Fundraiser To Honor The Life, Laughs, Passion of Local Comedian

In January of this year, Buffalo Grove and the Chicago comedy community lost a great talent when twenty-one-year-old Michael Yancovich died suddenly in his sleep from a fatal drug reaction.

Michael inhabited several roles in his short life. He was a son, brother, friend, musician, actor, rapper and animal advocate. Though, when asked, he would first say he was a comedian. The craft of writing and performing stand-up comedy was his passion. At twenty-one, he was an up-and-coming comedian in the Chicago scene who had earned the respect of his peers as he worked out his original material at countless open mics and booked gigs.

His dream was the motivation for the Michael Yancovich No Joke Foundation, founded in 2018 by family and friends of Michael. The nonprofit emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and encourage the community, and is driven by progressive ideas, bold actions and a strong foundation of support.

Many organizations provide the resources and support necessary to move past life’s challenges—very important missions and invaluable services. The new “No Joke Foundation” focuses on the purpose and joy that come from finding one’s passion.

To kick off the Foundation’s mission, on Saturday, January 5th, the organization, along with Big Deal Productions of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, and Funnier By The Lake Comedy and Best Corporate Comedy, both of Highland Park, Illinois, are presenting “Laughs for Mike,” a hilarious night of live stand-up comedy co-headlining nationally touring comedians and Chicago favorites, Kristen Toomey and Reena Calm, and special guest, local comedian and friend of Michael’s, Steven Curry.

The evening begins at 7 PM at the newly renovated Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center and will include a video honoring the life of Michael Yancovich, appetizers from Max and Benny’s Restaurant, a raffle and an amazing comedy showcase co-hosted by comedians Ricky March and Larry Bloom, of Best Corporate Comedy and Funnier By The Lake Comedy, respectively. Proceeds will benefit the Michael Yancovich No Joke Foundation.

Event details:

Date/Time:
Saturday, January 5, 2019 | 7 PM

Location:
Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center
225 N. McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Cost:
$18 per person in advance (advance purchase highly recommended)
$20 at the door
$120 VIP table for 4 (limited availability)

Schedule:
7:00 – 7:45 PM
Honoring Michael Yancovich
Appetizers from Max and Benny’s
Alcohol Available for Purchase

8:00 – 9:30 PM
“Laughs for Mike” Comedy Showcase

Information and Links:

Contact:
Jessi Hersman at 847.850.2152 with questions and to reserve a remaining VIP table.

Tickets:
bigdealproductions.org

Full event info:
www.FunnierByTheLake.com

Follow/share/like/invite on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/2200497420273216/