Heartland Community College hosts its 11th annual comedy fundraiser

Image courtesy of the official Heartland Community College website

NORMAL, Ill. – Heartland Community College is bringing back its most laughable fundraiser to raise money for various student programs.

The HCC Funnyrasier Comedy Night will raise money for the Foundation Funding Priorities (FFPs), including the Night Hawks evening child care program, the Student Emergency Fund, and Project RISE for low-income students. This event is one of HCC’s most popular, attracting a couple hundred students and community members.

The event will feature local comedians, a dollar-a-vote for the Crowd Favorite Award, a silent auction, complimentary snacks, and beverages for purchase. Public Information Officer Steve Fast explained the importance of the programs the proceeds fund

“The Student Emergency Fund is a fund that the Foundation has on hand in case a student encounters a hardship to the point where they might have to drop out of school,” Fast said. “That’s something that was established during COVID times, and we’ve seen that it has been needed since then.”

The Heartland Community College Foundation organizes a variety of events and actively engages in outreach initiatives within the community throughout the year. Their goal is to inform the community of how they can help HCC students. According to Fast, this one is a fan favorite.

“People like to come out and feel good while their laughing, but also feel good that they are helping raise money that supports key programs and our students themselves.”

The host of the event Joe Strupek has experience in stand-up comedy himself. The HCC Foundation seeks to provide amateur comedians with the opportunity to showcase their talent and share their comedy with an appreciative audience.

Last year the HCC Foundation raised $20,000 for scholarships and student programs and they aim to exceed that amount this year.

The event is on Feb. 28 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Astroth Community Education Center on the Heartland Normal Campus. More information can be found on the HCC website