Apr 25, 2013

Karen E. Butler

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – They say laughter’s the best medicine. And while laughter can’t cure all that ails, there’s just nothing like a good guffaw to lighten the load.

The G Team; Good People, Doing Good Things, is partnering with 1691 Café Lounge in Bridgeport to host the first-ever Comedy For A Cause, an evening of entertainment to support the fight against multiple sclerosis, a disease team captain Eddie Gutierrez, a resident of Trumbull, battles daily.

Comedy For A Cause will take place Friday, May 17, and will feature Sara Contreras, better known as the Latin diva of comedy. Other standup comedians include Corey Fernandez, Angelo Lozada and Chris Clarke.

“Multiple sclerosis is a serious disease,” said Eddie Gutierrez, who was diagnosed with MS in 2006. “However, nobody said we can’t combat it with a little levity. In fact, we think this is just what the doctor ordered.”

The G Team; Good People, Doing Good Things, whose members step out each year in West Haven, raised $6,727 last year. The team hopes to raise at least that much again this year. To date, members have raised $3,000 toward their goal.

“After Eddie’s diagnosis, we wanted to join the fight, so we started the G Team,” said Cynthia Lucero, Gutierrez’s wife. “Our goal each year is to have a good time, and the more the merrier.”

More than 9,500 Connecticut residents stepped out from 12 sites Sunday, April 21, for the 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers. Last year the walk raised a record $1.38 million. This year organizers hope to raise $1.4 million. To date, the event has raised $985,000. Fundraising for prizes continues through May 31. Individuals and teams are encouraged to host wrap around events to boost fundraising totals.

Approximately 6,000 Connecticut residents, like Gutierrez, live with multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. The cause is unknown and there currently is no cure. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted. Funds raised ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

The evening of comedy includes drink specials, a 50/50 drawing and more. Proceeds benefit the G Team and the 2013 Walk MS, presented by Travelers. For more information on the G Team, visitwww.facebook.com/GTeamGoodPeople.

Comedy For A Cause will be held at 1691 Café Lounge on Friday, May 17. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Guests must be at least 21 years old. The audience is asked to “dress to impress.” Dancing, hosted by DJRoc, will take place after the show. The 1691 Café Lounge is located at 1691 Main St., in Bridgeport. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased before the show at 1691 Café Lounge or Al’s Millennium Cuts, located at 4003 Main St., in Bridgeport. For more information on Comedy For A Cause or for reservations, call 203.336.3636. For more information on multiple sclerosis and the many ways to help make a difference, visit www.ctfightsMS.org.

4/25/13