SYRACUSE — They say laughter is the best medicine, and the Engle family is hoping to bring some healing to Central New York with the inaugural Griffin’s Guardians comedy night on Saturday, Nov. 13.
Nationally known podcaster and comedian Matt Bellassai headlines the event, which takes place at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown. Also on the bill is Nick Marra, a comedian who lives in North Syracuse. Rounding out the ranks are Monique Moses, Ed Popski and Dan Viola.
Erin Engle, founder of Griffin’s Guardians and mother of the late Griffin Engle, said the family’s foundation was born out of trying to make something good come out of Griffin’s passing from a rare brain cancer in 2014.
“You can take two paths on that journey,” she said of losing a child. “It could break you and it can take you down, or you can find the good. Surround yourself with people who make you laugh, find joy in things.”
The Engles chose to do the latter, celebrating Griffin’s memory while raising money for CNY families battling pediatric cancer.
While COVID paused Griffin’s Guardians’ major fundraisers, the Gold Tie Gala and Soccer Shoot-Out, the need for support remains. The risks of COVID are multiplied for pediatric cancer patients with vulnerable immune systems, and families are dealing with greater economic strain as well.
“Our families that we’re helping are needing more help,” Engle said. “Some of our parents had to quit a job or take leave because they couldn’t risk bringing those germs home. Pediatric cancer doesn’t take a pause because a pandemic has hit.”
Fortunately, Engle said, the businesses and community members who support Griffin’s Guardians have kept the organization going.
“We’ve been extremely lucky that our supporters have not wavered, even during COVID,” she said.
One such supporter is Callahan, Flanagan, Smith, and Stock Orthodontics, the presenting sponsor of the Nov. 13 comedy night.
“They are super loyal and give back to the community. They’ve been super supportive since day one,” Engle said.
As the pandemic continues, people are still reeling from isolation, working from home and the disruption of school schedules.
“Having a night of laughter — getting rid of all that negativity — is just a great opportunity,” Engle said.
Nick Marra, of North Syracuse, is one of the comedians in the Nov. 13 lineup. The mission of Griffin’s Guardians resonated with him because his daughter has had health issues.
“I understand what it’s like to have a child that’s in the hospital,” he said. “It’s the little things that people don’t think about that make it difficult. Anytime you can help people de-stress, they can focus on getting their kids well. … Knowing somebody’s there to help you if you need it is huge.”
Marra has been doing comedy for 30 years. He draws his inspiration from life in the Syracuse area, SU sports and everyday observations from his three children.
“I have enough comedy to last forever. My kids don’t even know they’re funny,” he said.
Among Marra’s comedic heroes are Jerry Seinfeld, Don Rickles and Johnny Carson.
“They could push the envelope without having to swear,” he said. “Sometimes it’s fun to dance around the subject because it shows a kind of cleverness.”
Marra has lent his standup talents to The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and the The United Service Organizations Inc. (USO), which entertains American servicemembers.
“It’s a good way to make money — you get to laugh a little bit and help somebody out,” he said. “Life is a struggle, so you’ve got to laugh along at the trouble.”
Tickets for the Griffin’s Guardians comedy night are $80 per person and include three courses of appetizers and two drink tickets. Table size is determined by the number of tickets you purchase. Visit griffinsguardians.org/comedy-night.html to purchase tickets by Nov. 7, as attendance is limited.
