WOOD RIVER - A new Riverbend nonprofit will introduce itself with a comedy showcase fundraiser.
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On Oct. 24, 2026, community members can enjoy “Laugh 4 a Cause — Because Everyone Needs a Laugh,” a stand-up comedy showcase at the Wood River Moose Lodge. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Seven comedians from across the U.S. will take the stage and perform. There will also be a photo booth, raffle, auction and more fun. Proceeds benefit a new nonprofit called the Riverbend Nonprofit Center of Excellence.
“The people here who get a ticket and come see this, they’re going to have an event to remember,” said Cora Miller. “They’re going to go home with a whole lot of laughs, a whole lot of positive spirit. It’s going to be a totally fun evening.”
Miller explained that her fundraising committee, Putting the Fun in Fundraising, is made up of a few friends who care about helping local nonprofits. They decided to organize this comedy showcase as a fundraiser for the new Riverbend Nonprofit Center of Excellence, founded by Ty Bechel.
Miller noted that Bechel is “the right guy to lead this.” Bechel’s vision for the Riverbend Nonprofit Center of Excellence is to guide and support other nonprofits that are starting up. He hopes the NPCE helps local organizations to thrive.
“I want to see everyone win,” he said. “There were people who gave me opportunities and guidance when I needed it most, and now I want to make sure others have access to those same kinds of resources.”
In order for the NPCE to be successful, they need funds to get started. Miller and her friends decided they would organize the comedy showcase as a unique fundraiser that will bring people together and inform community members about the new organization.
The showcase will feature comedians from across the country, including Ty Mac, Chris Starman, Jelly Fish Jimmie, Reggie Wright, Bigg KounTRee, Big Morty and Jimmie Ward. Miller was pleasantly surprised by the huge response they received when they started looking for comedians, and she believes this lineup will be a lot of fun.
The comedians can win cash prizes for their comedy. In addition to the showcase, attendees can look forward to raffles and auctions throughout the evening.
The organization is still looking for sponsors. This is an adults-only event and tickets will sell fast, so Miller encourages people to buy tickets online as soon as possible.
All proceeds from ticket sales, the raffle and the auction will benefit the Riverbend Nonprofit Center of Excellence. Miller noted the importance of supporting local nonprofits like this through her Putting the Fun in Fundraising group.
“We believe that the first mission of a fundraising group is to have fun, and we try to create an experience for each and every event that we do,” she said. “So far, I think we have a 100% record of creating a positive experience.”
For more information about Laugh 4 a Cause, visit the official Facebook page or buy tickets here. To learn more about the Riverbend Nonprofit Center of Excellence, check out their official Facebook page.
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