Contributor Brian Fischler – Laugh For Sight NYC 2012: Tickets on Sale
It seems like only yesterday that I was folding up my cane and hiding it in my computer bag on the way to work. When I first started getting around with a cane, like many, I was ashamed and embarrassed. Nobody likes to show weakness or faults. Wow, that was a long time ago, but not in a galaxy far far away. It’s now 2012 and I pretty much have lost all usable vision, and I no longer work in corporate America. Do I miss the money? You betcha. Do I miss the job or the people? Absolutely not.
For the last nine years I have worked as a comedian. Coming to terms with losing my vision and eventual blindness and sharing it all with the public turned out to be very therapeutic for me. I’d be lying if I told you it’s wine and roses all the time. Don’t get me wrong–like many of you I still have those “Why Me” meltdowns. I just learned to keep those meltdowns in the home.
So why the trip down memory lane? When I sat down to write this article promoting this year’s Laugh For Sight NYC, it hit me–this is our tenth benefit. It blows me away when I think of all the amazing, talented comedians that have donated their time to Laugh For Sight. The generosity of comedians never ceases to amaze me. I’d be lying if I said that I am completely happy with the success of Laugh For Sight, as we still have yet to reach the financial fundraising that I would have hoped for, but considering the times we are living in, the mere fact that we are still going, and going strong, says something. I like to think of Laugh For Sight as a night where the blind and visually impaired communities can come out and have a very special night all about us. Judging by the turnout of people with canes and guide dogs at Laugh For Sight, we’ve accomplished that mission.
Now onto the important information. This year’s Laugh For Sight NYC will be held on Monday, October 29th at the world famous Gotham Comedy Club. Proceeds will benefit the Scheie Eye Institute at the University of Pennsylvania. We are thrilled to announce the night will be kicked off by celebrity host Bonnie Bernstein of ESPN. She will be joined by legendary comedian Robert Klein, Eddie Brill, Bonnie McFarlane, Paul Mecurio, Jim Norton, Colin Quinn, Rich Vos, and of course Nash and me. The silent auction will start at 7 PM, followed by the comedy show at 8:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased through www.gothamcomedyclub.com, or by calling 212-367-9000. For the latest information make sure to follow us on Twitter @LaughForSight.