HANDY’S “LAUGHTER FOR YOUR HEART”

Rx for a Better Community: “Laughter for Your Heart”
Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 15, 2013) Laughter for your heart may not be just what the Doctor ordered, but perhaps it should be.  HANDY (Helping Abused Neglected Disadvantaged Youth) understands that a happy heart can transform a life, and even a community.  This concept is what sparked the idea for HANDY to hold their Fall Membership Drive for HANDY’s Heartbeat Society “Laughter for Your Heart” at the Improv Comedy Club at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on August 28, 2013.
Tickets to HANDY’s membership drive, “Laughter for Your Heart” were $40 per person but were waived with belonging to or joining HANDY’s Heartbeat Society.  With membership opportunities starting as low as $60 a year annually, the Heartbeat Society was created to provide a personal link to HANDY and everyone involved with a variety of levels that are renewable annually. This membership provides supporters with updates from the organization and the kids and provides HANDY with flexible resources to support a wide range programs and services.  At HANDY, fundraising is a team sport.  By joining this “team” supporters provide meaningful insight to the organization with volunteer time, support, expertise and influence.  In return, members join the conversation and not only receive timely member-only emails and updates but will have a huge forum and network.
HANDY’s Board Chair and Heartbeat Society Member, Barbara Burnette stated “When significant investment is made to lead at-risk youth toward success, the outcomes are actually measurable.  They are measured in dollars, productive citizens and more functional, habitable communities.” Barbara Burnette opened the event by addressing the crowd and rolling out HANDY’s new logo and the new face of HANDY.  Brice Callins, a HANDY alumnus also gave a compelling testimonial on his journey with HANDY helping him through the many obstacles he has overcome. Beth Bryant, HANDY’s Director of Development closed out the presentation asking the crowd to join in HANDY’s mission and become a member of the Heartbeat Society.
After HANDY’s presentation, the room was filled with laughter from notable comedians provided by the Improv for a full three man show! The host, Milton Hall, opened up the comedy portion of the evening followed by Ashley Fils-aime.  The feature comedian for the evening, Dean Napolitano, closed out the evening, with everyone leaving with a smile on their faces and laughter in their hearts! A silent auction and raffle drawings were available to guests throughout the event and the winners were drawn at the end by Dean Napolitano and Brice Callins.
Sponsors of this event included: MDG Advertising, Sean and Laura Coyle, Kathryn and Roy Krause, and Blacktie South Florida.
About HANDY:  HANDY’s mission is to embrace, educate, and empower vulnerable youth to become engaged, productive adults. HANDY annually serves more than 1,300 at-risk children who participate in comprehensive programs that focus on education, youth development, and economic self-sufficiency.  HANDY relies on the generous donations and support of the community. Make a difference in 2013. For more information about how you or your company can get involved in HANDY’s events, programs and spirit, please contact Beth Bryant, Director of Development at EBryant@HANDYinc.org.