By JAMES MITCHELL
Sunday Times Newspapers
SOUTHGATE – The Fraternal Order of Police invites the public to a night of laughs in the name of charity. The FOP’s fourth annual Comedy Night Fundraiser will pack the VFW Hall at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Southgate Police Officer Robert Lukofsky said the event filled the room last year. Talented comedians from the area – including veterans of Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak – highlight the evening, along with free draft beer, a cash bar and music and dancing following the show.
Comedy Night is one of two annual fundraisers for FOP Lodge 110, along with a fall car show. Lukofsky said that a variety of local causes are supported by the Lodge, but the fund-raisers were designed to support the group’s scholarship efforts.
“We do three scholarships a year for high school students,” Lukofsky said.
Essays are solicited each year from students wishing to embark on a law enforcement career – as police, parole officers, corrections or other fields – and three winners each receive $1,000.
Additional funds received are awarded to those in need.
“We have numerous agencies that write us throughout the year,” Lukofsky said. “We get letters for financial assistance, and we roll back whatever is left over into that.”
Southgate police and the FOP partner often with Goodfellows and local Christmas donation programs.
The lineup of talent had yet been confirmed, but Lukofsky said last week that organizers work with local media and entertainment outlets to secure a respectable lineup.
“They know not to get anyone who’s not funny,” Lukofsky said.
The event is open to anyone 21 and over unless accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $25 each and available at the Southgate Police Department, 14710 Reaume Parkway, or by calling 734-564-3358.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall is at 16200 Dix-Toledo.
For more information email Lukofsky at [email protected].
(James Mitchell can be reached at [email protected].)