Comedy Night: The Second City

st. charles, IL
opportunity/challenge

Round out the event portfolio with a light-hearted fundraising event that would appeal to the masses.

Halloween, a season of joviality and “all the feels”, was the perfect time to host a Comedy Night fundraiser.
vendors & Sponsors
Venue: Arcada Theatre (St. Charles, IL)
Catering : Onesti; Graceful Ordinary
Entertainment: The Second City (Chicago, IL)
Slapstick Presenting ($5000): Free Pet Cremation
Parody ($2500): K. Hollis Jewelers, The Crystal Bride
Satire ($1000): Windy City Bulls, Valley Air Services
Double Entendre ($500): Aevo Technologies, Cross Country Mortgage, Crumble Cookie, Delta Dental, & Karas Restaurant Group
Response/Solution

Comedy Night universally appealed to numerous demographics.

For decades, The Second City has been the pinnacle of sketch and improv comedy, launching the careers of countless comedic legends. From Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert to Steve Carell and Amy Poehler, Second City has been the training ground for some of the biggest names in comedy.

Based in downtown Chicago, The Second City has little presence in the western suburbs which means an hour+ long commute to see their show. Bringing them to the iconic Aracada Theatre that hosted luminaries such as Joan Rivers and Don Rickles offered an opportunity for locals to enjoy this national treasure in a historic venue without having to commute downtown.

Due to its popularity, a VIP reception was held prior to the show giving management and Board of Directors an opportunity to invite new potential donors to learn about the mission.

Outcome/Results

Now in its second year response continues to be overwhelming. The Arcada holds 900 guests and each showing has been close to selling out.

Several major donors were cultivated from the VIP reception and new supporters routinely emerge from the audience.

The event, now part of the annual event cadence and a tradition among supporters, provides an efficient fundraising opportunity without requiring much in the way of staff support.

Communications, Links & Media
event gallery

are you ready to elevate the ordinary?