Laughter, Dollars Raised at “Stand Up for Davis Street!”

Provided by the Davis Street Family Resource Center

On Friday, October 11, downtown San Leandro resounded with laughter at Davis Street Family Resource Center’s 3rd annual comedy benefit.

Davis Street’s Executive Director, Rose Padilla Johnson, welcomed a full house at the Historic Bal Theatre, after a video montage played of Davis Street’s childcare kids sharing what makes them laugh silly.

Watch video here.

Community champion, comedian, and host, Brian Copeland, brought Davis Street an incredible line-up -- Joe Klocek, Johnny Steele, Will Durst, Laurie Kilmartin. Bob Sarlatte, Mark Pitta, and Tom Rhodes.

Last year George Lopez wowed the crowds, and the anticipations for this year’s surprise guest were high. This year, Copeland revealed his surprise guest friend, one Saturday Night Live’s most beloved alumni and Emmy-Award winning comedian, Dana Carvey. Carvey was greeted on stage by a standing ovation from the crowd. He Tweeted and Facebooked to his fan base from backstage. "On route to a benefit gig for Davis Street with comedian @Pittatwitta. Gonna try and make history." he wrote.

“My jaw still hurt from laughing the Monday after the event!” exclaimed one guest.” Another guest said, “When Dana Carvey slipped into Church Lady, it was like going back in time!”

Mayor Stephen Cassidy, Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan, and several City Council Members attended to share their support. The event raised $60,000 thanks to over 600 people in attendance, Dimond Internet Services, Eden Township Healthcare District, Wells Fargo, and a dozen more business, private household sponsors, and community partners.

A team of over 50 San Leandro High School Interact, Key Club, and Octagon Club students, volunteered at the event in organized fashion, sporting "Stand Up for Davis Street" T-shirts. The partnership from the local youth remains an essential element of the event’s production.

VIP guests and sponsors enjoyed a late night outdoor cocktail party with the comedians after the show.

The “Stand Up for Davis Street!” comedy benefit was designed three years ago to raise critical funds for Davis Street’s family support service programs, to expand awareness of how the local community can band together to serve less fortunate neighbors, and provide moral-boosting entertainment for Alameda County. 

Visit the Davis Street Family Resource Center website for more information.