COMEDIANS UNITE FOR VICTIMS OF ABUSE

Local clubs join forces for stand-up show to raise funds, awareness

Three of San Diego’s comedy clubs are coming together for the first time to garner some laughs — and some funds — for The Purple Project, a nonprofit that provides support to victims of domestic violence.

Producers from Comedy Heights, Riff City and Kash Komedy are partnering with the nonprofit to host a night of stand-up comedy called “Something Funny” on Thursday, featuring comedians Kash Habib, Al Gavi, Sarah Hershberger, Joe Grillo, Dallas Mclaughlin and Lisa Gilbert.

“Usually these comedy shows are little islands on their own, but this is the first time that we’ve all gotten together to produce one epic lineup,” said Daniel Delgado, who produces Riff City Comedy with his partner, Beau Hufford.

Jordan Conole, founder and executive director at The Purple Project, says she wanted to bring together the comedy community, just as the nonprofit does its own supporters.

“That’s what The Purple Project is in our community — it’s people coming together and utilizing their skills and resources to actually make a difference,” Conole said. “I think this show is just a beautiful display of collaboration with comedians using their skills and talents to support domestic violence survivors.”

Funds from the show will go toward supporting local shelters such as Becky’s House Shelter, a downtown shortterm residential program for women, men and children in need of immediate protection, along with other Purple Project programs.

The event will also raise awareness about domestic violence, organizers said.

“I think comedy does bring people together, and if we can use comedy to bring awareness to domestic violence, I think that that’s going to be a great thing,” said Kash Habib, producer of Kash Komedy and the comedy show’s host.

Comedy Heights producers Al Gavi and Maria Herman worked with The Purple Project for a comedy show fundraiser previously.

“As far as I’m concerned, this is a no-brainer,” Herman said. Domestic violence is a “perpetual story that we would like to change at some point, and it really needs to happen now.”