Comedic talent from around the area joined forces to raise funds for Rett Syndrome research. Guest of honor Sabrina Budd (center) enjoyed the support of the entertainers who gave their all at the event.
— Photo by Tony Porter of Five6Teen Photography

By Tom Bannister

A Comedy Night to raise money for Rett Syndrome research took place on Friday, January 16, at the Somerville City Club.

The event took in many donations in the form of raffle items and food from various establishments in the city such as Neighborhood Restaurant. The Somerville Fire Fighters Association Local 76 gave a Sponsorship to the event.

The event was attended by Alderman Bob McWatters, as well as Miss Massachusetts 2015, Polikseni Manxhari.

Rett syndrome is a childhood neuro-developmental disorder seen primarily in girls and women in all racial and ethnic groups worldwide. Rett syndrome affects about 1 in 10,000 females.It is now believed, however, that the prevalence of Rett may be much higher. Rett syndrome leaves all children dependent on others for all of their basic needs such as feeding, dressing, bathing and toileting.

Comedian Pete Costello, a regular and favorite at Foxwoods, Master of Ceremonies. He has worked with the likes of Joan Rivers and The Beach Boys, to name a few. Headliner Dave Russo (http://www.daverusso.net/), a Boston comedy Festival winner and co-host of NESN’s Dirty Water TV, has also been seen on Comics Come Home with Denis Leary and the E-TV series The Entertainer. The event also featured comedian Patty Gould and special guest Al Park.

Al Park is quickly becoming one of the best up and coming comedians in Boston. In 2012 and 2013 he was a semi-finalist in the Boston Comedy Festival, in 2014 he was a finalist in the World Series of Comedy, and he’s been a featured performer at the Laugh Your Asheville Off Comedy Festival. He now travels the country captivating audiences with his world-wise attitude and storytelling flair.

Pre-Comedy show entertainment was provided by Ron Everett Music.

10-year-old Sabrina Budd, a sufferer of Rett Syndrome, was the special guest of honor and will benefit from many of the donations gathered at the event. Her brother Richie and mother Bonnie are running in the Disney Princess 10k in February to raise money for Rett Syndrome Research for Girl Power 2 Cure organization.

— Photos by Tony Porter of Five6Teen Photography