The Jefferson City Department of Parks and Recreation is trying something new to fundraise for its special programs.
"We've done other fundraisers, but not one like this," said Joe Boss, who is supervisor of Special Olympics and Friday Night Recreation at the Parks Department.
Next Thursday's fundraiser for the programs will be "A Night of Comedy and Music." Bluegrass band Lost Mountain Clan will take the stage at the Miller Performing Arts Center for the first half hour starting at 7 p.m, followed by country singer Jason Luebbering from 7:30-8 p.m., Boss said.
Lost Mountain Clan performed Aug. 21 in North Jefferson City as part of the solar eclipse festivities, and they also headlined the Heritage stage of Jefferson City's Salute to America for the Fourth of July this year, according to the band's Facebook page.
After the bands perform, comedian David Graham will take the stage. Graham is from St. Louis - born in Tulsa, Oklahoma - and his website describes him as a "six-foot-six teddy bear (who) will take any event to the next level" with clean comedy. He's been featured on Comedy Central, "America's Funniest People" and "Last Comic Standing."
"We decided that that would be an interesting avenue to try - because we haven't tried it in the past and because we knew some of the acts," Boss said of the music-and-comedy fundraising approach.
The Parks Department offers the Special Athletes Youth Program, Jefferson City Special Olympics and Friday Night Recreation, all described in the department's program and facilities guide:
- The Special Athletes Youth program is open for children 6-14 years old and have special needs. It's a year-round program that provides swimming, hayrides and other recreational activities along with Special Olympics sports.
- Jefferson City Special Olympics is a year-round sports and training program for any Jefferson City resident 16 years or older who has cognitive disabilities. The program provides opportunities to develop physical fitness, build self-confidence and a positive self-image, and form friendships.
- Friday Night Recreation is a year-round program for residents of Cole and adjacent counties who are 15 years or older and have mental or physical disabilities, co-sponsored with Cole County Residential Services. The program features dances, game nights, dinners, hayrides, bingo, movies and nature activities. Boss described it as "a different avenue to get to know people other than just on the field."
All proceeds from the Sept. 14 fundraiser will benefit these programs.
Tickets for the show are $20 and can be purchased through Sept. 14 at The Linc, 1299 Lafayette St.