Detroit comics gather to support Alzheimer/Dementia Family Fund
Tickets for the virtual adult comedy show, auction are $25
“We have plenty of laughter to go around, as four comics will be featured throughout the night. Since we are virtually broadcasting this show, it ismeant for amore mature audience and TV-14 is what we recommend watching.”
— Moe Lietz, president and founder of Sparkle Network
Need a good laugh for a good cause?
Both will be covered with the Sparkle Network’s #MomWouldBeSoProud: Sharing Laughs Cause We Care annual fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer/Dementia Family Fund.
This year’s comedy show and auction will be a virtual event from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Nov. 14.
“We decided to go virtual for our November event because it is too important a subject this year with all that has gone on,” said Moe Lietz, a comedian and the president and founder of the Sparkle Network, which she started after seeing the impact that Alzheimer has on a family after her mother was diagnosed with the disease.
“This fund was created based on our own ongoing journey with my mom and seeing the need for offering direction and some monetary help to families who find themselves in this journey, as well,” Lietz said, adding this year’s show highlights the importance of the care of our seniors and how families can help them age safely.
Lietz will host the event that features comics who are all part of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia caregiving world.
“We have plenty of laughter to go around, as four comics will be featured throughout the night,” Lietz said. “Sincewe are virtually broadcasting this show, it is meant for a more mature audience and TV-14 is what we recommend watching.”
As a special treat viewers living in Macomb County and areas of Oakland County including the cities of Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Troy, Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Orion and Waterford can add a special food option to their ticket purchase. “We have Mamma B’s creating a special menu for our show,” Lietz said of the Italian restaurant in Shelby Township featuring pizza, chicken wings, fabulous salads and a vegan menu. Cost for the dinners will vary, up to $15.
Organizers will also be sending a special gift for everyone to use the evening of the event, and those watching the show will be included in a special FacebookGroup, where they can share comments and bid on the selection of auction items ranging frommakeup baskets and gift cards to local experiences.
“Our event will continue to have a special touch to them despite what the outside world is throwing at us,” Lietz said.
As the host and fellow comedian, Lietz will kick things off with her Irish sarcastic wit followed by Ken Witzgall, an experienced standup comic who has performed at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase, Zanies in Chicago, Morty’s in Indianapolis, House of Blues in NewOrleans, and numerous other venues throughout the Midwest. He has opened for Nick Thune, Eric Andre, and Hannibal Buress, while producing numerous showcases and open mics in Chicago where he got his start. Other credits include opening for Jon Dore at Comedy on State in Madison, and he even bought a shot of vodka from the infamous Neil Hamburger, aka Gregg Turkington at the New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival.
Also part of the show is Loyd (spelled like you see it) Digg, a comic known to highlight the ridiculous truths of daily life with just the right amount of edge to tickle and entertain. Whether he is charging through a rant or effortlessly eliciting laughter with obnoxious observations and funny fantasies Digg is an ever-eager crowd pleaser. He has worked at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, The Holly Hotel, Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase and 313 Comedy at Detroit Shipping Co.
“Last but certainly not least is our dear friend, JD,” Lietz said, in her promo for the show. “From the day he started talking, Jermaine D. Nichols aka JD the Smile Hustler, immediately started entertaining audiences. His captivating renditions of holiday church speeches became legendary: He became a permanent staple in all school productions and assemblies, and was the life of the party at every family gathering. He has performed at numerous venues both public and private including Lucky’s in Southfield, Man-Dees, Starters, Joeys Comedy Club, 2nd Ebenezer Baptist Church, Word Restoration Ministries, and many others.
“J.D. continues to push the levels of comedy, through the smile hustler movement to help return the world back to a place of love, happiness, and public unity,” Lietz said.
As part of its commitment to the cause in addition to the show, Sparkle Network has released a video series called “Purple Page Talks,” featuring episodes that provide personal stories and advice on how to navigate the many difficulties people may experience when their loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“We know with any illness or disease; support and knowledge are so important,” Lietz said. “This is the fastest growing illness amongst seniors and the more you can know in advance, themore planning, and knowing what to plan for is huge, as my family has learned laughter is and continues to bewhat gets us through our journey.”