Comedian Mike Birbiglia Headlines Benefit for St. Louis Area Foodbank

St. Louis Native Greg Warren Opens at “Hunger Is No Laughing Matter”

ST. LOUIS, MO – The St. Louis Area Foodbank presents its first ever comedy fundraiser, “Hunger Is No Laughing Matter,” August 11, 2012 at The Pageant Concert Nightclub. This unique event gives St. Louisans a chance to have some laughs while supporting hunger relief in the bi-state region.

“We really wanted to establish a new event that would be fun for St. Louis, while raising awareness for an issue that affects one in eight people living in the bi-state region,” said St. Louis Area Foodbank Communications Manager Ryan Farmer. “We’re excited to have comedians the caliber of Mike Birbiglia and Greg Warren on board for this first year event, while keeping ticket prices affordable.”

Funnyman Mike Birbiglia headlines the event, bringing his witty humor back to St. Louis for the first time in nearly three years. Birbiglia has performed in three “Comedy Central Presents” specials and appeared on numerous late-night talk shows. He is best known for his award-winning one-man shows, “My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend” and “Sleepwalk With Me,” which straddle standup comedy and theater. He also contributes regularly to “This American Life” and “The Bob & Tom Show.”

Show opener Greg Warren is best known for his “Flute Man” routine on the nationally-syndicated “Bob and Tom” radio show. Warren has most recently been seen on “The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson,” Country Music Television’s “Comedy Stage,” and Comedy Central’s “Premium Blend.” He has built a strong fan base around the country with his act inspired by stories from his St. Louis upbringing.

Doors open at 7 p.m. at The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Boulevard, but guests are encouraged to arrive early to have their picture taken in a special “faux-to booth” commemorating the event. Throughout the night, patrons can purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win great prizes from Live Nation, the St. Louis Rams, Blue Element Salon and Pin-Up Bowl.

There will also be an opportunity for one lucky patron to win a $250 gift card from Shop ‘n’ Save for correctly guessing how many meals the Foodbank can provide with a shopping cart full of food. Everyone in attendance will receive a special treat from Mom’s Originals.

The Foodbank hopes to raise at least $5,000 from raffle tickets and donations on the night of the event. With that amount, the Foodbank can provide an additional 20,000 meals for hungry families throughout the region.

There are a limited number of reserved seats remaining for $30 each, plus Ticketmaster service and convenience fees. All proceeds go to the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Tickets are available now at The Pageant box office, Suite 100 at The Pageant, all Ticketmaster locations, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, or online at Ticketmaster.com. All service fees are waived on tickets purchased with cash at The Pageant box office during regular business hours.

About St. Louis Area Foodbank

Established in 1975, the St. Louis Area Foodbank is a nonprofit food distribution center for more than 500 organizations that feed hungry people throughout 26 counties in both Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. The Foodbank gathers and distributes over 25 million pounds of food for local communities in need.  For more information, visit www.stlfoodbank.org.

###