Comedy for a cause

Nearly 200 big-hearted people came out to Howard Beach’s Roma View on Friday, October 3 to give back to a very good cause — and to have fun doing it.
The International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, whose mission is to raise funds and make a difference in the lives of children afflicted with developmental disorders and childhood disease, hosted a comedy night fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and St. Francis Hospital.
The evening, which included a delicious sit-down dinner and a fabulous show, also had dancing, raffles, door prizes and a 50/50.
“We have a good time, we laugh, but we remember the children we are here to support,” said Joe Decandia, President of the Society. “If you have healthy kids and are fortunate, why not give back.”
Decandia, who himself has three children, the youngest of which is only a few weeks old, told The Courier, “I don’t have the heart to see children sick.”
Those who know him say that Decandia must have inherited his penchant for giving back from his own father, also named Joe, who founded the Society, and his mother, Clara, Chairperson.
In the past, the organization has contributed to the Ronald McDonald House, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, among others.
The Society has hosted dinner dances, fashion shows and toy drives, raising between $35,000 and $75,000 for charity every year.
Right now they are organizing a Howard Beach 5K walk for juvenile diabetes, to be held next May.
This year’s comedy night was a huge success, raising nearly $3,500 and drawing the likes of Tina Giorgi and Billy Garan, both of whom have appeared on Comedy Central.
Kevin Nicholas, 21, an Adelphi student, even performed his magic.
Sal Ramo, event organizer, summed up the evening very well: “Somebody has to help, even if it helps just one.”
To learn more about the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, call 212-689-2860. Registration is at 8:30 a.m.; walk begins at 10.
If you are interested in giving back, contact the International Society of SS. Cosma and Damiano, P.O. Box 196 Howard Beach, NY 11414.