SSM Health hosts free comedy show

St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City is finding laughter is sometimes the best medicine, and comedian Jonnie W. is here to do just that.

The award-winning Nashville comedian, who seamlessly blends music with stand-up, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Miller Performing Arts Center for a free, family-friendly comedy show sponsored by the hospital. Jonnie W. is known as a family-friendly comedian, often performing at churches and Christian universities across the country.

Mike Baumgartner, regional president of SSM Health, Mid-Missouri, said in a news release that the hospital is "excited to give back to the community." The hospital wanted to put on a fun, healing experience that is "truly something everyone can enjoy," according to the release.

"We're getting into the holiday season, and so we thought it would be the perfect time to just do something nice for the community," said Jessica Royston, regional marketing and communications manager with St. Mary's.

Though the event is free, Royston encouraged attendees to bring non-perishable food items for donation in lieu of purchasing tickets. The hospital is collecting items at the door to donate to the Samaritan Center.

"(The Samaritan Center) is a partner of ours, and we do a lot of events with them and wanted to support them, too," Royston said. "Going into the holiday season, a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, we thought it would be nice to ask people to bring in food donations."

If you plan on going, don't wait. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the performance set for 7 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served. For more information, contact 573-681-3140.