By Amanda Tsao
Staff Writer
Comedy offers South Bay women a fun and entertaining way to raise money for the community’s schools through Mom’s Night Out at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach.
Mike Lacey, the owner of the Comedy and Magic Club, and Diana Allen, the chairwoman of the eventful evening, created Mom’s Night Out six years ago in an effort to raise money for the Hermosa Beach schools. Since then, Manhattan Beach schools emulated the event.
“Mom’s Night Out brings moms, teachers, friends and community members together for an extremely fun and memorable night at a comedy event,” Allen said.
This year’s fundraiser was held Wednesday. Tickets for the show, which only women are allowed to attend, sold out quickly.
“This event gives the community an opportunity to support the students, in addition to the parents who always give their time and money,” attendee Gerry Athas-Vazquez said.
This is the first year the fundraiser was held to specifically support Mira Costa performing arts programs. Each attendee had the choice of which arts program she wants her contribution to go to.
“Although my sons at Mira Costa do not participate in a performing arts group, I believe it is important to support the program and the developing, blossoming artists who truly enrich all of our lives,” Athas-Vazquez said. “The wide variety of activities at Mira Costa is what really makes our school and community so wonderful.”
At the event, moms could eat, drink and laugh at world-famous comedians and magicians. There was also raffle tickets available for purchase in order to win prizes donated by companies such as
Hammitt, Erin Condren designs and Uncorked.
“I love Mom’s Night Out, and I look forward to the event every year,” attendee Coreen Lanza said. “It’s a great night filled with a lot of laughter and friends. The comedians are always so funny and really entertaining, and they cater the night around the Moms that attend the event.”
In past years, between $8,000 and $10,000 have been raised in a single night.
“It is really important to have an event like this because it brings people together for a great night out to support our schools as well as a popular local business,” Allen said.
Leave a Reply