed. He briefly described his experience and, how as a fashion savvy youth, he had several adults contribute to his well-being and to his desire to dress well. This kindness gave him the confidence and motivation to succeed.
Following Miles were stand-up comedians Luke Lacoy and Uncle Charlie Adams (aka Notorious O.L.D.). Then headliner David Studebaker, an actor and comedian (whom you may recognize from one of our YouTube videos). David brought big laughs. He also brought several people on stage, including a hilarious bit with our board member Ian Johnson as well as Sleep Train Founder Dale Carlson.
Dale sold Sleep Train to Mattress Firm in 2014, but he remains as the CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Ticket to Dream Foundation, which provides hope and opportunity for children in foster care. Our board member Anthony was among one of the youth who benefited from the foundation. When he was in foster care, Anthony attended sporting events and received Christmas gifts through the foundation. It was a special moment when he was able to shake Dale’s hand and thank him in-person for those gifts and memories.
Truly that was what the evening was about – providing memorable and confidence-building experiences for youth in foster care. It ended with a unique auction, where instead of bidding on items to take home, guests bid to provide unique experiences for youth in foster care.
The auction raised approximately $10,000! These funds will be divided among the participating nonprofits so they can extend those memorable experiences to the youth we collectively serve. Sponsors also came forward to support the organizations. We couldn’t be more grateful to our friend Kevin Hughey of Hughey Law Group for generously being a Feature Sponsor.
We are honored to have been among the benefiting organizations and are beyond grateful to all the event sponsors, attendees and volunteers who made the sold-out event a complete success! Thank you.
Cover image from left to right: Board Member Anthony, Admin Volunteer Andrea, Co-founder Kecia, Headline Comedian David Studebaker, Board Member Ian, Co-founder April, and Board Member Tori
