By Sarah Fertsch
A night of laughter will support a serious cause when JAFCO Family Matters brings its annual Comedy for a Cause fundraiser to Renault Winery Resort on Thursday, Aug. 6.
The event, which features Netflix comedian Jared Freid, marks a growing South Jersey presence for the Greater Philadelphia nonprofit, while introducing more local residents to the organization’s mission of helping children and families navigate some of life’s most difficult challenges.
While Family Matters is headquartered in King of Prussia, the organization intentionally chose Renault Winery in Egg Harbor City to make the event more accessible for supporters across South Jersey and the Jersey Shore. Last year’s Comedy for a Cause fundraiser was held in Margate.
Founded in 2014 as the first expansion office of Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO), Family Matters serves families throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, including South Jersey.
The organization provides family strengthening services, respite care, supervised visitation, support groups and enrichment programs for children whose families are facing mental health challenges, substance abuse, developmental disabilities, grief, divorce, custody disputes and other crises. Although rooted in the Jewish community, its services are available to families of all backgrounds.
The nonprofit recently expanded its impact with the opening of the Linda and Don Brodie Family Matters Center1, creating a dedicated home for year-round programming and family support. One of its signature offerings is a respite program that gives parents and caregivers a chance to recharge while their children participate in supervised, enriching activities.
“We decided to host our summer fundraiser around the idea of laughter in order to bring the community together to support our work in family strengthening and crisis management for families,” organizers said in announcing the event.
Board Trustee Rana Bell said, “Laughter brings us together and laughter heals… we started comedy for a cause to unite the community, in a fun and collaborative way, to make a poignant summer moment of joy- that benefits the children of Jafco FamilyMatters.”
Freid has become one of comedy’s fastest-rising performers, earning national attention with his 2023 Netflix special “37 & Single,” which climbed into the platform’s Top 10 in the United States and Canada.
Known for his sharp observations on dating and relationships, he has appeared multiple times on “The Tonight Show,” serves as a regular contributor on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” and hosts the popular JTrain podcast with high-profile guests such as Pete Davidson, Michelle Wolf, Michael Che, Colin Quinn, and more.
“We are excited that Jared will bring laughter to all of our supporters from our younger leaders who are young parents all the way up to our grandparents,” Bell said.
He also co-hosts the dating podcast U Up? alongside Jordana Abraham. The pair discuss the absurdity of modern dating and share stories that will make you laugh.
“We are looking forward to having Jared Freid become part of the Jafco Family Matters’ family,” Bell told Shore Local News.
Comedy for a Cause has become an annual tradition for Family Matters, previously featuring comedians including Elon Gold and Sarge. Organizers say the event demonstrates that laughter can be a powerful way to unite the community while raising funds for families who need support the most.
The fundraiser begins at 7 p.m. with an open bar, dessert reception and silent auction, followed by Freid’s stand-up performance at 8 p.m. Tickets are $180 per person.
For tickets or additional information, visit Family Matters Network web page at https://familymattersnetwork.org/comedy-for-a-cause/.
Sarah Fertsch of Egg Harbor Township holds a Bachelors of Arts in Public Relations. She is a locally renowned poet, storyteller, and dog lover.
