Laugh It Up Milwaukee Announces Headliner Patton Oswalt for the January 30th Event – Special Olympics Wisconsin Named Partner Beneficiary

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (November 16, 2015) – The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) announced Patton Oswalt as the headline performer for Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2016, the JCC’s annual fundraising event celebrating community partnership.  Internationally known stand-up comedian, writer and actor, Oswalt will take the Riverside Theater stage at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 30, with proceeds to support programs at the JCC and Laugh It Up Milwaukee partner beneficiary, Special Olympics Wisconsin.  Tickets for the event range from $45 – $95 and may be purchased online beginning Friday, November 20 at laughitupmilwaukee.org or pabsttheater.org.Patton Oswalt Approved Photo

Patton Oswalt has been headlining comedy clubs across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom since 1996, as well as appearing in his own comedy specials on Comedy Central and HBO.  His acting career includes many memorable guest roles in television series such as Veep, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Parks and Recreation, Two and a Half Men, and King of Queens, among others.  As an accomplished voice actor, Oswalt currently narrates ABC’s hit comedy The Goldbergs, in addition to his voicing characters on The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.  Most notably, Oswalt provided the voice for Remy, the rat, in Pixar’s Oscar®-winning animated film Ratatouille.  His other work on the big screen includes roles in films such as Young Adult, Big Fan, Magnolia, and Starsky and Hutch, just to name a few.

The evening will mark the fifth annual presentation of Laugh It Up Milwaukee, an event designed to show the power of organizations coming together to meet the needs of the Greater Milwaukee community.  This year’s event will benefit Special Olympics Wisconsin and support their efforts to help children and adults with intellectual disabilities overcome barriers through sports.  Laugh It Up Milwaukee will also benefit specials needs programming for children and adults at the JCC.  Partnership plays a significant role in the event, according to JCC President & CEO Mark Shapiro.  “The JCC believes in partnership and the power of community as we see so many of our friends and neighbors experiencing challenges in their lives.  This year, together with Special Olympics Wisconsin, we’re focused on shattering stereotypes and enriching the lives of children and adults in our community with intellectual disabilities.”

Past beneficiaries and partner agencies of Laugh It Up Milwaukee include Gilda’s Club (2012), Children’s Hospital of Southeastern Wisconsin (2013), the MACC Fund (2014) and Hunger Task Force (2015), and featured performances from comedians Seth Meyers, Susie Essman & Richard Lewis, Martin Short, and Howie Mandel.  Since 2012, with the support of sponsors such as Olshan Outreach (Bayshore Town Center), Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust, Bilt-Rite, Kapco, and many others, the JCC has raised over $500,000 in support of community programs focused on cancer, bullying, hunger, and now individuals with special needs.

“Special Olympics Wisconsin is honored to be chosen by the JCC as partner beneficiary for Laugh It Up Milwaukee 2016.  It’s a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on our program and the abilities of our incredible athletes,” stated Dennis Alldridge, Special Olympics Wisconsin President/CEO.

The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center is a non-profit, social service agency founded upon Jewish ethics and values.  It is committed to meeting the ever-changing needs of the entire Jewish community for strengthening Jewish identity and for enriching the quality of Jewish life.  The JCC provides the total community with a forum for open dialogue regarding matters affecting Jewish life here, in Israel, and throughout the world.  It initiates diversified social, educational, recreational, and cultural programs within a Jewish setting.