Laughter is the Best Medicine: CPS Hosts "Comedy at the Kimmel" to Support Scholarship Program

On Saturday October 24, Community Partnership School hosted its first major fundraiser event, "Comedy at the Kimmel." Over 400 guests took part in the night of "hilarity for charity," which featured delicious food, lots of laughs, and an inspiring CPS student performance.

Guests were first treated to an impressive reception at 10Arts in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, hosted by "Top Chef" contestant Jennifer Carroll (of 10Arts) and James Beard-award winning chef Marc Vetri (of Vetri and Osteria).

Chef Marc Vetri (left) takes a break from the kitchen to spend time with "Comedy at the Kimmel" event chairs, Kelly and Mark Korman, and CPS Board Member Jeff Benjamin.

At the Kimmel Center, the program began with a show-stopping performance by the CPS third and fourth grade of "One Small Voice" and "So Long, Farewell." Students explained why they selected "One Small Voice" to the audience, a song about how even just one person can make a difference in the world. The students had been rehearsing for their big debut for weeks, led by CPS drama and music volunteer Ms. Kari Lynn Hearn. Their hard work paid off, as an impressed, packed theater gave the students a standing ovation!

CPS students are all smiles right before taking the stage at the Kimmel Center.

CPS students prepare to sing "One Small Voice."

Afterwards, CPS Board members Jeff Benjamin and Mark Korman challenged the evening's attendees to raise $15,000 for the school's Scholarship Program..... in two minutes! Amazingly, their challenge was not only met, but exceeded, as guests pledged over $16,000 to support CPS.

After these exciting highlights, comedians Ralph Harris (a North Philadelphia native who has been featured in the film "DreamGirls") and Bill Bellamy (best known as the host of NBC's "Last Comic Standing") took the stage and provided guests with laughs and a lively performance.

Ralph Harris performs at "Comedy at the Kimmel."

Overall, it was a wonderful event, as a theater full of people joined together with laughs and smiles to support the scholarship program of CPS.

CPS sincerely thanks the incredibly hard-working event committee for organizing such a successful event, along with all sponsors and attendees whose generous support helps CPS meet its goal of providing an affordable high-quality independent school education to the children of North Philadelphia, regradless of family income.