A NIGHT OF COMEDY BENEFITING NIP
September 21, 2024
Courtyard by Marriott - Parkside Town Commons - Cary, NC
On September 21st we held a unique event honoring our Co-Founder and Board Chair, Clay Aiken, who has dedicated over 20 years to advocating for the inclusion of children with disabilities. Since Clay is unashamed at dispensing his own brand of playful teasing, we thought a night of comedy, with a little bit of comedic retribution was the best way to celebrate.
We handpicked a few local comedians (See more about them below) to help us by serving up a few playful jabs at Clay to honor his achievements while also entertaining us with their funniest material to help raise money for inclusion. Guests laughed, cheered, and voted with their wallets for their favorite as our comedians battled it out for their favor.
A PERFORMANCE by Clay and the Band
The night concluded with a special performance by Clay and the band including a setlist created by YOU! That’s right, this year’s setlist was chosen by those registered for the event! We collected your song possibilities and counted your votes, and Clay and the band made it a great performance. THANK YOU to everyone who voted and donated!
The IMPROV Experience!
The fun started earlier that morning with an Interactive Improv Experience at Mettlesome Theater! Guests mingled with NIP board and staff while participating in an unforgettable experience, led by our comedy partners, where the audience (and Clay himself) became part of the act! (more details below)
MEET OUR COMEDIANS
Jeremy Alder
Jeremy was homeschooled in the heart of Texas by fundamentalist missionary parents with a penchant for conspiracy theories. Now married with children of his own, Jeremy's material delves into the trials and tribulations of growing up homeschooled, the complications of religion, the mysteries of marriage, the chaos of parenting, and the existential crisis of aging.
Brandi Roberts
Brandi is a beloved stand-up comedian, producer and writer from Raleigh, NC She got her start at Goodnight’s Comedy Club in Raleigh, NC and quickly became a local favorite. Over the past 8 years Brandi has exponentially grown and captivated audiences with her quirky wit, cool demeanor, and her playful absurdity. Brandi was a selected performer in many Comedy Festivals and was also featured on the ‘Black Power Rangers’ comedy tour in 22 and 23.
Brett Williams
Brett is a certified *theatre kid*, zoologist, and locally-sourced ukulele comedian from Raleigh whose musical style will leave you singing along at the most inappropriate times.
INTERACTIVE IMPROV EXPERIENCE
At Mettlesome Theater our guests joined us for an engaging improv comedy workshop, where they joined in interactive exercises alongside NIP co-founders, board members, and staff. Led by Mettlesome's experienced improv trainers, we dived into energizing warmups and games designed to get everyone involved and laughing together. Throughout, we emphasized the fundamental principle of improv, "Yes, and...", and its application in everyday life.
We capped off the workshop with a special treat: Mettlesome's improv trainers delivered a spontaneous performance, incorporating NIP co-founders and audience members alike. Whether you offered suggestions or dared to take part in a hilarious and unforgettable scene, it was a morning of laughter and camaraderie.
REGISTRATION
The registration form will ask for 4 simple items listed below. You will NOT be asked for guests names at this time (that’ll come with your payment). Guests that would like to sit together must register together - just pick one person to register the whole group.
Questions on Registration Form:
- Which Registration level ($300 or $1500)?
- How many guests?
- What is the contact name with email and phone number for the group?
- Are there any accessibility needs (wheelchair, walker, etc) of those in your group?
A note about seating: Everyone will be seated at tables of 10 people for Comedy Night. Seats will be reserved according to your ticket level and the time your registration was submitted. Guests that would like to sit together must register together. Improv Experience seats are first come, first served.
PAYMENT DETAILS
Once your registration is submitted and your reservation confirmed, the group contact will receive an email with details on how to make the donation(s) and can forward that to any of the guests in their group. Checks (preferred) and Credit Cards will be accepted and must be received within one month of registration or by August 30th (whichever is first). If you would like a tax receipt for your donation, you must pay for yourself (even if someone else registered you).
When making your donation, please provide the name of the person who registered you, as well as the names and emails of those you are paying for. This will ensure that we have everyone on our registration list correctly. If changes need to be made after you submit this info, please email the changes to TonyaGillham@inclusionproject.org by August 30th.
TICKET OPTIONS
Comedy Night (Waitlist available)
Send 1 Kid to Camp ($300) and receive
- A reserved seat for the Comedy Show & Clay's Performance
- Dinner and drinks
- Includes a $215 tax deductible donation
COMBO: Comedy Night + Improv Experience (Upgrades available, if already registered)
Send 5 Kids to Camp ($1500) and receive
- An invite to the Improv Experience at Mettlesome Theater in Durham, NC
- A seat in the first or second row of tables for the Comedy Show & Clay's Performance
- Dinner and drinks
- Includes a $1365 tax deductible donation
A donation to SEND A KID TO CAMP supports activities that make it possible for a kid with disabilities to play, learn, and make friends with their peers at a recreational program in their community. These activities could include one on one consultation with the program, customized staff training, education resources, best practices, program evaluation, Power of Play Conference, Accreditation, small group workshops for staff, and so much more.
LOCATION
Courtyard Raleigh Cary/Parkside Commons
1008 PARKSIDE MAIN STREET, CARY, NC 27519
919-659-1250
Comedy Night will take place in the ballroom at the Courtyard Raleigh Cary/Parkside Commons. This hotel has a complimentary airport shuttle, free parking and is surrounded by more than 50 shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Please note that The Improv Experience will take place at Mettlesome Theater in Durham, NC. Details above.
The hotel has created a discounted block of rooms for our guests @ $179/night, available until August 30th. You can reserve at the link below or call and let them know you are with the National Inclusion Project.
QUESTIONS?
Contact our Director of Operations and Event Manager TonyaGillham@inclusionproject.org with any questions.
Everybody Participates Everybody Belongs
There are many ways to support our mission. One of them is through donating.
Whether it's a little or a lot, it all helps and it all matters!